Cumberland County Animal Services announces the launch of the Dog’s Day Out program, where approved members of the public can sign up to take dogs off the property for a few hours for exercise, play and bonding, and to better prepare the animals for adoption.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Animal Services announces the launch of the Dog’s Day Out program, where approved members of the public can sign up to take dogs off the property for a few hours for exercise, play and bonding, and to better prepare the animals for adoption.
The Dog’s Day Out program increases the adoptability of shelter dogs who meet the program’s requirements by increasing their exposure to potential adopters while also reducing the animals’ anxiety. By taking shelter dogs out for just a few hours a day, the dogs get much-needed exercise and mental stimulation of new experiences and people.
“We are so excited to launch this program. Our shelter dogs can really benefit from a change of scenery and our staff gets great information on how they behave in certain situations, what their likes and dislikes are, etc.,” said Animal Services Director Elaine Smith. “And potential adopters are everywhere in our community, so taking a dog to a park, or downtown for a stroll gives them an extra chance to find a great new home.”
Only shelter dogs in good general health who demonstrate appropriate behavior with no signs of aggression toward people or other animals may participate in Dog’s Day Out. Anyone interested in taking dogs out should apply to become a shelter volunteer. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Once enrolled in the program, shelter staff will assign an appropriate dog for volunteers to be taken for Dog’s Day Out. For more information, or to find out how you can become an approved volunteer, contact Amanda Organ at aorgan@cumberlandcountync.gov or call 910-438-4050.
The Dog’s Day Out Program is made possible through generous community support. The program was established through an Eagle Scout Project by Rawls Howard IV of Boy Scout Troop 40. Howard’s Eagle Scout project involved a supply drive for the Dog’s Day Out Program. On Sept. 30, local businesses, family and friends packed more than 50 “go bags” of donated supplies including treats, water, water bowls, toys, bandanas and leashes.
For more information about Cumberland County Animal Services or to see pets available for adoption, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/animalservices or call 910-321-6852. Cumberland County Animal Services is located at 4704 Corporation Dr., Fayetteville.