Hikes with Hounds

Graham Recreation & Parks, Burlington Recreation & Parks, and Burlington Animal Services (BAS) have teamed up for the Hikes with Hounds program and are searching for volunteers. Volunteers take shelter dogs for a hike along one of Alamance County’s beautiful trails. This volunteer opportunity will offer an enrichment activity for some of Burlington Animal Services’ adoptable dogs to get away for a couple of hours to enjoy nature, socializing, and exercise. Hikes with Hounds will be offered one Friday each month at a hiking trail location at a Burlington or Graham park, or along the Haw River Trail. The Hikes with Hounds program began in the spring of 2015, receiving the 2016 North Carolina Recreation & Parks Association’s Innovative Program Award.

Volunteers must meet certain requirements including:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be able to hike up to 4 miles at a moderate pace or on an uneven terrain
• Must complete a one-time Burlington Animal Services Volunteer Orientation Training prior to participating on a hike, now offered virtually, before becoming a trail dog walker. 
• Registration forms with waivers and copy of ID must be submitted in advance

Volunteer Procedures for Hikes
2023 Hikes with Hounds Program Registration and Waiver

For more information, please email us.

Hikes with Hounds doesn’t fit your schedule? Try Dog Day Out!

Burlington Animal Services offers Dog Day Out, a program where you can schedule a day and time (Monday – Friday until 4:30pm each day) to come to check out a dog from the shelter and take them hiking along any of the trails in Alamance County, to any of the local parks (but NO dog parks!), pet-friendly businesses, or to your home. This gives a shelter dog a much-needed break from the shelter environment which can be quite stressful. To schedule a day and time, and to read more about the program, visit Dog Day Out. 

Burlington Animal Services (BAS) serves all of Alamance County. Learn how you can help by calling (336) 578-0343. View available pets online at www.BurlingtonNC.gov/pets.

Adopt. Foster. Donate.