About WoW
What is Wag-O-Ween?
Wag-O-Ween is a family and pet-friendly fundraising event that takes place in Downtown Savannah and Savannah's Starland District. Attracting over 3,000 participants with their furry friends, humans and animals alike will dress up in Halloween costumes and follow their event maps to over 100 businesses to get dog treats and goodies. In 2023, over $100K went back to community efforts and local rescues.
One ticket/wristband per doggo must be purchased and worn by their human to collect treats for their fur babies. There will also be a costume contest, raffle, photography stations, a scavenger hunt, and more as part of the event.
How it Started
In 2006, local business woman and owner of the Canine Palace, Sara Portman, started Wag-o-Ween as a small parade to benefit local animal rescues.
In 2020, Sara passed away before she could see Wag-o-Ween's 15th year fulfilled but she entrusted the event with local business The Hipster Hound and non-profit Renegade Paws Rescue. In 2020, the event grew to a two-day event and in 2021 it expanded to include Savannah's Starland District and raised a record amount supporting 7 area animal rescues and 2 shelters.
In 2022, Wag-O-Ween was named "Savannah's Best Charity Event" by Connect Magazine.
Sara Portman Community Fund
In honor of Portman, the new organizers have established the Sara Portman Community Fund.
A portion of the proceeds from this year's Wag-o-Ween and all future events will go to this fund for funding of two community spay/neuters per week, education, and more.
The remaining money raised will continue to support local animal rescues in their mission to place animals in “furever” homes and support community education efforts.
View our Community Stories to learn more about the funds are used.