Las Vegas shelter dogs are trading kennel time for a little adventure this month. The Animal Foundation has rolled out Doggy Days Out. This October-long initiative pairs community members with shelter dogs for foster outings lasting anywhere from a few hours to two weeks.
The program expands the shelter’s one-day Doggy Day Out event into a full month of outings and runs through Oct. 31 as part of the organization’s Foster Field Trip program. Participants don’t need to commit to adoption or a traditional foster placement to get involved.
Outings can be as active or as relaxed as volunteers like. A walk at Mount Charleston, an afternoon lounging on the couch at home, or a meal on a dog-friendly restaurant patio all count. According to the shelter, even a brief break from the noise and stress of kennel life can improve a dog’s mental health and boost its chances of finding a permanent home. Time away also reveals personality traits that don’t always show up in a kennel, giving staff more to share with future adopters…