McKamey’s Trailblazer program allows daily dog rentals

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Mckamey Animal Center is now offering the Trailblazer Program. 

Think of it as a “Library Card” for the shelter. 

It lets you hang out with an awesome dog for a day. 

“Folks will just sign up online,” said Savannah Shoemaker, Digital Marketing Coordinator at McKamey. “Once they fill out the application, they just come to the center and check out a dog for the day. We have a pre-approve list of restaurants, parks, stores etc.”

Anyone over 18 can be a Trailblazer.

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The shelter is over capacity, which influenced them to start this program.

Neighbors are encouraged to become trailblazers.

“It is all of our adoptable dogs. So, what we kind of do is dogs that maybe need a little of a break from their kennel,” Shoemaker said. “We are noticing dogs [facing] kennel stress at Mckamey, so we’ll pick those dogs and they will get some debrief time away. Sometimes, it is dogs that we know that have a lot of fun going out and dogs that are really well in the public. However dogs really need a break.” 

Students are also eligible to complete community service hours through this program. 

“Students that are completing the Tennessee Promise, I know those hours are due coming up very soon, so Trailblazers does count as Tennessee Promise hours if you’re needing a few more hours,” Shoemaker said. “Trailblazers works so call our adoption team or our volunteer team and they will be happy to give you information and get those hours completed. It is a really fun way to complete those hours.” 

MAC has select Trail Pups available to “check out” for a walk around town.

The shelter just wants you to keep them safe.

To sign up, visit Mckamey Animal Center’s website.