Helping shelter dogs get a day out across North America

Helping shelter dogs get a day out across North America

Life in a shelter can be challenging for dogs waiting to find their people. Giving them a break from kennel life can offer enrichment, help them show off their personalities and open new opportunities for adoption.

That’s the idea behind Dog’s Day Out, a program VCA Charities is helping animal welfare organizations bring to their communities. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society recently participated in a VCA Charities training workshop, hosted at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre in Stouffville. The event brought together 46 participants from 17 animal welfare organizations across five Canadian provinces and four U.S. states to learn how they can offer similar experiences to shelter dogs.

Among those in attendance was Dr. Lisa Gunter, applied animal behaviourist and Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech School of Animal Sciences. Her research shows that dogs who leave the shelter on a field trip are over four times more likely to be adopted than dogs who do not participate in these programs.

A day out can make a big difference

Supported by VCA Charities, the charitable arm of VCA Animal Hospitals, Dog’s Day Out gives shelter dogs opportunities to experience the world beyond their kennel while they wait for a loving home.

VCA Charities provides grants to participating shelters to help launch the program, including supplies for field trips. Through Dog’s Day Out, approved community members are matched with a dog who is ready for an outing. They might head out for a walk, visit a dog-friendly shop or simply spend some time relaxing together at home.

For the dogs, these outings provide mental stimulation, enrichment and a welcome break from the shelter environment. They also give dogs the opportunity to show their personalities in a different setting, helping animal care teams learn more about what makes each dog unique.

The program also gives participants a chance to share their experiences with friends and family. Photos, videos and stories from an outing can help more people discover a dog who is looking for a home.

From pilot program to a new beginning

Scrappy arrived at the York Region Animal Centre in March as a stray. His goofy personality, playful energy and love of tennis balls quickly made him a staff favourite, but finding the right home took time. As a high-energy German Shepherd, he needed a family ready to provide plenty of exercise, attention and ongoing training.

When the Ontario SPCA’s Dog’s Day Out pilot launched in May, Scrappy became a regular participant. Later, when a potential adopter expressed interest, the team arranged an outing so the pair could get to know each other outside the shelter. A second outing gave them more time to build their connection.

After 139 days in our care, Scrappy found his home. Now named Toby, he’s loving daily trips to the park, making new friends and responding well to training.

Scrappy’s story shows how Dog’s Day Out can help potential adopters connect with shelter dogs and give those relationships room to grow beyond the shelter.

Helping more dogs find their people

Not everyone is able to adopt or foster, but spending a few hours with a shelter dog can still make a meaningful difference.

Dog’s Day Out is a reminder that there are many ways to help an animal in need. A walk, an adventure, some time on the couch or simply the chance to experience something new can help a dog feel more comfortable, reveal more of their personality and get noticed by someone looking for their new best friend.

Learn more about Dog’s Day Out at ontariospca.ca/dogs-day-out.