EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Animal Services and Rescue Runners are encouraging residents to spend time with a shelter dog through the upcoming Doggy Day Out program while offering volunteers the chance to give animals a break from the shelter and help improve their chances of adoption.
The next Doggy Day Out event is scheduled for Saturday, July 18.
Participants can sign up to take a shelter dog on a daylong outing, allowing the animal to enjoy time outside the kennel in a less stressful environment.
According to El Paso Animal Services, the outings help staff learn more about each dog’s personality in real-world settings.
Volunteers are encouraged to take photos and videos during their outing, which can be used in adoption profiles to give potential adopters a better look at each dog’s behavior and temperament.
The program is designed for people who want to help shelter pets but may not be in a position to foster or adopt. Shelter officials say even a single day outside the shelter can reduce stress for dogs and increase their visibility to prospective adopters.
Volunteers must register in advance through Rescue Runners, where participants can review program guidelines and reserve a dog for the event. According to the organization’s website, participants must be at least 18 years old, and dogs should not be introduced to other pets or taken to dog parks during their outing.
For more information or to register for the July 18 Doggy Day Out, visit RescueRunners.org.
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