Dog's Day Out

OC Animal Care’s Dog’s Day Out program gives volunteers and the community the opportunity to take a dog off campus for a fun activity outside of the shelter. These field trips provide our dogs exposure to new adventures, help them relax, show off their true personalities, and connect with potential adopters all while giving participants a meaningful experience. The program helps socialize dogs and makes them more adoptable when they return to the shelter. Studies by VCA Charities show that dogs participate in Dog’s Day Out type programs are 5 to 14 times more likely to be adopted!

Participants must be 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license and complete OC Animal Care’s participation waiver. Participants must also be comfortable with handling dogs 25 pounds or larger and must have an enclosed vehicle with working air conditioning to transport the dog.

Sign up and book your appointment here: Schedule Appointment

The Dog’s Day Out program gives our dogs an opportunity to experience new places. It also helps us to learn about that pet’s behavior including their likes and dislikes outside of the shelter, which can help us find them homes faster.

Appointment spots fill quickly. New openings are released every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8am, 9am, and 10am. We recommend checking the website regularly, as last-minute cancellations may occur and availability updates continuously.

Yes, and we encourage you to make it a group outing. This also helps expose the dog to different people. When signing up, we will ask you to list everyone who will accompany you on the field trip.

No, but your adventure needs to be in Orange County.

It’s free to participate. If you would like to donate commercially made treats to help us refill our Dog’s Day Out backpacks, here are some of our pups’ favorites:

• Blue Buffalo Sizzlers Bacon-Style Treats
• Pup-Peroni Filet Mignon & Bacon Flavor Treats
• Wellness Rewarding Life Treats

Be prepared to show your valid driver’s license when you arrive.  Keep in mind the type of field trip you plan to go on and be prepared for the weather and activity level.

You will receive a “ready-to-go” kit that includes a harness, leash, water bottle/bowl combo, poop pick-up bags, treats, seatbelt and a vest when you pick the dog up. 

Check in at OC Animal Care’s main lobby at 1630 Victory Road in Tustin.

Eligible dogs include a variety of ages, sizes, and breeds and are selected by OC Animal Care’s Shelter Behavior Team based on a compilation of information. New dogs are regularly added, and all dogs in the program have been fully vetted, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, are current on dewormer and flea preventative. Check with OC Animal Care’s team to see who you have been paired up with during your pick-up time.

Not all dogs enjoy outings away from the shelter. Some may find new environments stressful or overwhelming. For these reasons, only dogs who have shown behavior that appears suitable for field trips are selected for the program.

Even if a dog doesn’t participate in Dog’s Day Out, our staff and volunteers provide many forms of enrichment at the shelter such as playgroups, training sessions, interactive toys, and one-on-one attention to ensure every dog receives enrichment tailored to their needs.

No, for the safety and health of you, the dog, community members, and other animals, Dog’s Day Out dogs are not permitted at off-leash dog parks or contact with other dogs. In all public spaces, the dog must be under your control and secured with the provided leash and harness. We will have a list of suggested dog-friendly activities you can do while on your field trip.

It’s mostly up to you! While we give guidelines to follow such as staying within Orange County and no dog parks, adventure options are endless. For example, you can visit a dog friendly County park like Irvine Regional Park, go on a short, local hike or take them for a car ride to enjoy a pup cup.

• Play fetch in your enclosed backyard
• Go on a car ride to get a snack
• Walk about a pet friendly store
• Visit a pet friendly patio
• Go on a short hike on a pet-friendly trail
• Hang out with your friends
• Cuddle up at a dog-friendly park and read a book to yourself or out loud to your dog
• Let the dog take a snooze in your vehicle while parked in the shade with the air conditioning on

• You cannot take the dog to a dog park
• You cannot let the dog interact with other pets in your home or in the community
• You cannot give the dog away
• You cannot let the dog off leash

Commercially made dog treats will be provided for you to give to the dog. If you feel inclined to give additional treats while on your field trip, limit it to one additional treat that can be easily broken up in your hands, is restaurant grade, and dog friendly.

No, this time is intended only for the enrichment of Dog’s Day Out dogs with safety remaining a top priority. This will also allow you to give the Dog’s Day Out dog your undivided, one-on-one attention which will be beneficial for the dog.

All Dog’s Day Out dogs are due back by 12 p.m. the same day to ensure they are at the shelter during peak public viewing hours with potential adopters.

If one field trip just isn’t enough, OC Animal Care is always in need of dog fosters. If you are interested in opening up your heart and home to become a foster parent, inquire with staff on how to get started.

Foster Caretaker Program | OC Animal Care

Promptly refer to the laminated “Emergency Protocols” sheet in the “ready-to-go” backpack and call the phone number listed. Emergencies include, but are not limited to, a medical emergency, lost dog, or bite incident.

Dogs returning to the shelter due to an emergency need to go straight to the Intake Center at OC Animal Care at 1630 Victory Road in Tustin so we can promptly attend to them.

We get it…. It is easy to fall in love with our pups! Notify the OC Animal Care staff know that you would like to adopt your dog when you return to the shelter so they can confirm availability and help you with next steps.

All dogs will wear an “Adopt Me” vest. We encourage you to engage in conversation with community members, especially if they ask about the dog you have with you. Tell them all about the dog you have and show off any commands the dog knows. 

You can promote them even more by sharing photos and videos with family and friends - your adventure could inspire someone else to adopt! Additionally, post, tag, and share your videos, and photos on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter). 

Tag OC Animal Care by using @ocanimalcare & #OCACDogDayOut. You are also welcome to share your videos, photos and stories by emailing OCACDogDayOut@occr.ocgov.com