Dog’s Day Out
Give a dog a day out of the shelter! They'll enjoy it just as much as you do.
About the program
The ARL’s Dog’s Day Out program gives shelter dogs a much-needed break from the shelter while helping them connect with potential adopters. Spend a few hours together walking a local trail, grabbing a pup cup, visiting the ARL’s private dog park, or simply relaxing at home.
Research from Maddie’s Fund shows that even a few hours away from the shelter can have positive effects on dogs. This program provides extra enrichment, reduces stress and anxiety-related behaviors, and often results in dogs returning calmer and more relaxed. It also gives participants the chance to learn more about a dog’s personality, preferences, and quirks — information that can be added to their online profiles to help them find the right home.
Available at ARL Main and ARL Animal Services, Dog’s Day Out is a simple way to make a meaningful difference in a shelter pet’s life while enjoying a dog’s companionship for the day.
Getting started
- Schedule your appointment time below.We kindly request a donation of $15 to help support this program and pets like your field trip companion. Once scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email. Please check your spam folder if you have not received an email within 10 minutes.
- Arrive on time for your appointment. You will be asked to show a valid driver’s license. A staff member/volunteer will meet you at the adoption entrance at ARL Main or ARL Animal Services (The doors may be locked if we are not open. If so, a staff member will let you in.)
- Based on your criteria, our team will select a great match. Our dog population changes daily, so we cannot guarantee we will have a dog that meets every qualification provided.
- Our team will provide you with the basic supplies needed. We ask that all supplies stay with the dog throughout the day and are returned after your appointment.
- Have a great day! Dogs must be returned no later than the time indicated below and on your appointment time slot.
If you are interested in adopting a dog, that’s great! Please understand that a field trip does not replace our adoption process and does not guarantee an adoption. Find out more about our adoption process here.
Current hours
Monday – Friday
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Saturday – Sunday
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Guidelines for participants
- Must be at least 18 years old with valid driver’s license. While children are welcome, adults must act as the dog’s handler throughout the outing
- Must be able to return the dog to the ARL within 25 minutes at any time during your outing upon request
- Must agree to
- Not allow resident pets to join the field trip
- Not bring the dog to homes where other pets are present
- Not bring dogs to dog parks
- Not allow interactions with other dogs during your outing
- While in the vehicle, dogs must be buckled in using the seatbelt provided by the ARL and must ride in an enclosed vehicle (open truck beds, convertibles, removable doors, etc., are not permitted)
- Donations are non-refundable
- In extreme temperatures, participants are required to follow our weather protocols, including limiting time outside to brief walks to or from a location only. For additional outing ideas, we encourage participants to visit our dog-friendly businesses page on our website.