The Rescue Runner Program.
Giving rescue dogs the chance to move, explore, and thrive while creating meaningful opportunities for volunteers to make a difference.
What is the Rescue Runner Program?
The Rescue Runner Program connects adoptable rescue dogs with approved volunteers through structured walks, hikes, canicross sessions, and outdoor adventures.
Many people want to help rescue dogs but aren't in a position to foster or adopt. Rescue Runner provides another way to make a meaningful difference.
Volunteers are paired with participating rescue dogs and help provide exercise, enrichment, confidence-building experiences, and public exposure while supporting their journey toward a forever home. The program culminates in a community fundraising event that celebrates participating dogs, volunteers, and rescue organizations.
Hosted By: McHenry County Canicross & Dog Sports
Experience Level: All Levels Welcome - Walk, Run or Crawl - This is all about the rescue dogs!
Weekly Run/Walk: Sundays 10am
Location: Fel-Pro RRR, Cary, IL for run/walk followed by meetup at Kelsey’s Roadhouse. 1520 Crystal Lake Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Why it Matters
Rescue dogs often spend weeks or months waiting for the right family. During that time, many receive basic care but have limited opportunities for adventure, enrichment, and public exposure.
Rescue Runner helps bridge that gap.
By connecting rescue dogs with dedicated volunteers, we create opportunities for dogs to explore new environments, build confidence, gain positive experiences, and be seen by potential adopters. At the same time, volunteers get the opportunity to make a direct impact on a dog's life while enjoying the outdoors and becoming part of a supportive community.
Benefits for Rescue Dogs
Every Rescue Runner dog receives more than exercise.
Participating dogs may benefit from:
Regular physical activity and enrichment
One-on-one attention from dedicated volunteers
Increased confidence
Exposure to new environments
Positive social experiences
Additional handling opportunities
Public visibility through events and social media
Better adoption opportunities
Participating dogs will be featured regularly through volunteer posts, community events, MCCX, CaniVenture, and rescue organization channels, allowing potential adopters to follow their journey and get to know their personality over time.
Benefits for Volunteers
You don't have to foster or adopt to make a difference.
Rescue Runner gives volunteers the opportunity to:
Help rescue dogs become more adoptable
Enjoy purpose-driven outdoor activities
Learn about dog-powered sports and adventures
Build relationships with individual dogs
Meet like-minded dog lovers
Become part of a supportive community
Experience the reward of helping dogs find permanent homes
For many volunteers, watching a dog they worked with get adopted becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the program.
Benefits for Rescues
Rescue Runner is designed to support rescue organizations—not create additional work.
Participating rescues benefit from:
Increased visibility for adoptable dogs
Additional exercise and enrichment opportunities
Expanded volunteer engagement
Greater community awareness
Enhanced adoption marketing
Additional fundraising opportunities
Rescues maintain control over which dogs participate and help ensure each dog is matched appropriately for success.
How the Program Works
Rescue organizations identify dogs that may benefit from participation.
Volunteers complete the approval process and attend orientation.
Dogs and volunteers are carefully matched based on size, temperament, fitness level, and experience.
Teams participate in weekly Sunday morning walks, hikes, and runs.
Dogs gain exercise, enrichment, confidence, and visibility throughout the season.
The program concludes with a community 5K fundraiser celebrating participating dogs and supporting local rescue efforts.
Whenever possible, volunteers remain paired with the same dog throughout the program, helping build trust, consistency, and stronger relationships.
Volunteer Requirements
Complete an application
Sign required waivers and agreements
Attend Rescue Runner Orientation
Review program safety standards
Receive approval before participating
Volunteers are expected to prioritize dog welfare, follow program policies, handle dogs responsibly, and communicate concerns promptly. Safety and accountability are essential to creating positive experiences for both dogs and participants.
Dog Eligibility & Safety
The wellbeing of participating dogs is our highest priority.
Not every rescue dog is a good fit for the program, and participation is approved on a case-by-case basis by the rescue organization and program leadership.
Safety standards include:
No dog-to-dog greetings during activities
Appropriate spacing between dogs
Approved equipment requirements
Clearly assigned responsibility for every dog
Check-in and check-out procedures
Approved transportation plans
Ongoing monitoring of each dog's wellbeing
The goal is simple: every dog should leave each activity having had a safe, positive experience.
Who Is Behind The Rescue Runner Program?
The Rescue Runner Program is a collaborative effort between McHenry County Canicross & Dog Sports (MCCX), CaniVenture, participating rescue organizations, and Herzog's Heroes.
MCCX hosts the weekly group activities and volunteer community.
CaniVenture provides program resources, registration, waivers, volunteer management, and event support.
Participating rescues identify and approve dogs for the program.
Herzog's Heroes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on shelter prevention and canine welfare, serves as the program's charitable partner and helps support fundraising efforts.
Together, we work to create positive experiences for rescue dogs while building stronger connections between dogs, volunteers, rescues, and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a runner?
No. Walkers, hikers, and runners are all welcome.
Do I need dog-handling experience?
Experience is helpful but not required. All volunteers complete orientation before participating.
Can I choose which dog I work with?
Whenever possible, volunteers and dogs are matched based on experience, preferences, and compatibility, however, your preferences are important.
What if I can't foster or adopt?
That's exactly why Rescue Runner exists. It provides a meaningful way to help rescue dogs without making a long-term commitment.
Are all rescue dogs eligible?
No. Participating dogs are carefully evaluated to ensure the program is a good fit for their needs and safety.
How often do activities occur?
The program is built around structured weekly Sunday morning meetups and a year-end fundraising event.
What is the volunteer commitment? There is no minimum weekly commitment required. Whenever possible, we try to match the same volunteer with the same dog to help build consistency, confidence, and a stronger relationship. However, rescue dogs may be adopted, new dogs may enter the program, and volunteers may not be available every week, so flexibility is expected on both sides.
If you sign up for a session, we simply ask that you let us know as soon as possible if you can't attend so we can make other arrangements for your assigned dog. Some volunteers participate regularly, while others join only when their schedule allows. If you'd prefer to be a fill-in volunteer and participate only on dates that work for you, that's perfectly fine too.
Whether you're a volunteer, rescue organization, sponsor, vendor, or community supporter, there's a place for you in Rescue Runner.
Together, we can provide rescue dogs with more exercise, more enrichment, more exposure, and more opportunities to find the loving homes they deserve.
Ready to make a difference?
Join the Rescue Runner Program and help a rescue dog take the next step toward a brighter future.
I think this version will convert visitors much better than the full policy-style document while still preserving the important information. The detailed policies, classifications, transportation rules, and chain-of-responsibility sections can live in a separate Volunteer Handbook page rather than on the public-facing landing page.