Give a dog a day out of the shelter! They'll enjoy it just as much as you do.
The ARL's Dog's Day Out program is a great opportunity for you to make a difference in the life of a shelter pet by giving them a break from the shelter. You can take them on a walk at a local trail, get a pup cup, explore the ARL's private dog park, or even take a nap on your couch. Research from Maddie's Fund shows even a few hours out of the shelter can have positive effects on dogs in a shelter environment.
Dogs participating in our Dog's Day Out program often experience fewer anxious behaviors and tend to be more calm, relaxed, and playful. Plus, you'll receive the companionship of a pet while giving them one of the best days ever!
NEW: We’ve expanded our Dog’s Day Out program! Now you can give a dog a break from the shelter at our ARL Animal Services location, as well as at ARL Main!
book now!
Benefits of our Dog's Day Out program
- Allows dogs to decompress
- Gives them extra enrichment
- Provides them increased exposure to potential adopters
- Reduces stress and behaviors related to nervousness or anxiety, so dogs often return calmer and more relaxed
- Provides an opportunity to learn about the dog's personality or things they enjoy - info that may be added to their online profiles to help them find great homes
How it works
- Available Dog's Day Out times:
- Monday - Friday
- Checkout at 12 p.m. or 1 p.m.
- Return by 6 p.m.
- Saturday - Sunday
- Checkout at 10 a.m. or 12 p.m.
- Return by 5 p.m.
- Schedule your field trip with an adoptable dog. (Note: The "10 minutes" shown on the link simply indicates the appointment time. Checkout/return times for the dog are above!). 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 15 minutes prior to your appointment with a valid driver's license.
- A staff member/volunteer will meet you at the adoption doors at ARL Main (doors may be locked, but we will come let you in) or ARL Animal Services (use adoption entrance, please).
- Our team will select a dog based on the qualifications you selected as well as the needs of the dog. Our dog population changes daily so we cannot guarantee we will have a dog that meets your qualifications.
- We will provide all of the basic supplies needed for your field trip.
- Dogs must be returned no later than the time indicated 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.
Help the dog meet adopters!
The dog will wear an "Adopt Me" vest or bandana to let everyone they meet know they are available for adoption. We encourage you to take photos to share on social media or with ARL staff! Use #arliowa or #arldogsdayout to help your post reach more people. We'd also love to hear what you learned about the dog while on your field trip! Are tennis balls their favorite toy? Do they enjoy car rides? What else did you learn?
Everything you share helps us match dogs with adopters. Photos and info can be submitted through our form below!
SUbmit your photos!
Guidelines for participants
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a valid driver's license
- Must have the ability to pick up and drop off during the designated time frame
- Must be able to return the dog to the ARL within 25 minutes at any time during your outing upon request
- While children are welcome, adults must act as the dog's handler throughout the outing
- Must agree to (1) not allow resident pets to join the field trip, (2) not bring the dog to homes where other pets are present, (3) not bring dogs to dog parks, and (4) 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)
- Must keep all gear provided for the dog on the dog during the entire day out
- Donations are non-refundable
Places to visit