Shelter dogs can now be "checked out " for a day of fun through a new Minneapolis program.
Minneapolis Animal Care and Control is launching the "Fido Field Trip Program" that pairs up adoptable shelter dogs with people looking to adopt or just to go on daytime outings with a pet.
MACC's Director Tony Schendel says its also a great way to give anxious dogs a day away from the shelter.
"This is a great opportunity for our community, who might not otherwise have considered adoption, all to help them have enrichment opportunities, better socialization and having a much higher success rate of being adopted," says Schendel.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says he's a big supporter of the program that provides people who are thinking of adopting with a commitment-free day with a dog.
"What you can do is take a dog out temporarily, take it for a few hours, walk down by the river, go on a date, hang out with the dog at the same time," says Frey. "Everybody wins. You get to hang out with a dog for a few hours and it is far more likely that that dog will end up getting adopted."
Participants must be at least 18 years old and are required to complete a training course before stepping out with a dog. Overnight stays are also an option if certain requirements are met.
The MACC will make tow dogs available each day. You can find more information on the program here.