MACC Programs

• Cat Cuddling/ Dog Walking: This is where the fun begins for all of our volunteers! Every volunteer starts off at MACC with the option to become a Cat Cuddler and a  Dog Walker.  

As a Cat Cuddler, volunteers spend time with the cats, either in their enclosures or in the cat room, where the cats can roam, explore, and play with toys. Cat Cuddlers provide love and affection in a quiet, calm environment, helping the cats feel safe and comfortable.

As a Dog Walker, volunteers take dogs on walks off-site or spend quality time with them in one of our outdoor kennel runs. It's a chance for the dogs to get fresh air, exercise, and attention, all while building a bond with their human companions.

• Enrichment: This program is a key part of our approach to improving the overall well-being of our animals! Enrichment activities help stimulate the animals' mind and senses, enhancing their quality of life. We offer a variety of tools including snuffle mats, food puzzles, scent tubes, chew toys such as Kongs or peppers stuffed with a frozen mixture of novel foods, and lick mats. Volunteers can use these items during their time with any of the animals they encounter during their shifts. Volunteers who participate in this program are dedicated to providing a calm and relaxing environment where animals can engage in these mentally stimulating activities. It's a fun and rewarding way to support the animals' emotional and cognitive health. 

• Playgroups: One of our most vital programs, Playgroups brings dogs together under the supervision of trained volunteers who facilitate one-on-one or group play sessions. Based on the principles of the Dogs Playing for Life program, this initiative allows to burn off energy in a safe and controlled environment. Playgroups provides us with valuable insight into each dog's play style, socialization, and to understand how they might behave with other dogs in a home setting. It's a great way for dogs to socialize and have fun while we learn more about their personalities!

• Running Club: Launched in 2022, Running Club offers select animals the opportunity to go on long runs with our volunteers. This program provides an excellent outlet for high-energy dogs to burn off excess energy in a healthy way. Similar to Dog Walking, this program provides a bonding experience for dogs and their volunteer companions. 

• Treadmill Training: Thanks to a generous donation of a DogPacer Treadmill in 2022, Treadmill Training helps dogs with high stress levels or higher energy levels get the exercise they need. The treadmill also serves as an asset when extreme weather prohibits a dog to be outside for long periods of time. This program is perfect for volunteers who aren't runners but still want to help a dog get a workout. In addition to physical exercise, Treadmill Training also provides mental stimulation as the dogs learn to run on the treadmill, offering them both a physical and cognitive challenge. 

• Foster Program: Fostering an animal is a wonderful way to help and it's not just for rescues anymore! This program invites community members and volunteers to open their homes to an animal on a short-term or long-term basis. This could be for a weekend, until an animal recovers from an injury, or until they are ready for adoption or rescue. Fostering offers a flexible way to make a big difference! For those considering adoption, fostering is a great way to see if a dog or cat is the right fit.
  
  There is also a holiday edition of the Foster Program called Home for the Holidays. This version of the program has foster families give animals a break from the shelter during long holiday weeks or weekends when shelter hours are limited.

• Fido Field Trips: The newest program on MACC's docket! Launched in the Spring of 2024, Fido Field Trips has quickly become a favorite program for both volunteers and the community! This initiative allows volunteers and community members to take a dog on an adventure for part of the day. This could be a walk in the park, trip to a brewery, or visiting a dog-friendly cafe. Even Mayor Frey joined in the on the fun! Fido Field Trips help us see how a dog behaves outside of the shelter, while also giving the dog a needed break and some new experiences. It's a win-win for everyone!