The Wenatchee Valley Humane Society and the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust’s collaborative endeavor — Pets & People Outdoors — aims to build community by creating opportunities for people and their dogs to come together and experience the beauty of the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust’s protected trails.
Pets & People Outdoors celebrates the joy and vitality people discover outdoors alongside their canine friends, companions, and loved ones.
“Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature's darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings, Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed, but nature's sources never fail.”
— John Muir, Our National Parks , 1901, page 56.
Pets & People Outdoors is a partnership between the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. The collaboration aims to promote community engagement by encouraging families to spend time with their dogs in natural spaces. The Land Trust manages 33 miles of dog-friendly trails in the Wenatchee Foothills, which are open to everyone with their dogs. This initiative acknowledges that pets are part of the family and highlights the benefits of embracing nature while spending quality time with our faithful companions.
Pets & People Outdoors will host dog-friendly hiking events for all fitness levels. Attendees will learn trail etiquette and the benefits of experiencing nature with their dogs. Sharing our landscapes helps pets and people thrive.
Pets & People Outdoors Inaugural Event
Join us for a dog walk up Saddle Rock on Saturday, May 18th.
Register for the walk here, and click here to learn about becoming a fundraiser to help even more pets and protect more open spaces.
Dog Hiking Trail Etiquette
Leash Your Dog: Always keep your dog on a leash unless you're on a designated off-leash trail. Even if your dog is well-behaved, others may not feel comfortable around unleashed dogs.
Pick Up Waste: Bring waste bags and promptly clean up after your dog. Carry the waste with you until you find a proper disposal bin. Leaving waste on trails can spread disease and harm the environment.
Yield to Others: Yield to hikers without dogs, and to cyclists or horseback riders, if applicable. Move to the side of the trail and hold onto your dog's leash to ensure they don't approach others without permission.
Control Barking: Train your dog to control excessive barking, especially in crowded areas. Excessive noise can disturb wildlife and other hikers' enjoyment of the trail.
Respect Wildlife: Keep your dog from chasing wildlife. Some animals may be endangered or protected, and others may become aggressive if provoked.
Stay on Marked Trails: Stick to designated trails to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Respect any trail closures or restrictions.
Hydrate Your Dog: Bring enough water for both you and your dog, especially on hot days. Offer water regularly to prevent dehydration.
Be Prepared: Carry essentials like first aid supplies, a doggy first aid kit, and a map of the trail. Prepare for emergencies and know how to handle them with your dog.
Mind Your Dog's Health: Be mindful of your dog's health and physical limitations. Check its paws for injuries, watch for signs of overheating, and consider the difficulty of the trail before bringing it along.