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Doggy Day Out
Enjoy a Fun and Rewarding Day With a Shelter Dog
Doggy Day Out gives community members the chance to spend time with shelter dogs outside the kennel. Outings can last a few hours or a full day and may include a walk, a park visit, a short hike, a cozy rest at home, or a stop at a pet-friendly restaurant. These outings help reduce kennel stress, give dogs new experiences, and support positive social skills. Time outside the shelter also helps staff learn more about each dog’s personality, which can support better matches with future adopters. It’s a meaningful way to explore Pitt County while making a real difference.
The program is flexible and open to everyone. Sign-up is quick, and participants receive the supplies needed for a successful outing. Whether you want a walking buddy or a relaxing companion, Doggy Day Out offers a simple way to share time and care.
Even a few hours away from the shelter helps dogs release energy and experience new sights and sounds. This can make them calmer when meeting potential adopters and helps more residents learn about adoptable pets. Thank you for supporting shelter dogs and helping them thrive.
Supplies Provided
- Leash, collar or harness, dog seat belt, waste bags, water bottle and bowl, crate if needed, and adoption information cards
Get Ready to Make a Shelter Dog's Day
Be Ready for Anything
- Remember, these dogs may have unknown backgrounds or limited history with people and environments outside the shelter.
- Even the calmest dog in the shelter can react unpredictably to new sights, sounds, and experiences. Stay patient and observe closely.
- Always keep the dog leashed and under control in public spaces to reduce risk and ensure safety.
Prepare Your Vehicle
- Ensure you have a safe and secure space for transport, this may include a crate, seat harness, or barrier to keep the dog from moving freely inside the car.
- Consider bringing a towel or blanket for the seat and a water bowl for longer outings.
- Travel with a second person if possible to assist in monitoring the dog during the ride.
Leave Personal Pets at Home
- This outing is a special time for the shelter dog to de-stress and bond one-on-one with a human companion.
- For health and safety reasons, your personal pets should not join the outing. Pitt County Animal Services (PCAS) is not responsible for any vet costs for personal pets that may arise from exposure.
Check Your Yard or Home Space
- If you plan to bring the dog home for a visit, inspect your yard and home in advance to ensure it is secure and dog-friendly.
- Look for potential escape points such as gaps in fencing, loose boards, or open gates.
- Remove or secure anything that could be harmful, including toxic plants, small objects that could be swallowed, and sharp tools.
Fun Doggy Day Out Ideas
- Enjoy a leisurely walk in the park or around your neighborhood, fresh air and new smells are enriching for shelter dogs.
- Visit a pet-friendly café or coffee shop, many offer pup cups or treats for furry friends!
- Explore local dog-friendly shops or pet supply stores, this is a fun way to socialize and let the dog experience new environments.
- Have a cozy snuggle session and watch a movie at home, sometimes quiet relaxation is the best treat of all.
- Take a scenic hike on a dog-friendly trail, always bring water and check trail rules for pets.
- Let the pup splash around at a safe, dog-friendly swimming spot or creek, never leave dogs unattended near water.
- Plan a short car ride adventure, many dogs love sticking their noses out the window (safely buckled in, of course)!
- Bring along some toys or puzzles for mental stimulation, this can be done at home or in a quiet park setting.
- Capture lots of fun moments with photos and videos, these can make a big difference in helping the dog find a forever home!
Photos and Videos Help Promote Adoption
We love seeing your Doggy Day Out adventures, and so do potential adopters!
Share your photos and videos to help showcase the dog’s personality and charm. These posts can make all the difference in finding them a loving home.
Tag Pitt County Animal Services on social media and include our hashtags so we can feature your outing:
Recommended Hashtags: #DoggyDayOut #PCAS #AdoptDontShop
You can also email your photos and videos directly to us for use on our website or social media channels:
Thank you for being a part of helping Pitt County’s shelter dogs shine outside the shelter!
As Their Person for the Day, You Agree To:
- Always keep the dog with you. Your supervision helps the dog feel safe and secure throughout the outing.
- Ensure children are never left alone with the dog. An adult must be present and supervising any interactions at all times.
- Report any bites or incidents immediately. This ensures we can respond quickly and keep everyone safe.
- Keep the dog leashed at all times unless safely secured at home. This reduces risk and keeps both the dog and the community safe.
- Avoid dog parks, off-leash areas, or large gatherings. Even friendly dogs can get overwhelmed or reactive in busy settings.
- Return the dog on time as agreed. Staying on schedule helps us manage shelter operations and the dog’s care needs.
- Use safe transport methods. Secure the dog with a crate, seatbelt harness, or appropriate barrier during car rides.
- Keep the dog away from shelter property during your outing. This prevents confusion and ensures a smooth handoff at return time.
- Share any medical or behavioral concerns right away. Your observations are crucial for the dog's health and future success.
- Make sure the dog has plenty of water, rest, and shade. Always be mindful of the weather and take breaks as needed.
- Use only positive reinforcement methods. Never yell, hit, or punish the dog, kindness and patience are key to a great experience.
- Carry a working cell phone with you at all times. This ensures you can reach us quickly if needed.
- Be a positive advocate for your doggy companion! Speak kindly and share upbeat stories to help showcase the dog’s best qualities.
If Someone Is Interested in Adopting
Kindly give them the dog’s business card or encourage them to contact the shelter directly for more information.
We are so grateful for your participation in our Doggy Day Out program. Your care and attention make a huge difference in the lives of our shelter dogs, helping them relax, learn and find loving forever homes!
If You Have an Vet Emergency Requiring Immediate Help
Call 252.902.1726 immediately and return the dog to the shelter as soon as it is safe to do so.
Email: Ashley.Case@pittcountync.gov
Important: Any visit to an emergency veterinary clinic must be approved in advance unless it is a life-threatening situation.
What Counts as an Emergency?
- Severe diarrhea or loss of bowel/bladder control that does not resolve quickly
- Body temperature over 104°F
- Signs of extreme dehydration (skin stays tented when pinched, dry or tacky gums, sunken eyes)
- Vomiting blood or bile (green/yellow), or vomiting combined with diarrhea and lethargy
- Labored, shallow, or difficult breathing
- Extreme lethargy or inability to stand or move
- Swelling of the face, eyes, or muzzle (may indicate an allergic reaction)
- Prolapsed rectum or visible rectal tissue
- Ingestion of toxic substances (e.g., chocolate, xylitol, poisonous plants, medications)
- Broken bones, visibly swollen limbs, or obvious injury
- Seizures that are prolonged or occurring repeatedly
- Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding
- Sudden confusion, disorientation, or balance issues
- Any other signs of severe pain, distress, or unusual behavior that concerns you
If Your Dog Gets Loose
Stay calm. If the dog is still visible, crouch down, call their name gently, and walk away slowly to encourage them to follow. Avoid chasing or making fast movements, as this can frighten the dog further or cause them to run. If the dog runs, keep a safe distance to follow and monitor where they go. If they enter a secure area, close gates or doors behind them before trying to approach. Always call us immediately for assistance or advice if you need help.
If a Bite Occurs
If someone is bitten, it’s important to report it right away. Please collect the person’s contact information and a clear description of what happened. All bites that break the skin must be reported to Pitt County Animal Services as required by law. Reporting a bite does not mean the dog will be euthanized, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you and ensure the safety of everyone involved.