Doggy Day Out
Our Doggy Day Out Program gives you the chance to take a dog out into the community for a day of exploration, play, and new experiences. Whether it's grabbing a pup cup at a drive-through, relaxing at a dog-friendly patio, exploring a local park, or just spending a quiet afternoon on your couch, these outings are monumental for our shelter dogs.
For shelter dogs, field trips are more than just fun. They provide crucial mental stimulation and stress relief from kennel life. They give dogs the chance to practice real-world skills and show their true personalities outside the shelter environment. And they dramatically increase adoption chances when potential families see photos and videos of dogs thriving in everyday situations. You're not just giving a dog a good day—you're giving them a better shot at finding a home.
The program is flexible and rewarding. You choose where to go, what to do, and how long to spend together. We provide everything you need: leash, collar, treats, waste bags, and even an "Adopt Me" leash to spark conversations with people you meet.
Who Can Participate
The Field Trip Program is open to established WCHS volunteers who have completed at least three regular volunteer shifts in the last 6 months. This ensures you're comfortable with our procedures and more confident handling dogs in various situations. We reserve the right to approve or deny field trip requests to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both volunteers and animals.
Adventure Awaits
There are so many local adventures - the possibilities are nearly endless. A few common options are…
Visiting coffee shops or breweries that welcome four-legged guests
Walk through local parks and nature trails
Take a scenic drive through the Palouse
Play fetch in your fenced backyard
Enjoy couch snuggles and Netflix
Every field trip creates ripples of positive change. Dogs return to the shelter calmer and happier, having burned off energy and experienced mental enrichment. Staff members gain valuable insights into each dog's personality, preferences, and behavior in real-world settings, which helps them write better adoption profiles and make better matches with potential families.
Additionally, the photos and videos you capture become powerful adoption tools. When people scrolling through our social media see a dog enjoying a pup cup, playing in a park, or lounging contentedly on a couch, they can envision that dog in their own life. You're helping tell each dog's story in a way that connects emotionally with adopters. And when you're out in public with a dog wearing an "Adopt Me" vest, you're creating visibility for our shelter and starting conversations that might lead someone to their perfect companion.
Ready to Start?
If you're an established WCHS volunteer looking for a meaningful way to make an even bigger difference, the Doggy Day Out Program offers incredible rewards for both you and the dogs you'll help. Every outing matters.
Complete the orientation and then contact us via email to learn more about becoming a field trip volunteer or ask a staff member in person during your next volunteer shift!