Dog Day Out is an innovative field-trip program that gives shelter dogs a much-needed break from the kennel—and a better chance at finding a forever home! This flexible one-day foster opportunity allows participants to take a dog on a fun day trip in the community.

These outings are gamechangers: dogs get to exercise, socialize, de-stress, and show off their personalities—all of which help them shine for potential adopters. In fact, studies show that just one day out of the shelter makes a dog 5x more likely to be adopted!

How to Participate:

Step 1: Schedule your Dog Day Out appointment 

(Appointments open weekly. If no appointments are currently available, please check back next week for newly released openings.)
San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus

Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter

No appointments required for the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. Please stop by the shelter during open hours and staff will assist.

Step 2: Come to the shelter for your day out!

Let the front kiosk staff know you're here for Dog Day Out

Pick-up hours: 

Riverside: 11:30 AM – 1 PM
San Jacinto: 11:30 AM - 1 PM

You'll be provided with a backpack containing essentials:

• Martingale collar & leash
• “Adopt Me” vest
• Seatbelt tether
• Water bowl
• Poop bag dispenser

Return time: 

Riverside: 4 PM – 5:30 PM
San Jacinto: 3:30 - 5 PM

Return to the kiosk with the dog and the provided backpack