Recently at HSVC, our Animal Ambassadors have been taking our adoptable dogs on pack walks around town! These pack walks give our adoptable dogs an opportunity to get out and see the world outside our shelter. It also allows them to build bonds with other dogs in a safe, comfortable environment. Even our most nervous or anxious dogs benefit immensely from these pack walks because they can come out of their shell feeling the comradery of being with other dogs.

Above: Animal Ambassador Laurie enjoys a mid-pack walk pit stop in Libby Park with Major. Above right: HSVC staff member Gabby snuggles with her favorite shelter pup, Luna. 

Dogs of all sizes, ages, and energy levels join pack walks a couple of times a week. This allows us to get to know them better! Do they love chasing squirrels? Are they excited to see kids at the playground? Are they gentle walkers? Getting to know our adoptable dogs and allowing them physical and mental stimulation outside our shelter is an invaluable way to keep them happy while they’re here and helps us find them the best fitting forever home for them! 

Above: HSVC Animal Ambassador Greg takes a rest with shelter pup Athena. 

If you see us on our pack walks, please say hello but keep your distance! This is active training for our pups and we want them to focus on it as such. If you see a dog you might be interested in, ask an Ambassador or staff member their name and call the shelter to set up a meet and greet!

Above: Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Fraza gives some love to adoptable dog Dixie. 

While we are not currently accepting general volunteers back to the shelter, we are hoping to welcome them back soon! In the meantime, the HSVC is now open to the public for walkthroughs to visit the animals. Stop by to say hello any time during business hours Monday - Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team in the future, email Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Fraza at [email protected] for more information.