Give a Dog a Break

Your Guide to Slumber Parties and #DetroitDogventure

It’s scientifically proven that:

  • Dogs who go on field trips like #DetroitDogventures are FIVE TIMES more likely to be adopted!

  • Dogs who go to Slumber Parties are FOURTEEN TIMES more likely to be adopted!

While the shelter provides essential safety and care, it is also a stressful environment for our dogs. Giving dogs the opportunity to experience the world beyond shelter walls not only grants them a much-needed physical break but also nurtures their mental and emotional health. It provides a chance for them to bask in the sunlight, feel the grass beneath their paws, and revel in the simple joys of life. This respite from the shelter routine can do wonders for their overall demeanor, making them happier, more relaxed, and ultimately, more adoptable.

Additionally, these outings benefit potential adopters, because you can provide important information about how the dog behaves outside of the shelter. Join us in our efforts to get more dogs adopted. Together, we can create a positive impact, one break at a time, giving these dogs the love, care, and attention they truly deserve.

Slumber Parties

Slumber Parties are short-term foster programs for adoptable dogs. These programs are for one or more nights. They give dogs a chance to decompress and enjoy a home environment. At the end, you fill out a report card, giving us valuable information about how they are in a home, which helps us find an appropriate forever home for them. If it turns out you want to keep them forever, then you can adopt.

Come to the shelter, choose a dog, take them home the same day, and help them find their forever home.

Cute sleepy gray dog on a sofa

#DetroitDogventure

Our shortest-term foster program, a #DetroitDogventure is just a few hours. With the help of Maddie’s Fund, we have developed a day trip program where you can take an adoptable dog out of the shelter for a couple hours—to Belle Isle, to a pet store, or to your favorite local dog-friendly business. The dogs get a break from the shelter, we get valuable information about them, and they get exposure that can lead to adoption! This is also a great activity to do with kids.

All adoptable dogs at the shelter are available to go on a #DetroitDogventure. Come to the shelter any day to pick up between 11:00am and 1:00pm; dogs must be returned by 3:00pm. All dogs are equipped with harness, collar, leash, goody bag, and a map of participating businesses.

A woman with a cute dog in front of a bridgeon a nice day

Support our local #DetroitDogventure partners!