A program launched last spring at the Anchorage Animal Care and Control shelter is helping dogs and volunteers connect through short-term outdoor adventures. The “Tails on Trails” initiative pairs volunteers with shelter dogs for up to 48 hours, allowing them to spend time together, go on hikes, and give the animals a break from kennel life. Community outreach manager Joel Jorgensen says the program helps dogs feel more like they are in a home environment rather than confined all day.
Since Tails on Trails started, the shelter has received over 400 volunteer applications. Dogs are carefully matched with volunteers based on temperament and energy level, and staff can help coordinate introductions if volunteers already have pets at home. Volunteer Sable McGovern says she joined because she wanted to make a difference, explaining she could either stay home or give a dog a meaningful day outside.
Jorgensen says the program has led to happier dogs, increased volunteer participation, and faster adoptions, noting that animals might otherwise stay in the shelter longer. He adds that involving more people, including students, families, and visitors, helps improve outcomes for the animals.
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