Washington Humane Society’s Volunteer

Workout Program, PACK By Rachael Hesling

Volunteering for an animal shelter can provide many rewarding experiences, from enjoying time spent with friendly and furry adoptable pets to providing a useful service to the community. However, thanks to the Washington Humane Society’s PACK program, assisting at a shelter can now offer something different: a healthy workout. Standing for “People & Animal Cardio Klub,” PACK is an innovative program that began in 2008 with a pit bull named Spike who needed plenty of exercise. Today, PACK is a major part of the society’s effort to help turn shelter dogs into adoptable pets through socialization and exercise.

Introduction

Since the program’s establishment, PACK has evolved into a pair of weekly 5K runs held on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons, with routes provided for both Rock Creek Park and the National Mall. Carefully screened volunteers undergo rigorous training for roughly four months, which helps them identify notable canine behaviors and practice training and bonding with the pets. Interested D.C. residents should visit washhumane.org to learn more about volunteering.

Volunteer Workout Program, PACK