San Diego Humane Society Expands 'Dog Day Out' Program

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County residents can now take a shelter dog out for a day through San Diego Humane Society's Dog Day Out program.

The program was expanded this week to all of the organization's campuses, including El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego. The Dog Day Out program allows community members to take adoptable dogs out for a few hours, giving them a break from the shelter.

"We've seen a great demand for the program at our San Diego campus since we started in April and are so excited to be able to expand it," said Emily Scheerer, director of operational programs at San Diego Humane Society. "It's a win-win, because the dogs get some normalcy away from their habitats and are exposed to more potential adopters while out and about."

In addition to giving dogs a break from the shelter, the program allows pups to experience new places and people and meet potential adopters in the community. The program also helps the organization gain insight into their personalities and quirks to make them easier to adopt, and in turn, opens up more space for other dogs in need.

San Diego Humane Society provides participants a manual with information about the dog and program, a backpack with supplies, and a map with recommended locations to visit.

To book an appointment at any campus, visit sdhumane.org/dogdayout.