Mat-Su Animal Shelter has introduced a new program allowing hiking enthusiasts to borrow dogs for a few hours if they want a canine companion for their adventure. The Alaska shelter will lend adoptable pups in the hopes of the dogs finding their forever homes. The Miles and Mutts program is a win-win situation for all. Hikers have a furry friend for company, and the pups also get to enjoy the scenic dog-friendly trails of Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
Mat-Su Animal Shelter’s new program lets hikers borrow dogs for short day hikes
The Miles and Mutts program by Mat-Su Animal Shelter is their latest initiative to pair shelter dogs with people. It allows hikers to enjoy the company of adorable pups for a few hours while hiking at one of the dog-friendly Matanuska-Susitna Borough trails. However, the canines are only available for short day hikes, per Anchorage Daily News.
The program won’t be open to the public till mid-May, and hikers will be restricted to about a dozen trails. Moreover, the shelter will need hikers to sign a waiver and attend an orientation to ensure the dogs are well cared for while on the hiking trail. The animal shelter will inform the volunteers about safe dog handling. They will also be required to undergo screening before borrowing the shelter dogs.
Hikers can borrow dogs for a limited time and must return them to the shelter by a specified time. Moreover, they need to stay leashed to ensure the safety of both the pup and the hiker. The shelter will fit the canines with trackers in case they escape while hiking. Plus, Mat-Su Animal Shelter will ensure the dogs don’t have behavioral issues that could cause a problem during the hike.
While the initiative is great for promoting adoption, it is also beneficial for socializing shelter dogs. Shelters can get chaotic sometimes, and the program allows the pups to escape that environment for a few hours. Furthermore, Mat-Su Animal Shelter will give volunteers report cards to help assess the canine’s behavior while out and about. So, even if a hiker doesn’t adopt a dog, they can help the dog’s future parents, as the shelter will share the report card with any potential adopters.
