Grand Junction shelter lets community 'rent' rescue dogs

Happy Little Rescue's program allows locals to take dogs on outings, supporting adoptable pets in the area.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 7:04am

A Grand Junction animal shelter is inviting locals to 'rent a rescue' dog for outings ranging from coffee runs to weekend sleepovers, any day between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Happy Little Rescue's program is especially popular with CMU students and also offers a cat room and a volunteer-run thrift store, all supporting adoptable pets in Grand Junction.

Why it matters

The 'rent a rescue' program provides a unique opportunity for community members to interact with and support adoptable pets in Grand Junction, while also potentially leading to more adoptions. It's an innovative approach to animal welfare that engages the local community.

The details

Happy Little Rescue's 'rent a rescue' program allows Grand Junction residents to take dogs out for the day, with options ranging from short coffee runs to overnight sleepovers. The program is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and has proven especially popular with students from nearby Colorado Mesa University. In addition to the dog rentals, the shelter also features a cat room and a volunteer-run thrift store, all of which support the adoption of rescue animals in the Grand Junction area.

  • The 'rent a rescue' program is available daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The players

Happy Little Rescue

A Grand Junction animal shelter that offers a 'rent a rescue' program, as well as a cat room and volunteer-run thrift store, all supporting the adoption of rescue animals in the area.

Colorado Mesa University (CMU)

A university located in Grand Junction, whose students have been especially enthusiastic participants in the 'rent a rescue' program.

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The takeaway

The 'rent a rescue' program at Happy Little Rescue in Grand Junction provides a unique and engaging way for the local community to interact with and support adoptable pets, potentially leading to more adoptions and strengthening the bond between the shelter and the people of Grand Junction.