Dog Day Getaway
Take an adoptable dog out for the day to take a break from the shelter, meet new people, and maybe find their new home!
What’s a Dog Day Getaway?
By taking a shelter dog out for even a few hours during a Dog Day Getaway, you are helping them to take a break from the shelter, release some pent-up energy, visit some new people and places, and even meet potential adopters in the community.
This experience is incredibly valuable for the dogs in our care, since it allows us to learn more about their personalities outside the shelter and market them to potential adopters. In allowing more members of the community to meet our available dogs during a Dog Day Getaway, we can help dogs find homes and open shelter spaces to help more dogs in need.
What is involved?
- Visit the location links below to look for an available date at one of our three (Detroit, Westland, Sterling Heights) adoption centers.
- Arrive at the shelter at your scheduled time to pick up your dog for the day. You will receive a backpack with all needed supplies, a list of some local dog-friendly locations, and an excited shelter dog.
- Settle the dog in your car with the supplied seat belt, and head off on your Getaway.
- While you’re out, please take photos and videos of your dog enjoying their day away from the shelter. You can share these on social media and/or email them to our team.
- Talk to people you meet while you’re out about the dog. The more people who know about our great dogs up for adoption the better.
- Return your dog at the end of the Getaway – any time before 5:00pm.
- Fill out the Dog Report Card letting us know how your dog did.
- That’s it! Know that you made a difference in a dog’s life.
Reserve Your Getaway:
Does it cost anything to participate?
It does not.
Which locations offer the Dog Day Getaway program?
Our Detroit, Westland, and Sterling Heights adoption centers.
What kind of dog will I be paired with? Can I pick the dog I want to spend the day with?
A variety of dogs, however medium- and large-sized dogs, particularly young adults, benefit most from additional time outside of the shelter. Our staff will do their best to match you with a dog that meets your handling skills and plans for the day. If you are going for a hike you’ll be matched with a different dog than if you are planning to take your dog to a drive-in movie.
Do I need any special supplies?
No! For your Dog Day Getaway Michigan Humane will supply you with all the supplies your dog will need for the day, from treats to collars and leashes, and even some fun toys.
Where can I take my dog during our getaway?
A Michigan Humane team member will provide you with a list of dog-friendly locations you may enjoy visiting. You can take the dog to your home, but we do ask that they be kept separate from any resident pets.
Can I bring a friend and we take out two dogs together?
Possibly. If we have two dogs that know each other well at the shelter who we think would have a great time on a Getaway together, we can absolutely do that. It depends on what dogs we have available at any given time. We won’t send two dogs who are strangers out together, but you can still bring a friend and both shower one dog with attention if we don’t have a pair
Can this dog meet my pets at home?
We ask that they do not. We want Dog Day Getaways to allow dogs to have individual time with people and get exposure in the community. While in the shelter we can have dog playdates and meet shelter dogs’ needs for canine companionship, but we cannot spend much time one-on-one with the dogs.
Can I adopt this dog after our getaway?
YES! Please see a Michigan Humane team member upon your return to learn more about adoption.
What if I have other questions?
A Michigan Humane staff member will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have to make your Dog Day Getaway a success.
Learn More
For questions regarding Michigan Humane’s Dog Day Getaway program, please email DogDayGetaway@MichiganHumane.org.