Doggy day out: How to take a Pa. shelter dog on a field trip for the day
Support a shelter dog by spending a day exploring and relaxing with them. Here are the details.
Maybe you’re not quite ready to adopt or foster a dog yet, but you can still spend time with a shelter dog by taking them on a field trip for a day! These animal shelter programs go by many names—e.g., “shelter skip days,” “doggy day out” programs, and “doggy day trips”—but they all revolve around shelter dogs getting a little socialization and extra special one-on-one time with a human who cares. Animal shelters in your area may sponsor these programs so that you can hang out with an adoptable dog and get to know them—or simply give them a great day.
Read on to learn how you can take a local shelter dog out for a memorable field trip!
What does a doggy field trip entail?
Most dogs, including shelter dogs, love to relax or explore the world with humans. Shelter dogs may have had difficult or even unknown upbringings, but many would still love to spend even a few hours with you. When you take a dog out on a field trip, you might take him on a walk around the park, on a short hike through the woods, or to an ice cream shop where he can enjoy a delicious pup cup! Some programs may even include an overnight, meaning the shelter dog gets an extended field trip, and you may perhaps get a cuddly sleeping companion.
What if I’m not looking to adopt a dog?
That’s OK! You can still hang out with a shelter dog on a field trip, and your excursion will almost certainly still benefit the dog! Even just a few hours away from their kennels helps shelter dogs improve their socialization skills and burn off some excess energy. Plus, they’re getting exposure to potential adopters—if not you, then perhaps a friend, or even a passerby on the street! Shelter dogs who go out on field trips are four times more likely to be adopted than those who don’t! (And hey, never say never—who knows if you’ll fall in love with your new furry friend and want to adopt them immediately?)
OK, I’m in. How can I take a dog out for a day?
Many animal shelters are sponsoring doggy field trips and doggy day out programs to bring in more volunteers and ensure their pups are getting enrichment and exposure to people who could give them a forever home. But not all shelters have these programs, and program requirements may vary wildly depending on the shelter! For example, some shelters may want their prospective doggy day out leaders to complete volunteer training to officially become shelter volunteers. Others may not require extended training or volunteer registration. Your best bet is to call your local shelter and ask about doggy day out opportunities and what you need to know.
When it’s time to pick up your furry friend, be sure you’re prepared! You’ll want to ready your car for a dog, and may even need to bring a friend or a dog crate (depending on the dog’s comfort level with crates) to ensure the dog doesn’t interfere with your driving. Also, be sure to bring water and a dish so you can ensure the dog stays hydrated.
If you don’t know where to go for your dog’s field trip, ask the shelter staff—they are sure to have ideas for pet-friendly excursions, like nearby parks, trails, or even dog-friendly restaurants.
What are some Pennsylvania shelters that offer doggy day out programs?
The best way to learn about doggy day out programs with shelter dogs in your area is to reach out to a local shelter! Still, we’ve put together a list of some of the doggy day out programs in the commonwealth so you can get an idea of the opportunities available and what might be required of prospective volunteers!
ACCT Philly’s Day Trip Program – Philadelphia
ACCT Philly sponsors a day trip program for shelter dogs through which you can take a dog on a fun excursion, like a walk through Wissahickon Park. But the length of time you take a dog for a day trip is up to you, so you have many options for fun places to bring the pup! Still, the shelter notes that you should keep the dog away from other dogs and refrain from taking her to open spaces like dog parks.
To participate in the program, you’ll need to fill out the shelter’s foster application.
Animal Care Sanctuary’s Doggy Day Out – East Smithfield
The doggy day out program through Animal Care Sanctuary is available only for registered volunteers. So, you’ll need to apply to become an ACS volunteer online in order to become eligible to take a dog on a field trip. (Note that many shelters may operate this way and only advertise their doggy day out programs to established volunteers.)
Brandywine Valley SPCA’s Shelter Skip Day – West Chester
You can participate in a shelter skip day with shelter dogs from the Brandywine Valley SPCA location in West Chester every day except Monday. You’ll pick up your furry companion in the early afternoon and bring him back at least one hour before the shelter closes. Your dog will wear an “adopt me” vest (so cute!) so that everyone you pass will know the pup is available for adoption!
Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area’s Shelter Skip Day – Harrisburg
The shelter skip day program through the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area is a great way to get to know shelter dogs in the capital area. Pick-up time is in the early afternoon every day except Monday, and dogs must be back at the shelter an hour before it closes.
When you arrive, the shelter will have a list of dogs available for going on an outing, and the staff will help you decide who best to take based on your leash walking comfort level (in case some dogs are pullers). All dogs wear “adopt me” vests to get exposure in the community, and you’re encouraged to take photos and videos the shelter can later share to increase the dog’s chances of adoption!
Providence Animal Center’s Rover All Over and Sleepover Program – Media
Providence Animal Center’s Rover All Over program is a field trip program for dogs so that they can get a break from shelter life. You don’t need to be pre-approved or even sign up for an appointment; you can simply walk into the Media adoption center after noon Tuesday through Friday and take a dog for a fun, leashed outing, bringing him back before 4 p.m. The program is intended for folks who aren’t yet ready to adopt a dog and just want to spend some time with one!
If you are interested in adopting, the center’s sleepover program allows you to take a dog home for one to three days to ensure she’s a good fit for your family.
York County SPCA’s Dog’s Day Out – York
York County SPCA’s dog’s day out event takes place one Sunday a month. Participants pick up their canine companion at 9 a.m. at Brougher Companion Animal Shelter and can head out after a brief overview of safety and leash handling and a quick “test walk” with the dog and a shelter volunteer. Dogs must be back at the shelter by 4 p.m. the same day.
In order to participate in the dog’s day out event, you simply register for the program during the week leading up to the event. You can even see the dogs participating in the program on the shelter’s Facebook page and request a specific dog as your field trip buddy!
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