DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Animals can make a huge difference in our lives, and just as much as we need them, they need us.
The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area is asking for the community's help through a new program called Shelter Skip Day.
It allows you to take a shelter dog out for a fun date!
Shelter Skip Days are Tuesdays through Sundays where you can come to the shelter, fill out a questionnaire, and then you're paired up with a dog that matches your leash-handling comfortability.
Amanda Brunish, director of marketing and outreach for Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, told us the shelter gives you a kit full of doggie gear to take with you on your adventure as well as a, "really cool map that gives you a lot of great ideas. And based on their needs and personality, we’ll give you recommendations.”
This may mean an ice cream date, a hike, or even a car ride to get a pup cup--it's really what works best for you and the dog.
“It’s a really great opportunity to get out of the shelter, have some extra time, where they get some extra attention, and meet some new people,” Brunish said.
No appointment is necessary to take part in the Shelter Skip Days - just make sure to come by during the shelter's pick-up times:
- Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The pup must be brought back to the shelter an hour before they close. HSHA closes at 6 p.m. from Tuesday - Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
“The community is not only helping the dogs that are out but also those in the shelter that need that extra care and attention from the staff,” Brunish said.
Brunish added that this type of socialization and enrichment helps adoptability because the dogs are being exposed to people, maybe even potential adopters.
Since the program's launch last week, there have been 88 field trips and around 230 hours out of the shelter for the dogs, and some pups have already been adopted out through the program.
Other things to know:
- A list of dogs available for Shelter Skip Days will be available when you arrive to choose your field trip companion.
- Dogs must wear Adopt Me vests and harnesses while on a field trip.
- Participants are encouraged to document the outing with photos and video clips, and to fill out a Skip Day report card from the experience.