Nearly 20 months after its last appearance in Suffolk, Mutt Strut finally returns to Sleepy Hole Park on May 5, and organizers are working to put together the pieces to what they hope will be the best version yet of the Suffolk Humane Society fundraiser.

“Because we receive no funding from any agency, it’s our primary fundraising event,” said Kay Hurley, Suffolk Humane’s director of community outreach. Plus, she said, “It’s a great day for the whole family.”

The core event at Mutt Strut is the pledge walk. Participants can join the walk — with or without a dog to accompany them — for the cost of a $15 registration fee and at least $50 in pledges. Leashed dogs are encouraged to join the parade, but many walkers choose to do so on their own, in memory of deceased pets or just in support of the humane society’s mission of ending euthanasia as a means of controlling pet overpopulation in Suffolk.

A variety of other activities are also on the program for Mutt Strut, Hurley said.

There will be a return appearance by the Flying Jacks, a team of Frisbee-catching Jack Russell terriers that stole the show during the last Mutt Strut in September 2011. Also, police K-9 units will demonstrate their skills.

There will be contests for dogs and their humans; a Vet Corner, where owners can ask questions and get free advice from veterinarians; the popular Mutt Strut Spa, where Fifi can get her nails done while her person gets a chair massage; and lots of vendors selling pet-related merchandise. Also, Suffolk Humane will have plenty of adoptable dogs and cats to meet the public.

This year, the Suffolk News-Herald is partnering with Suffolk Humane to sponsor a Priceless Pets Photo Contest in advance of the event, with winners announced at Mutt Strut.