The Association Blog

Happier, calmer shelter dogs? Here’s a plan for making that happen

“When shelters first began sending dogs on field trips, what surprised staff the most was seeing shelter dogs who were otherwise stressed, anxious, and worried transform in front of their eyes, becoming happy and calm,” reads the intro to this nifty new resource on field trips for shelter dogs.

Doggie day out programs have been around for awhile, and with good reason. They work. Whether you are ready to create a program at your organization, or are looking to enhance an existing one, check out this practical guide from VCA Charities. The 18-page digital publication covers the benefits of dog day out programs (not just for the dogs, but the positive impact on your staff, shelter and community), safety considerations, launching and marketing your program, as well as how to measure its success. We also love the FAQ, featuring real questions from shelters with established programs.