New Year’s resolutions to get that step count up just got furrier with the Humane Society of North Central Florida’s new Pack Walk program, launched on Saturday. 

Pack Walk allows groups like private, student and corporate organizations and teams to reserve slots for walking shelter dogs together on a trail recently built around the animal shelter’s property. 

Tower Hill Insurance funded the one-way trail, which features exercise and enrichment stops for the dogs along the way.  

Pack Walk volunteers must be at least 18 years old, complete the standard volunteer sign-up process and wear closed-toed shoes.  

Shelter team members will give a brief introduction to dog handling before pairing volunteers with animals. Some of the shelter dogs are still learning how to walk on leashes, so patience is encouraged. 

“This one-hour activity is perfect as a team-building exercise before or after a workday, providing a fun and rewarding experience while helping our dogs get the exercise they need,” said the organization’s website.  

According to a Facebook post from the shelter, Pack Walk is made possible by a donation from Walker Pond. A sign on the trail’s fence says Pond made her donation in loving memory of Bobo, her “cherished Australian Shepherd, whose boundless energy, joy, loyalty, and spirit touched all who knew him.” 

“May every step along this trail honor his memory and celebrate the bond between humans and dogs,” the sign says. 

More sponsorships are needed to help provide leashes, enrichment supplies, signage along the trail and other materials needed to sustain the program. Sponsorship information can be found by contacting development@humanesocietyncfl.org. 

Other group volunteer opportunities include preparing and distributing enrichment toys and special treats, helping in the Pet Food Pantry and organizing or hosting donation drives and fundraisers.