Donate

Looking for Washington, DC?

DC Animal Services

Shelter Skip Day

Give a shelter dog a day out for a hike, day on the town, or field trip to our favorite dog-friendly places.

Shelter Skip Day

Give a shelter dog a day out for a hike, day on the town, or field trip to our favorite dog-friendly places.

Play Hooky With Us!

Our dogs would love to spend time out of their kennels with you! Volunteer to take an adoptable dog for a fun outing such as a hike, a coffee date, or a meal at a pet-friendly location. Field trips can last from an hour to all day. Whatever works for you, works for us!

Want to give a shelter dog a skip day?

  • Participants can stop by a participating campus nearest you to choose a dog to sign out for an hour, an afternoon, or the whole day.

  • West Chester, New Castle, Dover, and Georgetown Campuses, as well as the Animal Rescue Center, are all open to Shelter Skip Day participation.

  • Shelter Skip Days are available to members of the public Tuesday - Sunday.

Shelter Skip Days Benefit Dogs and People

Not only are our shelter dogs benefitting from time away from the shelter and exposure to potential adopters who may not notice them in their kennels, field trips give our people participants a rewarding day of doggie cuddles, as well.

Not sure where to take your Shelter Skip Day companion? Here are some ideas:

For the athlete:

  • Hiking or walking trails

  • Parks (please avoid co-mingling dog parks)

  • Dog-friendly beach, lake, or stream

For the bookworm:

  • Go for ice cream or visit a dog-friendly coffee shop and hang out

  • Go for a drive

  • Rest outside on a blanket in the sunshine

Things to Know

  • A list of dogs available for Shelter Skip Days will be available when you arrive to choose your field trip companion.

  • Pick-up times for Shelter Skip Days are Tuesdays through Fridays 12 - 4 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 11 am- 2 pm.

  • Dogs must be returned to the same shelter an hour before closing the same day.

  • 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.

Shelter Skip Day Ready

Dorothy

How can you resist a sweet face like Dorothy's? Dorothy is ready for her forever family to adopt her. She is a young adult dog who has a lifetime of love to give to you. Come on over today to mee…

Learn more

Blaze

Meet Blaze! This handsome guy is hoping to spark love within your heart. Blaze is a senior dog and is looking forward to a second chance at a forever family life. Do you have room in your home and yo…

Learn more

Charlotte

Looking for a large, beautiful dog? Charlotte is the dog to meet. Make sure you bring the treats and she will be your best friend. Please come meet her today!This pet qualifies for our Sponsored by S…

Learn more

BVSPCA is now elevating animal services for the nation's capital

DC Animal Services

All rights reserved. © 2025 Brandywine Valley SPCA.