MSPCA at Northeast Run Club

Run with the Dogs!

Join Run Club!

Are you an avid runner and an animal lover? Or are you running for the first time and looking for some company? The MSPCA at Northeast Animal Shelter is looking for runners of all experience levels to join our volunteer Run Club and help with exercising some of our shelter dogs!

You will get the opportunity to make an impact on our dogs by providing them much needed exercise and some quality time outside of the shelter. Our population varies week to week, so you will have the opportunity to frequently meet new dogs! All levels of runners are welcome!

What to Expect

• Runners are considered volunteers and will be oriented to our volunteer program prior to running with dogs.
• Run with a group of shelter staff and volunteers, and accompanying shelter dogs.
• Runners with dogs will keep some distance between them and other dogs for safety.
• Learn to use dog handling equipment including (but not limited to) harnesses, hands-free leashes, and treat pouches.
• Run up to 3 miles or for 30-45 minutes in various locations (it is all up to what the dog wants to do!)
• If new to running, a willingness to try! Our team is there to help you find your groove!
• You will need to be at least 16 years old to join.
• An orientation and hands-on training will be provided!

There may be times that we do not have a dog to match you with for the run. If that is the case, you are still welcome to run with the group.

Run club often goes into a local neighborhood, directly from the shelter – but there are times that another location may be preferred due to visibility, a dog’s comfort level, or community events.

Successful volunteers in Run Club will be:

• Comfortable around medium to large breed dogs. Experience and comfort handling large, high arousal dogs is a plus!
• Comfortable being matched with a dog by our Run Club Captains.
• Able to adjust pace to the dog’s and the group’s speed as needed.
• Able to multitask and pay attention to surroundings and individual dog’s needs.
• Able to clearly communicate and follow instructions.
• Leaving their own dog at home! Runners know that these runs are for quality time with dogs awaiting adoption!
• Preferred: An active driver’s license and ability to transport shelter dogs in your vehicle to various locations for Run Club.

Please note that our Run Club is not open to drop-in runs. Run Club is considered a part of our volunteer program and does not permit running with personal dogs in the groups.

Going Mutts! Mondays (Temporarily on “paws”!)

Monday afternoon runs meeting at 1:00pm, weather dependent. The Going Mutts! Mondays are perfect for professionals working from home that need a midday break or anyone looking to get their exercise in before the weekend! This run goes from NEAS to the surrounding Barnes Road neighborhood. Run Club volunteers will be asked to sign up for a minimum of 2 runs a month for approximately 6 months.

Captain: Michelle H.

Breakfast at Sniff-any’s

Saturday morning runs meeting at 9:00am, weather dependent. These runs are for the casual morning runner that run from NEAS to the surrounding Barnes Road neighborhood. Run Club volunteers will be asked to sign up for a minimum of 2 runs a month for approximately 6 months.

Captain: Grace V.

Sunday Scaries

Sunday afternoon runs meeting at 1:00pm, weather dependent. These runs are to cure a “case of the Mondays” and run from NEAS to the surrounding Barnes Road neighborhood. Run Club volunteers will be asked to sign up for a minimum of 2 runs a month for approximately 6 months.

Captain: Dot B.

Run Along (Little Doggy!)

Want to see what it is like to run with dogs but not yet ready to commit as a volunteer? We offer “run alongs” where you can join our group and see what is involved in becoming a volunteer for Run Club.

Click Here to Return to the NEAS Volunteer Page