Paw Walk coming to botanic garden

Dogs don’t usually get to stroll around the 37-acre San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. But once a year, canines can explore the plant and tree sanctuary, which is normally off limits to pets.

On Feb. 18, visitors can walk their pets through a 3-mile course during the fifth annual 5K Paw Walk in the Garden.

Festivities include displays and information for animal lovers, food, pet products and a pet first-aid station. Registered walkers will have full access to the garden until 2 p.m.

The event is organized by the garden and Rancho Coastal Humane Society to benefit both Encinitas-based nonprofits in their efforts to help people, plants and pets.

Dogs must be kept on leashed no longer than 6 feet and there is a limit of two dogs per person. Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and owners must clean up after their pets.

Tickets cost $32; $21 for youths younger than 18, adult garden members and RCHS volunteers; and $14 for youth garden members younger than 18.

The walk is from 8 a.m. to noon and starts at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum across from the garden at 450 Quail Gardens Drive, because of construction at the Hamilton Children’s Garden.

Event day registration starts at 7:30 a.m.; the walk is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.

Register at sdpets.org or sdbgarden.org.