Abilene’s All Kind Initiative allows college students who cannot foster or adopt to make a difference through its Doggy Day Out program. The program is not limited to foster care and adoption; anyone can participate and give an animal a little fresh air.

Cathy Spano works at the front desk at the Pet Adoption and Resource Center – where All-kind is located. Spano said the Doggy Day Out program is perfect for those whose living situation or schedules cannot.

“It’s a great way for college students to scratch that doggy itch,” Spano said. “Because sometimes people who can’t properly care for a dog have to end up abandoning them.”

Anyone can participate. Spano said the program is available to any All-kind volunteer.

The program has a few rules and guidelines designed to ensure the safety of the dog.

According to the Doggy Day Out pamphlet, dogs must be up to date on their rabies vaccine. It asks to refrain from any off-leash or nose-to-nose interactions, like dog parks, as they can be unpredictable and dangerous, but it encourages visits to dog-friendly places like Home Depot or Pet Smart.

The program is an alternative opportunity for volunteers and can provide a beneficial service to the shelter.

Noc Amerson also works at the PARC front desk. Amerson said after a Doggy Day Out, they have the volunteers fill out a questionnaire of important questions relevant to key factors of the dog’s adoption.

“It really helps us find their personalities outside of the shelter,” Amerson said. “It makes them more adoptable.”

The questionnaire asks about how the dog interacts with other animals or children.

“Like if people come in with kids, then we know the dogs are good with kids,” Spano said.

These factors greatly contribute to the dog’s adoption as they give volunteers insight into what kind of home the dog would fit best in. Prior knowledge of the dog’s personality can help prevent a dog’s return to the shelter.

In addition to the questionnaire, All-kind asks volunteers to capture the moments. “Take as many pictures and videos as possible to highlight the dog’s day out,” the pamphlet says. Sharing these moments helps them find their forever home.

Volunteer involvement ensures the success of the Doggy Day Out program. It is a simple way to make a difference at the shelter and the dogs’ lives. From showcasing their true personalities to giving them an adventure outside the shelter, the program is a valuable experience for volunteers and shelter dogs.