The Town of Greece recently launched a “Doggie Day Out” program at Greece Animal Services, giving community members the opportunity to take shelter dogs out for a few hours of fun – no adoption required.
Through the program, participants can take an eligible shelter dog to local parks, dog-friendly restaurants, farmers’ markets, pet-friendly shops, or even their own home for up to two hours. Almost all dogs available for adoption at Greece Animal Services qualify for the program. Staff will match participants with the right dog and provide all necessary supplies, including a harness, leash, water, and treats for the outing.
“This is a great way for Greece residents to provide direct care for the animals in our community,” said Supervisor McCann. “Whether you’re considering adoption or simply want to give a dog a great afternoon, we encourage anyone who’s interested to get involved.”
Director of Animal Services Chris Fitzgerald added that the program benefits the dogs as much as the community. “Getting dogs out of the shelter provides them with exercise and socialization; it helps counter the fear, anxiety, stress, and frustration of the shelter environment, and it provides them with an opportunity for potential adopters to meet them,” Fitzgerald said.
Participants must be 18 or older and will be asked to complete a brief agreement and liability waiver before each outing. Greece Animal Services is located at 500 Maiden Lane. For more information or to inquire about volunteering with the Doggie Day Out program, residents can email GreeceAnimalServices@greeceny.gov with “Doggie Day Out Inquiry” in the subject line.
