Photos courtesy of Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC).
You Don’t Have to Adopt to Help a Shelter Dog: HSVC Launches Dog Day Out
New program lets Ventura County residents take a shelter dog on a fieldtrip, easing kennel stress and increasing adoptions.
OJAI — Not everyone can take a shelter dog home, but almost anyone can give one a few hours away from the kennel. The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is officially rolling out its Dog Day Out program to the public. Community members can take a dog out for a hike, a ride or a quiet afternoon at home, with no foster or adoption commitment.
HSVC is giving more dogs homes, and faster. Through August, dog adoptions are up 42% over the same period last year (223 compared with 157), and half of adopted dogs now go home within 14 days, compared with 24 days last year. HSVC hopes Dog Day Out — a program used by shelters nationwide and linked in research to higher adoption rates — will keep this momentum going and help its longest-staying dogs find homes.
“Not everyone is in a position to foster or adopt, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a difference,” said Director of Shelter Operations Teresa Johnson. “Take a dog for a pup cup or watch Netflix with them on your couch. It’s a short-term commitment that helps a dog find its home, and you get to have some fun doing it.”
After booking an appointment, participants are paired with an adoptable dog (often medium- or large-sized), to pick up from HSVC’s Ojai campus and return them at the agreed upon time. HSVC provides a backpack, leash, harness, dog bowls and other supplies and can suggest outing locations.
Why a few hours matter
Even with regular walks from staff, a shelter can be a stressful environment for dogs. The longer the stay, the more their stress builds, which can lead to more panting, barking and licking. Dogs may spend 23 hours or more a day in their kennels, and research suggests shelter dogs are often sleep-deprived. A 2019 PeerJ study of 207 dogs across five U.S. shelters found they rested longest and had significantly lower cortisol levels during temporary overnight foster stays.
A few hours in a quieter, more natural environment can have a meaningful impact on their wellbeing. Participants can share feedback, photos and videos with HSVC and on social media, helping staff and the public see each dog’s true personality. Dog Day Out adventures create exposure that leads to adoption.
A proven national model
Dog Day Out was developed by VCA Charities, which launched the program in 2023 and has since supported shelters across the country. Research by Dr. Lisa Gunter of Virginia Tech found that short-term outings and temporary foster stays made dogs five to 14 times more likely to be adopted. In VCA Charities’ 2023 pilot with 10 large shelters, the majority of dogs who went on field trips found homes in fewer than four days.
HSVC’s own limited pilot pointed the same way. Staff saw a clear change in dogs returning from outings: they were noticeably more relaxed for days after. The program builds on HSVC’s foster program, and supports HSVC’s broader mission of helping more dogs find loving homes. HSVC currently offers six appointments a week.
How it works
Participants must be at least 18, stay within Ventura County and follow HSVC’s safety guidelines. Dogs must stay on leash except inside a home or fenced yard, and participants must keep at least 20 feet from other dogs. Dog parks and dog beaches are not allowed. Participants are asked to provide water, shade and rest, use positive reinforcement only, and report any medical or behavioral concerns to staff. Families with children are welcome as long as an adult controls the leash.
Community members can learn more about Dog Day Out, explore fostering and find out how to participate at HSVC’s booth at Ojai Day on Oct. 17. To make an appointment to take a dog out, please visit www.hsvc.org/dog-day-out/.
About Humane Society of Ventura County
The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing animal welfare through compassionate care, humane education, adoptions and proactive services like disaster response and humane investigations. Funded entirely by community support since 1932, HSVC continually strives to ensure the health, safety, and humane treatment of animals across Ventura County. For more information or to support HSVC’s mission, visit www.hsvc.org