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Doggy Day Out

Get Your Steps, Get Heathy with the Animal Welfare Department.

A jack russel Terrier on a leash laying on green grass.

Doggy Day Out is a volunteer-based program designed to give shelter dogs a temporary break from the kennel environment while creating positive connections with the community. Participants can check out a dog for a few hours or a day and take them on safe, approved outings, such as a walk in the park, a hike, a visit to a dog-friendly café, or even just some quiet cuddle time at home.

The Program Has Two Main Goals

  1. Dog Enrichment – Providing shelter dogs with exercise, socialization, and new experiences that reduce stress and improve their well-being.
  2. Adoption Boost – Outings allow the dogs to shine outside of the shelter setting, helping staff gather valuable behavior notes and increasing their visibility to potential adopters.

The “Get Fit” component adds a fun wellness aspect, encouraging participants to track steps and stay active alongside their canine companion, making it a win-win for both humans and dogs.

In short: It’s a win for the dogs (enrichment and exposure), a win for the community (healthy activity and bonding), and a win for adoption efforts (better matches and happy forever homes).

Participants will receive essentials for their outing, plus a guide of recommended dog-friendly destinations.

Ready to Get Started?

Email [email protected] with your contact information to begin the process. Volunteers must be 18 or older and will complete a short application and dog-handling training.

Let’s take steps together, for your health and their future. Step up. Leash up. Save a life.