PHOENIX – Picacho Peak State Park is teaming up for the second year in a row with Pinal County Animal Care and Control (PCACC) to bring back a popular community program this fall. From November through April, shelter dogs from PCACC will get a field trip on a monthly basis for walks at the park.

The Shelter Dog Walking Program provides an opportunity for people to give back while getting outdoors. The program also serves as an enrichment activity for dogs in the care of PCACC, giving them a break from the shelter and exercise in a new environment. The program debuted at Picacho Peak State Park last year and received participation from 364 park visitors. The events are held on the second Saturday of the month starting November 8.

Park staff are eager to welcome the program back this season. “Visitors love this program and so does our team here at the park. People come from all over — Surprise, Queen Creek, Mesa, Oro Valley, and more — to enjoy nature while helping these dogs out,” said Kristin Brown, manager at Picacho Peak State Park. “It’s heartwarming to see the dogs socialize and get all their energy out on the trail; they smell new smells, meet new people, and get a change of scenery. Our visitors have just as much fun with this as the dogs do. Every person leaves this event wearing a perma-smile.” 

Program Coordinators at PCACC say they appreciate the hikes because they allow a time to connect with the community and provide a much-needed break for the dogs from the shelter. 

After signing a volunteer waiver with PCACC, participants can enjoy the half-mile Nature Loop Trail at the park. This trail is rated easy and features an array of cactuses and interpretive signs that explain the local ecosystem. 

The park also invites event attendees to bring dog food donations for PCACC to support its operations caring for homeless pets. PCACC houses 3,000 to 5,500 animals in its care facility annually. Programs like dog walking at Picacho Peak State Park support its focus on providing quality care and enrichment for animals, maintaining a lifesaving status, and helping the community of pet owners.

Learn more about PCACC at Pinal.gov. To find information about Picacho Peak State Park, including directions, hours of operation, and events like the Shelter Dog Walking Program, visit AZStateParks.com/Picacho.

Connecting people to the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACTS: Michelle Thompson, (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov