Benefits of Foster Day trips
Low Commitment, High impact
Pick a dog up in the morning, have an amazing day and take a lot of photos, return them when you're done. A low-commitment foster opportunity that helps get our dogs seen!
improved mental health
Animal shelters are stressful and noisy places. When dogs are at the shelter for days and months on end, they need a mental break to just be a dog and relax. Day trips make that happen!
Improved chance of adoption
When you take a dog out for the day, they have the chance to meet way more potential adopters! Being at the right place at the right time and result in a future home for our pups.
Where to go on your daytrip
Your house or backyard!
If a dog has been at the shelter for a while, they may just want to go to your house and take a nap. True, restful sleep is hard to come by at the shelter! Although it doesn’t get them seen by a lot of potential adopters, it does give them a chance to reset their nervous system and relax.
Doggy Paddles
Doggy Paddles is located in Florence, KY. If you mention you are a Cincy CARE foster they will allow you to use the private doggie pool and agility course for free! You get 30 minutes to an hour depending on their schedule They have an indoor pool and an agility course with lots of structures and obstacles to explore!
Local Parks
Here’s just a smattering of local parks you could take your daytrip dog: French Park, Ault Park, Burnet Woods, Otto Armleder Park, Withrow Nature Preserve, Summit Park, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, and Rowe Arboretum.
Drive-thrus
Stop by Starbucks or Bigby drive-thrus for pup-cups or visit Graeter’s drive thru for Dogsters! The Bigby in Oakley has been known to feature foster daytrip dogs on their social media! You can also check out soft-serve ice cream places like Walkers or Back to the Dipper.
Dog Friendly Establishments
Explore indoor dog friendly establishments like Lowes, Tractor Supply and Growing Trade. Or place that have dog-friendly patios like Delwood, Parkside, The Birch, Eli's, Tahona, Madtree, and 50 West. Please be respectful and be a good neighbor to our local businesses!
Cincinnati Favorites
Take your day trip date to Findlay Market, Washington Park, on a walk through downtown and the riverfront, or across the Roebling Bridge. Taking them somewhere populated increases their chances of being seen by a potential adopter! (As long as public places don't stress them out too much.)
Even more day trip ideas!
Looking to plan the perfect day trip adventure? Check out our Day Trip Ideas spreadsheet, where we’ve matched dogs with fun outings based on their personalities! Our Behavior & Training team evaluates each dog to help us understand their needs, but just like people, dogs can grow and change over time. That’s why our matchmaking experts will use what we know—plus your preferences—to pair you with the best four-legged companion for your day out!
Are you ready for your first day trip?
Day trips are a great way to get a shelter pup out for a day and you get to spend it with an amazing dog! Pick up a pup in the morning, take them out on a lovely date, and return them before we close.
CAC provides you with supplies including leashes, collars, toys, treats, bandanas, etc. To sign up – all you need to do is email us at [email protected] with a 24-hour notice.
What our daytrip fosters have to say:
"I do a lot of day trips - it’s my favorite way to help. Taking a dog out for a special day is so rewarding. Some need to run and play, some need affection from humans, and some just need peace and rest. The notes can be helpful to potential fosters and adopters, but it especially helps the dog to have a break. I also take lots of pictures and videos and I try to use them to tell the world about my new friend."
Julie L.
"The day trip program brought me to CAC. I live 40 minutes from the shelter. I pass many shelters on my way to Cincy Animal Care. I love that day trips are offered. It allowed you to really get to know a dog but you do not have to commit to introducing the dog to residential animals or keeping them long terms. I love to spoil them rotten and give them a break from the shelter for a few hours. "
Alex E.
Foster Daytrip FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about our foster daytrip program.
Have more questions? Email [email protected]!
