Meet the Wheelie Dogs Racing at Reno’s Wag N’ Wheels Event May 9th
Some dogs chase tennis balls. Others chase squirrels. And on May 9th in Reno, a group of determined wheelie dogs will be racing for glory, cheers, and a cause that’s capturing hearts across Northern Nevada.
Returning to Reno Public Market, Wag N’ Wheels is part fundraiser, part celebration, and entirely centered around dogs with mobility challenges. The event raises awareness and support for rescue dogs who use wheelchairs while bringing the community together for an afternoon of races, vendors, activities, and plenty of personality-packed pups.
Meet the 2026 Racers
This year’s lineup includes returning fan favorites and new challengers, each bringing their own story to the track.
Daisy, last year’s defending speed champion, is back and apparently balancing race prep with her newest role as a big sister to a human baby. Gidget returns after earning top fundraising honors last year, while Rugby comes back for his third Wag N’ Wheels appearance after famously finding his forever home at the event itself.
Newer racers include Holly, a lab mix who has been paralyzed since puppyhood but still lives life at full speed, and Watson, a scruffy underdog known for his determination and nonstop energy. Indy, a senior pup embracing life on wheels, joins the race for the first time, while Link arrives with a reputation as “the most loved dog in the room.”
Each dog is competing not only for bragging rights, but also to help raise funds for Virgil’s Happy Wheels, a nonprofit that loans mobility carts to dogs in need.
More Than a Race
While the wheelie races are the main attraction, the event also includes dog-focused vendors, rescue groups, presentations from trainers, a dog ice cream eating contest, raffles, and opportunities to learn more about caring for dogs with mobility needs.
Guests can vote for racers through donations, with every $1 counting as one vote. The first 100 attendees will also receive free canvas doggie bags filled with goodies.
The event takes place May 9th from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Reno Public Market. For readers interested in voting, visit MidTown Reno voting page.