Manatee County Invites Residents to Give Shelter Dogs a Day of Adventure Through Doggy Day Out
Manatee County Animal Welfare is encouraging residents to give shelter dogs a break from kennel life through its Doggy Day Out program, an initiative that allows community members to spend the day with a shelter dog while helping improve the animal’s chances of finding a permanent home.
The program gives participants the opportunity to “check out” a dog for a day, much like borrowing a library book, and enjoy activities ranging from beach walks and car rides to relaxing at home or stopping for a pup cup. Even simple experiences, such as exploring new environments or meeting new people, can help dogs build confidence and reduce the stress of shelter life.
Each outing also provides valuable insight into a dog’s personality, preferences and behavior outside the shelter. Staff can learn how dogs react to everyday situations, including encountering automatic doors, elevators, children, household noises or other pets. This information helps Animal Welfare better match dogs with prospective adopters and identify the type of home where they are most likely to thrive.
Some dogs may benefit from meeting friendly family members or participating in a supervised playdate with another dog if both animals are known to be dog-friendly. Others simply enjoy a quiet afternoon lounging at home or exploring a local park.
Shelter officials say a single day outside the shelter can make a significant difference for a dog’s well-being. Time away from the kennel can help shy dogs become more social, allow energetic dogs to burn off excess energy and, in some cases, even lead directly to adoption after someone falls in love with their temporary adventure companion.
The Doggy Day Out program is open through Manatee County Animal Welfare at Bishop Animal Shelter, located at 5718 21st Ave. W. in Bradenton. The shelter is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Residents interested in participating can contact Manatee County Animal Welfare at 941-742-5933 or email adoptions@mymanatee.org to learn more about taking a shelter dog on its next adventure.
