At the Seattle Animal Shelter, some of the best matches between people and pets happen not in the kennels but out on the trails. That’s thanks to Fit with Fido, a volunteer program where runners take shelter dogs out for exercise, fresh air, and a much-needed break from kennel life. The result is happier, healthier dogs who are more likely to find their forever homes.
A Program with Heart (and Miles)
Fit with Fido began in 1997 when shelter volunteer Alan Ward noticed that young, high-energy dogs needed more than a quick walk around the block. Alan started taking them on a 3-mile run from the shelter to Myrtle Edwards Park. The difference was immediate. The dogs returned calmer, more content, and more adoptable.
Soon, other volunteers joined in, and the program grew. Over time, it even inspired the annual Furry 5K, a beloved Seattle tradition that continues today.
Why It Matters
“Fit with Fido gives dogs so much more than exercise,” explains program lead Heidi Beck. “It’s about letting them explore, have a sniff, and just be dogs out in the world.”
The program’s benefits go far beyond tired paws:
- Boosts adoption rates by letting dogs wear bright Adopt Me bandanas during runs
- Provides critical exercise and socialization
- Reduces kennel-related stress and anxiety
- Reinforces basic commands in real-world environments
- Offers a healthy outlet for volunteers who love both dogs and running
- Raises awareness for the Seattle Animal Shelter
The Dog’s Transformation
Volunteers consistently see the difference in their four-legged running partners. Tails wag higher, stress melts away, and dogs return to the shelter relaxed and happier. Many even start to recognize their favorite runners and eagerly wait for their outings.
One of Heidi’s favorite moments captures the magic of the program. She remembers seeing a couple regularly while running a Fit with Fido dog in Myrtle Edwards Park. “A week later, I was back with another dog, and the couple came up to me — with the same pup I’d been running the week before. They had adopted him. It was the perfect full-circle moment.”
For the Runners, Too
Fit with Fido doesn’t just transform the dogs. It changes the volunteers as well.
“It gives me a hard stop in my week,” says volunteer Chris Way. “I know I need to pause what I’m doing, lace up, and get outside. Even on dark or rainy days, it motivates me.”
New volunteers receive training in dog handling and participate in “shadow runs” with experienced members before heading out on their own. This ensures safety for both the runner and the dog.
How to Get Involved
Fill out a volunteer application and set up a dog-walking profile with the Seattle Animal Shelter; indicate your interest in Fit with Fido or email [email protected] to be connected directly with the program lead.
Whether you’re an avid runner or simply someone who loves dogs and fresh air, Fit with Fido is a rewarding way to make a difference – one run, one wagging tail, and one adoption at a time.
Ready to lace up? Shelter dogs are waiting to run with you.