Dog's Day Out Cleveland

Take a shelter dog on a field trip! Dog’s Day Out Cleveland allows you to spend the day with a canine companion and provides the dog with a break from the shelter environment.  By taking a shelter dog on an adventure, you’re giving them a chance to relax, explore, and experience the world outside of the kennel. And, research shows that spending time with a dog is not only good for the dog, but good for you, too!

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Scheduling & Registration

We are currently booking field trips during three time slots on Fridays and Saturdays only. Available dates are posted 30 days in advance and close 24 hours before the outing date.

  • Pick-up times are scheduled in 30-minute increments to ensure a smooth hand-off.
  • Field trips generally last about two hours after pick up. However, you are encouraged to spend as much time as you’d like with your dog – including the entire day! All dogs MUST be returned before 5 p.m.
  • Please arrive on time—late arrivals may not be guaranteed a dog for their outing. Please make sure you are returning before 5PM from your adventure.
  • If you arrive late and all eligible dogs are already out on an adventure, you are still welcome to visit the shelter and meet our other adoptable pets!
  • At least one adult, 18 years of age or older, must register for the program. All adult participants will be screened prior to confirming your field trip and should be prepared to share a valid photo ID at the time of pick up.
  • The Cleveland APL reserves the right to cancel or reschedule your field trip due to weather conditions, shelter operations, or animal health. In the event a field trip needs to be cancelled by the Cleveland APL, at least 24-hour advance notice will be provided.

What to Expect

  • A friendly, adoptable dog weighing approximately 20-65 lbs
  • Many dogs will be young and energetic, but some may be older and just in need of a break
  • Dogs are chosen based on who needs time away from the shelter the most
  • We’ll provide you with a backpack of supplies, including water, a bowl, and other essentials. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times.
  • Participating dogs are not allowed to go to dog parks or meet other pets, even if on leash.
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Important Rules & Guidelines

To ensure the safety of both you and your outing dog, please follow these guidelines:
  1. Take frequent water breaks and watch for signs of overheating.
  2. Dogs must remain on-leash at all times with their provided collar, harness, and license tag.
  3. No dog parks – Outing dogs may not interact with other dogs
  4. Dogs must ride inside an enclosed vehicle (No open convertibles, open Jeeps, or truck beds). All dogs must be buckled in for car rides and appropriate equipment will be provided. (We do not provide seat covers.)
  5. Report any incidents – While we choose dogs with appropriate temperaments for outings, any signs of aggression or biting must be reported immediately

Tell us about your field trip! Don’t forget to share your experience on social media using #DogsDayOutCLE. You’ll also be given some adoption cards to pass out to anyone you may meet during your adventure.

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Frequently Asked Questions