Wag ‘n’ Walk Adoption Hikes

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

As the number of homeless pets at Maricopa County’s Animal Care & Control Department (AC&C) began to rise, the department began to search for new ways to showcase adoptable animals in a setting that would highlight their true personalities. Having partnered with the Parks and Recreation Department in the past, AC&C reached out to Parks about developing a program that would benefit both agencies. In November 2013, the departments hosted the first Wag ‘n’ Walk adoption hike at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa. The premise of the program is simple, draw attention to the adoptable animals while providing hikers the opportunity to meet prospective canine hiking companions. To make sure the program is successful for both the animals and hikers, participants are partnered with a shelter chaperone who guides the dog on the one mile trail while sharing information about the dog’s personality, trail etiquette and safety tips for hiking with dogs. Wag & Walk Adoption Hikes are held on the first Saturday of each month, October through April. Hikers are welcome to bring vaccinated, friendly, leashed dogs on their walk to see how their current pets will interact with the potential addition to the family.