Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world with more than 160,000 people running, jogging or trail running a day*. It's a great way for people and animals to stay healthy and run off steam. If people, groups, and teams are running everyday on their own, why not have them run with rescue animals?
Starting a Running with Rescues
The program can be paired with local existing teams or clubs or can be an entity of its own. To pair with an existing community, reach out to local run clubs, cross country + track teams both university level and high school, to ask if they would be interested in the program. If the program will be a stand alone program, organize the details and then reach out to the public to find interested parties. A great place to start posting the information would be college campuses, high school campuses, and breweries. The program could run daily, bi-monthly, sporadically when the runners have time, etc. depending on the interest.
Setting up Volunters for Success
Participants should go through an orientation where general dog handling is discussed as well as waivers are signed. Dogs will need to be chosen for the program ahead of time and will need to have leash manners and the energy for a run. Make sure to provide the runners with water for the dogs and suggested route. Encourage the runners to invite friends and share about the program on the social media. Make sure to have the partcipants send their photos to the rescue and to capture photos yourself.
Existing Programs
Steinbrenner High School in Florida runs with local rescue dogs five times a week. The team paired up with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and spends an hour running with the dogs and resting in the shade along the way. The dogs get out of their cages and meet new people while exercising. The dogs also meet potential adopters along the way!
The Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter has a similar program that went viral after a photo of a runner and cute pup was posted. Students from the St. Joseph High School run with the shelter dogs, allowing them to get out of their usual cage and socialize in the fresh air.
The Knox Whitley Humane Association partnered with Corbin High School Cross Country team to help exercise their dogs, keep the cross country in shape, and get dogs exposure. Their program originally was a one time event to bring awareness to the Know Whitley Humane Association's at capacity shelter. The animals desperately need aopted and attention and a community mmber stepped up to facilitate the day. In the end, one cross country member fell in love with the dog and adopted them hours later!
For other Program Ideas, visit our "Program Ideas" Page!
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