AI Valley x Pet Zen Dog-a-thon

Dogathon — AI Valley × PetZen 🐶

A hackathon where every project has a real dog on the other end of it.

200 developers, designers, AI builders, vet techs, and shelter volunteers are coming together to build tools that directly support rescue operations and dog adoption.

The day begins with rescue dogs meeting participants on-site. Teams will then spend the rest of the hackathon building products that help shelters, rescues, fosters, adopters, and dogs themselves — from adoption matching tools and volunteer coordination systems to AI copilots for rescue operations.

Our rescue partner will be present throughout the event, so anyone who forms a connection with a dog during the morning meet-and-greet can begin the adoption process on-site.

Not another demo-day hackathon.
Build something that actually helps a living being.

🐾 What to expect:

• Real rescue dogs on-site
• Builders, designers, and animal advocates
• AI + software projects for rescue operations
• Mentors from tech + pet care
• Demos, prizes, and adoption opportunities
• A high-signal, mission-driven community

Meet the dogs in the morning.
Build for them in the afternoon.

The House:

Rescue Partner

We’re partnering with Copper’s Dream to bring adoptable dogs on-site and connect builders directly with real rescue and adoption needs.

Lead Sponsor

Arcade.dev

Arcade.dev is the actions runtime for AI agents, giving agents secure, delegated access to the tools people already use.

🏆 Arcade.dev Challenge Track

Best Agent That Actually Does the Work, presented by Arcade.dev

Rescues operate across Gmail, Sheets, Slack, and shared calendars. Build an agent that takes real action across those systems—filing adoption follow-ups, updating foster rosters, scheduling vet visits, or messaging volunteers.

Build on Arcade.dev and create an agent that finishes the job, not one that only summarizes it. Every participant will receive free Arcade access for the hackathon.

🛠️ Arcade.dev Workshop

Building Agents That Actually Do the Work

Led by Thierry Damiba, Member of GTM Staff at Arcade.dev, this 20-minute walkthrough will show teams how to connect their agents to the tools rescue organizations already use.

Schedule

9:00 AM — Doors open + check-in at The House by Edge & Node

9:30 AM — Opening remarks, challenge briefing, and $10K+ prize pool overview

10:00 AM — Outdoor dog adoption and vendor area opens on Presidio Lawn #3

10:30 AM — Problem discovery with rescue partners and team formation

11:00 AM — Arcade.dev workshop: Building Agents That Actually Do the Work

12:30 PM — Lunch indoors and open building continues

1:30 PM — Mentor office hours, sponsor support, and product feedback

3:00 PM — Outdoor lawn portion closes and vendor/rescue breakdown begins

4:30 PM — Project submission deadline

5:00 PM — Final demos from selected teams

6:00 PM — Awards, $10K+ in prizes, and rescue impact moment

6:30 PM — Community hangout and networking

9:00 PM — Event ends

AI Valley is a community for exceptional first-generation builders, founders, and creators. We curate high-signal hackathons, workshops, and gatherings where ambitious people find collaborators, mentors, and real opportunities. If you care about who you build with as much as what you build, this is your place.

🌐 Website: https://aivalley.io

📅 Events: https://lu.ma/aivalley

👥 Community (Discord): https://discord.gg/QESCnSUPC9

📰 Newsletter: https://aivalleyio.substack.com

🔗 All links: https://aivalley.io/links