Looking for a unique way to make a difference in the life of a shelter dog?

The Washington County Humane Society’s Doggy Day Out Program gives adults (18 years +) in our community the opportunity to take a shelter dog out for a day of adventure, companionship, and enrichment. Whether it’s a leisurely walk through a local park, a scenic drive, time spent relaxing outdoors, or simply enjoying one-on-one attention, your participation helps provide a much-needed break from the shelter environment.

Doggy Day Out outings can take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am to 3:00pm and are designed to help our dogs reduce stress, expend energy, build confidence, and gain valuable exposure to potential adopters.

Days Available

• Tuesdays
• Thursdays

Program Hours

• Pick up: from 9:00am-1:00pm
• Return: anytime before 3:00pm

Participant Requirements

To participate, individuals must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Present a valid, government-issued photo ID
• Review and sign the Doggy Day Out Agreement & Release, as well as a volunteer application
• Follow all handling and safety guidelines
• Maintain direct supervision of the dog throughout the outing
• Have a working cell phone available during the program

Even the most resilient dogs can experience stress while living in a shelter. A few hours away from the kennel can have a significant impact on their overall well-being.

Doggy Day Out helps dogs:

• Take a break from the shelter environment
• Reduce stress and kennel-related anxiety
• Enjoy physical exercise and mental enrichment
• Build positive experiences with people
• Showcase their personality outside the shelter
• Gain visibility within the community
• Increase their chances of finding a forever home

Participants also play an important role in helping us learn more about our dogs by sharing observations from their outing, including behaviors, preferences, and reactions to new experiences.

Every dog enjoys different activities, and our staff will help match you with a dog that fits your plans.

Popular outings include:

• Leisurely walks
• Nature trails and hiking paths
• Scenic drives
• Relaxing outdoors
• Basic training and bonding activities
• Pet-friendly patios or cafés
• Pet-friendly retail stores
• A relaxing afternoon at home filled with companionship, cuddles, and quality one-on-one time
• Quiet time spent together away from the shelter environment

Sometimes the best outing is simply spending quality time together.

Before your adventure begins, we’ll equip you with supplies to help ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.

Depending on the individual dog, we may provide:

• Leash
• Martingale collar
• Identification tag
• Doggy seat belt
• Waste bags
• Water bowl
• Crate if needed
• Behavioral information and handling instructions
• Emergency contact information

The safety of our dogs, participants, and community members is our top priority.

Participants must:

• Keep dogs leashed at all times unless inside your own home or a securely fenced yard
• Maintain control of the dog throughout the outing
• Keep children supervised around the dog at all times
• Ensure that only adults handle the leash
• Transport dogs safely using a crate or appropriate restraint system
• Provide adequate water, shade, rest, and shelter
• Use positive reinforcement training methods only
• Report any medical or behavioral concerns immediately
• If you plan to introduce your Doggy Day Out companion to your resident dog, please let us know in advance so we can help match you with the best fit and provide guidance based on what we know about the dog’s personality and history.

For everyone’s safety, participants may not:

• Visit dog parks
• Use off-leash areas
• Introduce the shelter dog to other dogs other than your owned animals
• Allow the dog to interact closely with unknown animals
• Leave the dog unattended
• Allow anyone under 18 to be responsible for the dog

Because shelter dogs may still be revealing their personalities and triggers, we encourage outings in calmer environments with fewer distractions whenever possible.

One of the most valuable parts of the Doggy Day Out Program is increasing awareness of adoptable dogs in our community.

We encourage participants to:

• Take photos of their adventure
• Share their experience on social media
• Tag the Washington County Humane Society
• Tell friends and family about adoptable dogs
• Share positive observations with our staff upon return

Seeing dogs relaxed and happy outside of the shelter often helps potential adopters connect with them in a way that kennel visits cannot.