ANIMAL SHELTER PROGRAMS TO CONSIDER

Dog Day Out: Giving Shelter Dogs a Break and a Better Chance at Adoption

For many dogs, shelter life means spending more than 23 hours a day in a kennel surrounded by unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. Over time, this environment can cause stress, anxiety, and even health problems—making it harder for dogs to find homes. But there’s a proven, low-cost, high-impact solution that’s changing lives in shelters across the country: the Dog Day Out program.

What Is a Dog Day Out?

Dog Day Out is a short-term foster program where community members—volunteers, families, and even tourists—take shelter dogs on outings for a few hours or the entire day. Whether it’s a car ride to get a pup-cone, a hike on a local trail, or a nap on someone’s couch, these short breaks give dogs stress relief, enrichment, and valuable social experiences.

This program requires minimal staff time, can be volunteer-led, and is easy to start—even in busy or over-capacity shelters. In fact, according to research by Dr. Lisa Gunter at Virginia Tech University, dogs who participate in Dog Day Out programs are 5 to 14 times more likely to be adopted than those who don’t.

Why It Works

1. Relieves Stress

Even a short break from the shelter allows dogs to relax, reset, and return in a calmer state. As one volunteer described it, “It’s like a day off from work after a stressful week—refreshed and ready to start again.”

2. Improves Adoption Chances

  • In VCA’s pilot shelters, most participating dogs found homes within 4 days of their outing.

  • Many were considered “long-stay” dogs, overlooked for months before their field trip.

3. Strengthens Community Connections

Dog Day Out is an easy, flexible way for people to get involved—especially those who can’t commit to fostering long-term. Many participants return for more outings or become fosters, adopters, or regular volunteers.

4. Supports Shelter Operations

With a dog out on a field trip, staff have more time to focus on other animals and daily tasks. The program also helps reduce compassion fatigue among staff and volunteers by allowing them to see their favorite dogs thriving outside the shelter.

What You Can Do on a Dog Day Out

  • Take a nap together at home

  • Play fetch in a backyard

  • Go for a hike or walk along a local trail

  • Visit a dog-friendly café or patio

  • Enjoy a car ride and a special treat

  • Introduce the dog to friends for extra socialization

Safety & Guidelines

To keep everyone safe, shelters typically ask that:

  • Dogs are not taken to dog parks or places with off-leash dogs

  • No introductions to other pets without prior approval

  • Dogs wear proper identification, a harness, and a leash at all times in public

  • Participants sign a waiver and receive an emergency contact card before the outing

Marketing and Community Engagement

Successful Dog Day Out programs spread the word through:

  • Weekly social media posts with photos and videos of dogs on outings

  • Web pages with sign-up forms and program details

  • Local media coverage, influencer participation, and partnerships with pet-friendly businesses

  • Special themed events—like “Valentine’s Dog Day Out” or “Thanksgiving Field Trips”

Real-Life Impact

Case Study – Maui Humane Society
By marketing to both locals and tourists, Maui Humane Society has seen tremendous success—sending out dogs daily for adventures and dramatically increasing adoptions.

Case Study – Humane Society of Tulsa
A young Boxer mix named Toboggan was overlooked for weeks until a Dog Day Out volunteer took him to a popular patio restaurant. Within 48 hours, a diner who met him there adopted him.

Case Study – Arizona Humane Society
In a three-week pilot, 14 of 23 long-term dogs were adopted—most within just days of their outing.

Why Shelters Should Consider Dog Day Out

  • Low cost: Requires minimal supplies (harness, leash, ID tags, treats, water, and an “Adopt Me” bandana)

  • High return: Reduces kennel stress, improves safety, increases adoptions, and boosts morale

  • Easy to scale: Start with a handful of dogs and grow as the community gets involved

A Volunteer’s Perspective

“It’s such a great program! Not only does it give the dogs a break, but it’s a way to discover valuable information for their adoption bios. With three dogs of our own, fostering isn’t an option, but this one-day program is perfect. I love having that choice.”

 

Every dog deserves a day to just be a dog—outside the kennel, meeting people, and experiencing the world. Dog Day Out makes that possible, while giving shelters a powerful tool to boost adoptions and strengthen community support.