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Some dogs just need a chance to run.
That’s the idea behind Run for The Dogs, a growing Cape Town initiative that’s helping shelter dogs build confidence, reduce stress and find loving homes through organised community runs.
On Saturday, 9 May 2026, runners, walkers, rescue dogs and animal lovers gathered once again in support of The WOW Project, an Atlantis-based outreach organisation focused on feeding programmes, sterilisation drives, and community animal welfare support.
And the entry fee? A bag or can of dog food.
Simple. Practical. Impactful.
Where It All Started
Run for The Dogs began nearly two years ago after founder Jessica Strydom adopted Sophie, a high-energy rescue dog who had spent a long time waiting for a home at Oscars Arc.
“Sophie was labelled reactive and difficult,” Strydom explains. “But once we started running together, everything changed. She became calmer, happier, and more emotionally regulated. Her real personality started to shine through.”
That experience inspired a bigger idea: What if more shelter dogs were given that same outlet?
Today, Run for The Dogs hosts regular runs in Sea Point and Durbanville, bringing together up to 25 shelter dogs and around 70 runners at a time.
What started with three shelter dogs in the back of a Suzuki Swift has grown into one of Cape Town’s most heartwarming events for shelter dogs.
Is Running Good for Dogs?
For many rescue dogs, absolutely.
Shelter environments can be stressful and overstimulating. Dogs often struggle with pent-up energy, anxiety or frustration, especially when they spend long periods in kennels.
That’s why the benefits of exercise for dogs go far beyond fitness.
Running provides:
- Mental stimulation
- Stress relief and emotional regulation
- Improved confidence
- Better socialisation
- Reduced anxiety and reactivity
The initiative has shown firsthand how exercise helps shelter dogs become calmer, more expressive, and more adoptable.
A relaxed 5km run can completely changes how a dog interacts with people.
More Than Just a Run
These organised runs are about much more than exercise. They also create visibility.
“The more people who see these dogs, the better their chances of finding homes,” says Strydom. “Exposure changes everything.”
And it’s working.
One rescue dog, Anthony Perkins, met his future family through the initiative. A couple attending the Durbanville runs fell in love with him but initially lived in accommodation that did not allow pets. They continued attending events just to spend time with him, before eventually moving into pet-friendly accommodation so they could officially adopt him.
That’s the kind of commitment rescue dogs inspire when people get the chance to truly know them.
How to Help Animal Shelters
If you’ve ever wondered how to support animal rescue organisations or how to make a difference for animals, initiatives like this show that small actions matter.
You don’t need to adopt 10 dogs or donate thousands of rands to help.
You can:
- Participate in a run
- Foster a dog for a weekend
- Donate food, blankets, or toys
- Volunteer your time
- Share adoption stories online
- Support local outreach organisations
Every bit of support helps create better outcomes for animals waiting for homes.
Wholehearted Support for Rescue Dogs
As part of the 9 May event, dotsure.co.za donated blankets to The WOW Project and provided water bottles for runners and walkers taking part.
Supporting local animal shelters and rescue organisations aligns closely with our purpose to create Soft Landings for pets and the people who love them. We hope to see you at the next run!
Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925). Voted South Africa’s Best Pet Insurance 2023-2025 by readers of The Star, Die Burger, Beeld, and City Press.
