Doggie Day Explorer (DDE)
Allows you to take a dog out of the shelter for a few hours, or the whole day.
WAGS walkers allow you to take a dog for a walk while remaining at the shelter.
If you are new to our dog walking or DDE programs, please start by filling out an application.
DOGGIE DAY EXPLORER FAQS
How long can I take a dog out of the shelter?
It’s up to you! You can take them on a car ride to go get a pup-cone, take them to your home for a few hours for play time and naps, or hang out with them around town for the day. Just let us know when you want to bring them back and we’ll be ready for them. Weekends are also a great option!
Why is Doggie Day Explorer (DDE) so important?
DDE give our dogs a much needed “break” from the stress of the shelter. They also help us learn about that pet’s behavior and their likes, dislikes. This helps us find them homes faster.
Won’t they be sad or stressed to go back to the shelter afterward?
The short answer is yes, however, the break from the shelter allows the dog to rest and recuperate from stress. A study done a few years ago that examined the effects DDE has on shelter dogs, states, “Stress does not increase once dogs return to the shelter. Dr. Gunter says that you can think of a sleepover as a day off from work after a hectic work week. Stress returns once you go back to work, and it returns once the dog goes back to the shelter. But that break allows you to rest and recuperate from stress.”
What can I do with a pet on a Doggie Day Explorer?
- Take naps
- Play fetch in the back yard
- Go on a car ride to get a snack
- Hang out on a patio
- Go on a hike
- Hang out with friends to meet new people
The opportunities are endless!
What can I not do with a dog?
- Go to a dog park
- Interact with other pets in the home
- Give the dog away to someone
Which dogs are eligible to go on a Doggie Day Explorer?
Dogs who have been with WAGS for a longer period of time dogs that are super stressed. This is an opportunity to give them a break from of the shelter, to have some fun, get calm and it helps us market them to potential adopters.