Doggy Day Out
Fostering is a loving way to help a shelter animal acclimate to a home setting before being adopted. We understand that not everyone can open up their home to a foster pet, but they still would like to help our pets de-stress. That’s where the Doggy Day Out (DDO) program comes in! Doggy Day Out is a program aimed at giving shelter dogs a break from their kennels through community-based outings. Animal enthusiasts can turn their compassion into action by taking one of HSSW’s shelter dogs on an adventure.
These two hour excursions offer valuable exercise and enrichment for our shelter friends, while also allowing DDO participants to play a role in helping pets go home again! During a DDO outing, participants can introduce, ‘show off’ the dog to those passing by, and take photos and/or videos to share online. Want to get involved? Click the Doggy Day Out Application button above!
Which dogs can go on Doggy Day Out trips?
The Doggy Day Out Coordinator will select dogs for the day based on the information received in your application, the type of day you have planned, how long the dog has been with us, and the dogs stress levels. All dogs going on DDO outings will be current on their vaccinations (Rabies Vaccinations, DA2PP Vaccinations, & Bordatella Vaccinations), microchipped, and behaviorally assessed by our Dog Care Team before going on their outing.
What are the benefits to the Doggy Day Out program?
A 2018 study of the field trip program at Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) found that dogs on field trips were happier, more relaxed, more playful and calmer than dogs in the shelter. Dogs on field trips showed less nervousness, anxiousness, insecurity, barking, shaking/trembling and repetitive behaviors such as jumping. Many field trips led directly to a dog’s adoption too! You can read more about this HERE.
What are some dog-friendly places in the Janesville area?
- Ace Hardware
- Farm & Fleet
- Harbor Freight
- TJ Maxx
- Old Navy
- Home Goods
- Hobby Lobby
- Barkley’s Bar Patio
- Dairy Queen Patio
- Joann Fabrics
- Sammy’s Hilltop Patio
- Anchor Inn Mermaid Patio
- Ross
- 5 Below
- Michael’s
- Rock County Parks
- Marling Lumber and HomeWorks
- Old Town Mall
- Garden of Eaten
- K&W Greenery
- Sidelines Patio
- The Chocolate Shoppe
- Flying Pig
- Lucy #7 Burger Bar Patio
- M&M Dari Ripple
- Noodles & Company Patio
- Firehouse Subs Patio
- Luke’s Deli Patio
- Starbucks Patio
- Janesville Parks between 9/15 – Memorial Day
- Wisconsin State Parks
- Illinois State Parks
*No dog parks whatsoever!*
What are the expectations of participants?
- Participants must be at least 18 years or older.
- All Doggy Day Out dogs must be picked up from and returned to HSSW at the agreed upon times.
- Participants must fill out an electronic questionnaire after their day out trip.
- Participants must takes photos/videos and send them to our Doggy Day Out Coordinator.
- If any concerning behaviors are exhibited, HSSW needs to be notified immediately by phone and follow instructions given over the phone on next steps.
- Doggy Day Out dogs are not to be let off leash in public areas nor are they to be within 10′ of other dogs when out on walks.
- Doggy Day Out dogs are not to meet any other pets without approval from our Doggy Day Out Coordinator.
- Participants are to keep a copy of the Doggy Day Out protocol and emergency handout on them during outings.
- Participants are to program our Intake and Emergency Line direct phone numbers into their phones.
- Doggy Day Out dogs are to stay with their Day-Out Participant. They are not to go to doggie daycare, dog-sitter’s house, etc.
Testimonials
Check out what some of our participants have to say about their outings!
This was awesome!
