Dog Day Out
An Adventure with a Purpose
Whether it’s a leisurely walk along a scenic trail, an afternoon at a dog-friendly café, or some quality time relaxing at home, Dog Day Out is all about giving our adoptable dogs opportunities to experience life beyond the shelter.
These outings provide valuable mental and physical enrichment, help dogs practice navigating everyday environments, and give our team a chance to learn more about their individual personalities and preferences.
And that’s where you come in! The photos, stories, and observations you share help us discover what makes each dog special and give potential adopters a glimpse of what life with them might look like.
No ongoing volunteer commitment required. Just a few hours, a little enthusiasm, and a willingness to make a dog’s day!
How It Works
Getting involved is easy! Dog Day Out is a walk-in program, so there’s no need to register in advance or complete our traditional volunteer onboarding process.
- Call Ahead & Come By
Before heading over, give us a call at 401-846-8276 to make sure we have dogs available for an outing. Then, visit our Animal Care & Adoption Center during pickup hours, where our team will help match you with an eligible dog, review program guidelines, and walk you through a brief orientation and waiver. - Grab Your Gear & Go
We’ll provide everything your canine companion needs for the outing, including a collar, harness, leash, seatbelt tether, and portable water bottle. You bring the transportation and plans for a dog-friendly day! - Enjoy Your Adventure
Head out and enjoy some quality time together! Whether you’re exploring somewhere new or simply taking it easy, let your dog’s comfort level and personality guide the experience. - Share Your Story
Return your companion by the designated time and complete a quick Dog Day Out report card. Tell us what you learned, what you enjoyed together, and any memorable moments. Photos are always welcome!
When & Where
Days: Sunday–Friday
Pickup Hours: 10 am–12 pm
Return Hours: 3–4:30 pm
Location: Potter League Animal Care & Adoption Center
87 Oliphant Lane
Middletown, RI 02842
Dog Day Out is offered on a walk-in basis, with participation dependent on the availability of eligible dogs and staff approval.
Who Can Participate?
You don’t need to be an experienced volunteer to join the fun! We simply ask that participants:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a reliable personal vehicle, valid identification, and a cell phone.
- Feel comfortable independently handling and supervising a dog in public.
- Complete a brief orientation and sign a participant waiver.
- Follow all program guidelines and dog-specific instructions provided by our team.
Our staff carefully selects dogs for the program based on their individual health, behavior, and comfort level.
Where Can You Go?
There’s no one-size-fits-all adventure! Some dogs love exploring new places, while others are perfectly content enjoying a quiet afternoon with a new friend.
Looking for a little inspiration?
- Hit the trails: Enjoy a scenic walk and let your companion take in all those fascinating new smells.
- Explore the neighborhood: Discover a dog-friendly park or enjoy a leisurely stroll around town.
- Grab a bite: Visit a dog-friendly outdoor café or patio for a little people-watching.
- Take it easy: Spend a relaxing afternoon at home, enjoying some quiet companionship and one-on-one attention.
The best outings aren’t necessarily the busiest ones. Pay attention to your dog’s body language, respect their comfort level, and remember that the goal is a positive experience for both of you.
A Few Ground Rules
Keeping our dogs safe, comfortable, and happy is our top priority. Before heading out, please keep these important guidelines in mind:
- Leashes are a must. Dogs must remain securely leashed in public and wear their provided collar and harness.
- Skip the dog parks. Dog parks, off-leash public areas, and direct interactions with other dogs are not permitted.
- Keep pets separate. If visiting your home, your own pets must remain completely separated from your Dog Day Out companion.
- Travel safely. Dogs must be secured with the provided seatbelt tether while in your vehicle.
- Stay connected. Keep your cell phone available throughout your outing and contact our team if any concerns arise.
- Follow their lead. Every dog has different needs, so choose activities and environments that help them feel comfortable and secure.
Our team will review additional safety guidelines and any specific instructions for your dog before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! You don’t need to be an existing volunteer to participate, but we do ask that you have prior experience with dogs, are comfortable handling and walking larger dogs in public, and have a good understanding of canine body language and behavior. A brief orientation and signed waiver are also required before heading out.
No advance registration is necessary! However, we encourage you to call ahead at 401-846-8276 to make sure we have dogs available for an outing before heading over. Availability may vary from day to day.
Our team will help match you with an eligible dog based on their individual needs, personality, and the type of outing you have planned. Not every adoptable dog participates in Dog Day Out.
You’re welcome to share your adventure with others, but the registered adult participant must remain responsible for the dog at all times. Please discuss your plans with our team before heading out.
Yes! A quiet afternoon at home can be a wonderful experience, provided the environment is safe and any resident pets are kept completely separate.
We certainly wouldn’t blame you! If you find yourself thinking your new adventure buddy might be a great addition to your family, our adoption team would be happy to talk with you about the next steps.
Ready to Make a Dog's Day?
Your next adventure might just be the highlight of a shelter dog’s week!
Come by our Animal Care & Adoption Center during Dog Day Out pickup hours and let us help you find your four-legged adventure buddy.
Questions? Call us at 401-846-8276 to learn more.