Bring Your Dog and Walk With Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire Aug. 4

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria dog owners from every part of the city are invited to grab a leash and join Police Chief Tarrick McGuire for a free Community Dog Walk during National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The half-hour walk begins in Del Ray at 6:30 p.m. at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, 2311 Mount Vernon Ave. Although the gathering takes place in Del Ray, it is open to residents throughout Alexandria—not only those who live in the neighborhood.

Participants will have an opportunity to walk with McGuire and Alexandria Police Department officers, meet other local dog owners and learn about APD’s new Dog Walker Watch program.

The idea behind the program is simple: People who regularly walk their dogs often know their streets, neighbors and normal neighborhood routines better than almost anyone.

“Who better to be our eyes and ears within your neighborhood than dog lovers who are out walking?” the Alexandria Police Department said when announcing the program.

Dog Owners Can Help Without Becoming Police Officers

Dog Walker Watch does not ask residents to investigate suspicious behavior, confront anyone or place themselves in danger. Instead, it encourages dog owners to remain aware of what is happening around them and report concerns through the appropriate channel.

According to APD, participants serve as extra eyes and ears while walking their dogs and may report suspicious activity through 311, the police non-emergency number at 703-746-4444 or 911 when there is an emergency.

The department also sees the program as a way to create stronger connections between residents and police officers. Participants may walk with officers, exchange neighborhood safety information and provide feedback about concerns in their communities.

“Dog walkers generally have the same routines and know what their surroundings should look like, so when something is out of place, it really stands out,” said Jenna Gotch, owner of Passionately Pets. “The biggest thing is to pay attention. Don’t spend your walk looking down at your phone. Know your neighborhood, notice what’s different and be aware of what’s going on around you.”

Alexandria resident Dorothea Peters said people who walk their dogs every day naturally become familiar with what normally happens around them.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Peters said. “Those of us who walk our dogs every day get to know our neighborhoods. We notice when something is different.”

Peters recalled a previous walk when she and a companion encountered a man who appeared confused and in need of assistance.

“We called the police because it just didn’t feel right,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the Community Dog Walk because I want to learn more about how we can help while we’re already out walking our dogs.”

A New Addition to Alexandria’s National Night Out

The Community Dog Walk is a new feature of Alexandria’s 2026 National Night Out celebration, which will include a record 54 registered gatherings across the city.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that brings residents, law enforcement officers, firefighters and other public safety personnel together in neighborhoods throughout Alexandria.

Alexandria was recognized in 2025 as one of the country’s Top 15 National Night Out communities among more than 400 communities in its population category.

“We were recognized nationally, and our goal is to break that record this year and continue to do it year after year,” McGuire told Alexandria City Council while discussing this year’s celebration.

The Del Ray Citizens Association’s larger National Night Out gathering begins at 5 p.m. at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, with the Community Dog Walk departing at 6:30 p.m.

Residents do not need to live in Del Ray or belong to a civic association to participate. The walk is free, and dogs should remain leashed.

Whether residents come to meet the police chief, connect with other dog owners or learn how an ordinary walk can contribute to neighborhood safety, organizers hope Alexandrians from across the city will take part.

Bring a dog, bring a neighbor and come ready to walk.

🐾 Community Dog Walk: What to Know