By Ian Preston
Chesapeake, Va. - Giving free money to local animal shelters.
That's what a new app is doing -- but you have to take the first step.
A walk down the street with your smart phone and four-legged best friend could help you take action and start earning money for local animal shelters.
"All you do is log your dogs on and every time you go out for a walk with or without your dog, you're able to just tap the button that says walk for whatever animal welfare organization you link yourself to and you earn money for them just by walking," says Lacy Kuller, executive director of Chesapeake Humane Society.
The app is called 'Walk for a Dog.'
It was created by the group WoofTrax. And they've already given money to more than 1,400 shelters nationwide that are currently registered with the company.
"Each organization benefits based on how many people are walking for them, the distance that they're walking, and how many times they walk.
The money comes from advertisers.
According to the WoofTrax website, each mile walked can earn your shelter anywhere from 11 to 25 cents. If more people walk their dogs with the app, it will mean larger donations from WoofTrax.
"We want to encourage everybody to sign up. It's so easy, it's free for you, all you have to do is walk and then you can track your routes and everything so it is kind of cool."
So far, the Chesapeake Humane Society has only been using this app for a short period of time, but they say already supporters have helped raised more than ten dollars.
"They only cut checks about three times a year so we have not seen the first check come in yet."
The app is free for both iPhone and Android users.
So far, the Chesapeake Humane Society and the Virginia Beach SPCA are the only local shelters using the app.
"Any little bit helps. This is kind of above and beyond, but like I said an easy way to help that doesn't really cost you anything out of your pocket."
