Petland’s Third Annual Wiener Dog Race Accepting Registrations
Article Presented By McDonald’s, “I’m Lovin’ It!”
(Chillicothe) – Petland, Inc. will again sponsor the third Annual Petland Wiener Races as part of Downtown Chillicothe’s Oktoberfest celebration. Dachshund owners are invited to sign up to win goodies and bragging rights as the wiener races return Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 5pm. Check-in for pre-registered racers begins at 4pm in the courtyard of the Majestic Theater, located at 45 East Second Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601.
“Dachshunds are our most popular breed of puppy, and always in demand due to their sweet nature and adorable stature,” said Elizabeth Kunzelman, Petland Vice President of Legislative and Public Affairs. “The Annual Petland Wiener Races have quickly become an Oktoberfest tradition for many dachshund-loving families and fans. It is such a pleasure for Petland to provide the opportunity to celebrate this amazing breed with our hometown community.”
To participate, dogs must be pre-registered by Friday, September 19, 2025. Registration forms can be completed online at tinyurl.com/racer2025. Racers must be dachshunds and must be at least four months old. An owner may register one or multiple dachshunds, with each dog requiring its own registration. Registrants will be asked to upload recent immunization and veterinarian contact information for each of their participating dogs.
Races will be run in heats with no more than six dogs running at a time. Heat winners will advance to the next stage until the event winner is declared in the final race. Every participating dachshund must have an adult (18 or over) accompanying it. Each dachshund racer must have two people available during its race(s) – one at the start line and one at the finish line, to assure the pet is safe and with its people when not racing. Dogs must be on a leash unless they are actively racing.
Downtown Chillicothe’s Oktoberfest celebration will take place from 3pm-10pm on East Second Street (between Paint and Mulberry Streets). Along with the Annual Wiener Dog Races, there will be plenty of German food, beer, music, contests and fun. The event is family-friendly, with a Kids Station that includes face painting, hair braiding and other children’s activities. Registered racers and their humans are asked to go through Oktoberfest entry points where they will be on the list to gain entry to Oktoberfest at no cost. Admission is $5 per person; or $3 per person if wearing German clothing. Proceeds support the purchase and care of Chillicothe’s downtown spring/summer flowers and Christmas lights.
