tailsandtrails

Step inside the heart of MADRA and discover the incredible work that goes into giving every dog a second chance. MADRA Tails & Trails Campus Tours offer the opportunity to explore our rescue facility while meeting the dogs whose lives are being improved by our dedicated staff and volunteers. Over the June bank holiday weekend, visitors will enjoy small, guided tours to see our work on a personal level, while connecting with MADRA in a meaningful way.

Each tour is limited to just 4-5 people, ensuring a relaxed environment where visitors can truly connect with the dogs and learn about the rehabilitation process. Across a one‑hour guided event, you’ll follow the trail of a dog’s rescue story from arrival and assessment to training, enrichment and the joyful moment they find their forever home. We will also have some of our MADRA sponsor dogs, who are not able to be rehomed but are sponsored by our dedicated supporters to live their lives to the fullest!

Your experience begins in the car park, where your guide will introduce MADRA’s work and outline how to safely interact with the dogs you’ll meet. From there, the tour moves to Nealy’s Kennel Area, where you’ll meet some of our most sociable dogs. Volunteers will share each dog’s story, demonstrate safe handling techniques and offer insights into the training tools we use. Some dogs you meet may already be adopted and returning for the event, showing the beautiful full‑circle moments that highlight the impact of MADRA.

Next, you’ll visit the Big Pen, where our team will demonstrate rehabilitation work with dogs who are still learning to trust. This is a powerful chance to understand the patience, skill and emotional care involved in helping more sensitive dogs progress toward adoption.

At the Hexapen, you’ll meet some lively juveniles/puppies! Visitors can sit inside the pen and hear the dogs’ stories, including updates from pups who have already found homes and returned to say hello.

As we come back from the Hexapen, you’ll enjoy a break in the Barn, where refreshments will be provided and MADRA merchandise will be available for purchase. Families attending the under 12’s session will find a craft activity and gentle dog interactions tailored for younger visitors. Standard tour groups can relax, chat with staff, and learn more about how MADRA’s work changes lives while visiting with a dog or two.

The tour will end at the Cabin, where you’ll see enrichment in action, including destruction boxes, puzzle toys and more. This demonstration highlights the importance of mental stimulation for kennel dogs and will feature a few of our long-term residents.

We are excited to be offering MADRA Tails & Trails Campus Tours as an invitation to witness hope, healing and the extraordinary resilience of rescue dogs. Join us and experience the journey that leads every dog home.

Event Disclaimers

• Fundraiser/No Refund Policy: This event is a fundraising initiative for MADRA, supporting rescue, rehabilitation and care for dogs in need. All bookings are final and refunds or exchanges cannot be offered.
• Supervision of Children: All attendees under 18 must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a responsible adult (18+), whether a parent, guardian or family member.
• Lost Children Procedure: Tour groups will remain together and will not overlap with other groups. If a child becomes separated, a designated meeting point will be located outside the Cabin.
• Dogs & Animal Safety: For the safety and wellbeing of all animals on site, visitors are not permitted to bring their own dogs.
• Lost & Found: Any lost property can be reported and/or collected from the designated area outside the Cabin.
• Health & Safety/Liability Waiver: All attendees must sign a waiver on arrival to ensure the safety and protection of both visitors and the dogs in our care.
• General Conduct: Visitors must follow all staff instructions at all times, especially when interacting with dogs, to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone.