Halifax Humane Society is launching Dogs Day Out, an innovative, volunteer-powered program that allows community members to take adoptable shelter dogs on field trips throughout Volusia County. The program is designed to reduce kennel stress, increase enrichment opportunities, gather valuable behavioral information, and help dogs find homes faster.
Beginning July 1st, participants can visit Halifax Humane Society between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. any day of the week to receive a brief orientation, select an adventure buddy, and check out a specially equipped Dogs Day Out backpack filled with supplies and a list of “dog-approved” activities needed for a successful outing. Dogs are to be returned to the shelter by 12 p.m., when the shelter opens, to avoid missing any adoption opportunities.
“Every day, wonderful dogs wait in shelters for someone to notice them,” said Sean Hawkins, CEO of Halifax Humane Society. “Dogs Day Out gives these pets an opportunity to experience the world, show off their personalities, and connect with potential adopters in ways that simply are not possible from inside a kennel.”
Participants can take dogs to parks, beaches, trails, pet-friendly businesses, or simply spend quality time together. Upon returning the dog, volunteers complete a short report card sharing observations about the dog’s personality, preferences, and behavior.
“Dogs Day Out allows us to see who our dogs are in the real world. When we learn that a dog loves the beach, prefers quiet walks, or thrives in busy social settings, we can match them with families who enjoy those same activities. These experiences help us move beyond appearance and create lasting connections based on shared lifestyles and interests,” says Christel Fleming, Director of Life Saving Operations.
The first 125 Dogs Day Out volunteers will receive a complimentary Dogs Day Out t-shirt and ball cap, plus a water bottle to use with their pup. Dogs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and community members may also reserve an outing online by emailing [email protected]. Volunteers will also receive two admission passes to the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure for a future visit as a special thank-you for their participation.
“We could not be more excited about creating an experience for the launch of the Dogs Day Out program with the Humane Society at the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure,” said its owners, Cliff and Margaret Grosvenor. “We hope that many area businesses open their doors to welcome volunteers and shelter dogs as locations for their adventure days.”
The program was made possible through generous support from the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), whose grant investment is helping Halifax Humane Society build volunteer infrastructure, purchase equipment and enrichment supplies, recruit volunteers, and expand lifesaving opportunities for shelter dogs.
“Even the best shelters can be stressful for some dogs. Halifax Humane Society’s new Dogs Day Out program offers dogs enriching experiences outside of the shelter and increases their visibility in the community,” said Lindsay McCall, vice president of shelter partnerships at the ASPCA. “These positive outings can help shorten stays by introducing dogs to more potential adopters, and the ASPCA is proud to provide Halifax Humane Society with grant funding to help support this program.”
Halifax Humane Society expects Dogs Day Out to serve hundreds of dogs annually, reduce the length of stay for long-term residents, increase adoptions, generate valuable marketing content for the adoptable dogs, and strengthen community engagement.
ABOUT HALIFAX HUMANE SOCIETY
Founded in 1937, Halifax Humane Society is a private, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals and promoting responsible pet ownership. Through adoption, veterinary services, community outreach, foster care, volunteer engagement, and innovative lifesaving programs, Halifax Humane Society works to champion pets and empower their people throughout Volusia County.
