COMING SOON!
a Dogs Day Out program
with support of the Banfield Foundation & VCA Charities
Hounds Around Towns (HAT)
Most dogs are at their best when they are out of the shelter. Some dogs require daily enrichment out of the kennel to keep their minds active and vibrant. Our Hounds Around Town program allows visitors to invite shelter dogs on a fun day of exploring their world outside the shelter. This program allows you to provide much-needed enrichment, time to rest, or time to burn some energy for the dogs who need it most.
The focus of Hounds Around Town is to provide outing opportunities for the dogs who most need a break from the shelter. Participating dogs are often young, large, and/or energetic. These dogs may still be perfecting their manners or leash skills, so participants should be confident in their dog handling abilities.
If you are new to the Program, join our volunteer pack. Register HERE. Please be sure to READ all information provided.
If you are already a Program participant and previously registered, you can CHOOSE YOUR PICKUP TIME HERE
FAQ’s
Who can participate?
Participants must be 18 and older and physically able to handle the assigned dog. We request children do not handle the dogs.
What should I bring with me?
We will provide a backpack full of supplies to accompany your pup! Your backpack will include an info card with an emergency phone number, a list of recommended destinations, a water bottle, a water bowl, a towel, toys, treats, poop bags, an “Adopt Me” bandana, and a doggy seat belt. Please be sure to return ALL items including the seat belt.
Can I bring my own dog on the outing?
We ask that your Hounds Around Town companion be only dog on your outing. Our shelter dogs often share kennels so they benefit greatly from the one-on-one attention that Hounds Around Town provides. Plus, being the only dog gives your new friend chance to shine to potential adopters and lets you focus on all their best qualities to help us all promote!
Can I request a specific size or breed of dog?
The majority of our Hounds Around Town dogs are medium to large sized and may be strong. Due to the constant flow of dogs in and out of the shelter, we cannot fulfill requests to be paired with a dog that excludes specific breeds or sizes. HSO will choose the dog needing it most and around any limitations you may have to the best of our ability.
Where can we go with our dog?
The info card we provide will give you some ideas of where you can take your dog. Please keep weather conditions in mind during your outing. For example, if it’s incredibly warm, we suggest shady areas. Your day out can include dog-friendly patios, city parks, pet-friendly stores, or even a chill at your own home!
Who do I call if I have any questions when I am out with my dog?
For emergencies, please call 541-447-7178; Emergency only after-hours (541) 903-0162
What happens if I fall in love with my outing dog?
We get it… it’s easy to fall in love with our pups! Learn more about adopting or fostering your new buddy. The single best thing you can do is to share your love on your social media and tag #hsonokillshelter
What are the shelter’s expectations?
One of the biggest benefits for your barking buddy is that your experience with them helps us learn more about your friend and for us to promote their amazingness! So please share pictures, video, and feedback on the report card in your backpack before you head home.
What dog should I expect?
A dog approximately 40-65lbs.
Generally, the dogs will be young and strong.
We choose the dogs based on which dogs need a break from the shelter the most, or those we need more information to share for adoption matches.
We will provide a backpack with doggy supplies inside.
Due to the constant flow of dogs in and out of the shelter, we cannot fulfill requests to be paired with a dog that excludes specific breeds, energy levels, or sizes. Though we will do our best to make an appropriate match.
When can I take a dog out?
At this time, we are offering pre-registration slots for this program on Saturdays only starting at 8a. The calendar registration slots are in 15-minute increments to reflect the pick-up time frame. Scheduling can be done 10 days ahead. You are welcome and encouraged to spend the day with your outing dog. Return time is no later than 3:30p.
We ask that you arrive on time for your pre-registration appointments. Any significantly late parties may not be guaranteed an outing dog.
Whenever possible, we encourage you to pre-register ahead of time. We may have other openings to take a Hounds Around Town on a walk-in basis Saturdays starting at 8:30a The number of walk-in openings will vary based on availability.
If we reach our daily goal of getting each eligible dog on an outing, you are still welcome to walk through the shelter to say hi to our other pets!
Do You Have Suggestions of Places to Go?
If your home or rental is pet-friendly, we have found that our outing dogs especially enjoy a day decompressing and getting quality rest in a home environment, often even more than an adventure day.
Please note that due to our location, you will need a car for your outing.
Click here to view a list of dog friendly spots we recommend! A list is included in your backpack!
