The city of Bridgeport kicked off a volunteer dog walking program for city employees Thursday.
Officials said the city’s 5,000 employees will be able to visit the Bridgeport animal shelter up to six days a week to interact with the shelter dogs. The program is voluntary and meant to prepare the animals for adoption by getting them comfortable with human interaction.
Mayor Joe Ganim, Police Chief Armando "AJ" Perez and the Bridgeport Animal Shelter all threw their support behind the initiative.
Bridgeport Animal Control (BAC) is the largest municipal shelter in the state and can hold up to 80 dogs and 50 cats, city officials said. The dog walking program is one of several initiatives the city is working on to help socialize the dogs prior to adoption.
“I am dedicated to providing a safe, clean and enriching environment to our furry residents. My main focus is preparing them for their forever home – and we have so many wonderful, loving dogs in Bridgeport that need a new family,” Bridgeport Chief Animal Control Officer Jennifer Wallace said in a release.
The BAC is also encouraging staff and the public to interact with its feline residents by providing toys and catnip for the cats and human counterparts to play with.
BAC is accepting applications for the dog walking program. Those interested can get an application by visiting animal control at 236 Evergreen Street or by sending an email to animal.shelter@bridgeportct.gov.
