Field trip programs, also known as “borrow-a-buddy”, short outings, Dog Day Out, or sleepovers, offer a unique opportunity for community members and tourists alike to loan a shelter dog and connect with these deserving animals. Whether it’s a stroll through the city, a relaxing afternoon at a cafe, or even a cozy nap at a visitor’s accommodation, these outings provide invaluable exposure for shelter dogs. These programs, gaining popularity in the US, can increase a dog’s adoption chances by as much as fourteen times. While less common in Europe, they could be especially beneficial in countries where euthanasia is illegal, helping long-term canine residents gain the attention they need.
The best programs equip volunteers with clear instructions, all necessary supplies, and connections to local pet-friendly businesses (including recommended spots and special offers). They also make the journey fun and prioritize caregiver feedback. Discover inspiring examples of shelters running these programs below.
Read Also: A Comprehensive List of Resources to Help Establish Your Shelter Field Trip Program
Shelter Dog Field Trip, Temporary Outing, and Sleepover Programs
A sample list of Shelter Dog Field Trip, Temporary Outing, and Sleepover Programs, by country
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Australia
- RSPCA New South Wales: The “Pillow Paws” program offered volunteers the opportunity to provide short-term home stays for shelter dogs (one to three nights), but it is currently on hold due to the pandemic.
C
Canada
While still emerging in Canada, several shelters have embraced the concept:
- City of Oshawa: Their “Doggy Day Out” program allows easy online application for potential volunteers
- Saskatoon SPCA: The “Borrowed Buddies” program is highly popular and often has a waiting list, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm for this initiative.
F
Fiji
- SPCA Fiji Islands: Offered a weekend sleepover program for shelter dogs in December 2022.
I
Ireland
- Dogs Trust Ireland: Their Sleepover Club pairs weekend volunteers with “underdogs” – dogs who have been in kennels for six months or longer. Caregivers meet the dog several times before the weekend sleepover.
U
United States (USA)
The US boasts numerous SPCA and shelter outing programs. Here are some highlights:
Examples of Short-Term Outings for Shelter Dogs
Program Support & Resources:
- Mutual Rescue: This organization’s Doggy Day Out program provides toolkits and support to shelters establishing their own programs, with a list of partners in over 40 states.
- Chewy: Dogs Date Out, a Valentine’s Day initiative, in partnership with 45 local organizations, provided “Chewy Date Kits” to volunteers taking dogs out as well as valuable press coverage.
Creative Engagement:
- New York City Animal Care Centers (NYC ACC): NYC ACC gamifies its Borough Break program with a bingo card, offering prizes for completing activities like visiting landmarks or splashing in water. A simple visual report card completes the experience.
Strategic Partnerships:
- Saving Grace Humane Society (OR): Their Fido Field Trip Program schedules outings outside of adoption hours to maximize adoption opportunities. They’ve also cultivated partnerships with local businesses, such as Dutch Bros Coffee, which offers free “puppuccinos” to field trip participants and promotes the dogs on social media. These partnerships are highlighted in a provided caregiver bag.
Tourism Focus:
- Best Friends Animal Society (UT): Located near breathtaking national parks in Utah, Best Friends invites volunteers from all over the US to Take A Dog Out for A Day or Host A Sleepover in pet-friendly accommodations.
- Kaua’i Humane Society (HI): Located in Hawaii, this shelter encourages tourists to participate in Field Trip with a Shelter Dog with a donation. They also offer additional donation options to support feeding and sterilizing shelter dogs and assist with mainland transport for caregivers who wish to adopt their dogs.
- Maui Humane Society (HI): Also in Hawaii, the Dog on Demand program encourages caregivers to take dogs to their pet-friendly accommodations, recognizing the benefits of a day of rest outside the shelter.
- Mendocino Coast Humane Society (CA): The Borrow-A-Buddy program partners with lodging properties, allowing guests to take dogs on outings (with a credit card deposit).
Streamlined Access:
- Fredericksburg Regional SPCA (VA): The Adventure Tails program removes barriers to participation by allowing walk-ins to immediately sign out a dog for an outing with just a government ID.
- Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MN): The Take Fido On A Field Trip program features online applications, a short online training, and easy sign-up.
- Nashville Humane Association (TN): Their website allows caregivers to view available slots of its Doggie Dates & Rovernights programs and sign up directly.
Other Programs:
- Refer to Mutual Rescue’s list of Doggy Day Out Partners.
From small-town shelters to national organizations, and even reaching across borders, the examples above showcase the diverse and impactful ways field trip programs are benefiting shelter dogs. Whether through increased adoption rates, reduced kennel stress, or simply a fun day out, these initiatives are proving invaluable. By empowering volunteers, partnering with local businesses, and prioritizing the well-being of the animals, these programs are not only changing the lives of individual dogs but also fostering stronger community connections and promoting responsible pet ownership. Inspired to get started? Explore resources available here, and consider how your shelter or rescue can contribute to this growing movement of compassion and canine companionship.