DOGGIE'S DAY OUT: WHERE PAWS MEET THE PATH
Looking for a feel-good way to make a real difference in a shelter dog's life? Welcome to Doggie Day Out (DDO)—our paws-itively fun program that lets trained volunteers take an adoptable dog offsite for a tail-wagging adventure!
Whether you're hitting the trail, lounging in a park, or just going for a drive, Doggie Day Out offers shelter pups a much-needed change of scenery and a chance to shine outside the kennel.
Why It Matters
Did you know that after 30 days of kennel life, a dog’s mental and physical health starts to deteriorate? While our staff do a great job of caring for our resident dogs, the fact remains that life in a kennel environment is stressful and overstimulating. Getting out of the shelter—even for a few hours—does wonders for a dog’s well-being:
Reduces stress and kennel anxiety
• Boosts confidence and social skills
• Provides valuable exposure to potential adopters
• Helps shelter staff learn more about each dog's personality in real-world settings
• Gives dogs the chance to learn new skills they can show off for adopters
How to Get Involved
Become a volunteer! You’ll learn the basics of working with shelter pups—handling skills, body language, and more. Every dog is an individual, so after training, our team works to pair you with compatible pups until you're confident working independently.
To get started, sign up HERE today!
Why You’ll Love It
• Getting outdoors is therapeutic for everyone. Sharing your adventure with a pup spreads the joy even further.
• While you take a break from the screen, a shelter pup gets a break from the kennel—full of enticing sniffs, gentle exercise, and one-on-one connection.
• Hitting your step goal just got more rewarding—especially for dogs in need of decompression and socialization.
Doggie Day Out isn’t just good for dogs—it’s a joy for humans too. So grab a leash and join the adventure!
Not able to walk a dog yourself? You can still make a pup’s day! Sponsor a walk through our partners at Dogwood Critter Care—your gift gives a shelter dog a much-needed break, fresh air, and a whole lot of joy.
