Maricopa County to kick off Wag N’ Walk Adoption program

PHOENIX — October is national adopt-a-shelter-dog month, and Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is celebrating the turn of the calendar by launching its annual Wag N’ Walk Adoption program.

The program will begin Monday and last through April, taking advantage of the cooler weather during those months.

Volunteers bring dogs from the MCACC’s East Valley location to Usery Mountain Park in Mesa, where hikers (both human and canine) meet at the park’s Merkle Trail for an easy one mile hike. The program provides the opportunity for potential owners to spend time with the dogs in an active environment outside of a shelter setting.

All dogs come to the hikes with their adoption paperwork, so anyone who falls in love with their new companion can take them home that day. For those who are not adopted, the hike still gives the dogs a chance to get out of their kennels and socialize.

Hikes begin at 9 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month. There is a $6 fee per car to enter the park.