Pause 4 Paws: A Day of Fun with Shelter Dogs

Give a Shelter Dog a Break. Make Their Day. Help Them Find a Home.

You don’t have to adopt or foster to make a BIG difference in the life of a shelter dog.

Pause 4 Paws is Pearl River County SPCA’s Doggy Day Out program. It allows members of the community to take an adoptable shelter dog out for a few hours of fun, fresh air, and one-on-one attention.

Minimal time. Minimal prep. Maximum impact.

Even an hour outside of the shelter can make a difference. A break from the noise and routine of kennel life gives dogs a chance to relax, decompress, and show more of their true personalities. It also gives us valuable information about how they behave outside the shelter—and every adventure gives them another opportunity to be seen by a potential adopter.

How Does Pause 4 Paws Work?

There’s no long-term commitment and no need to sign up in advance.

Stop by the Pearl River County SPCA during regular business hours, and our staff will help match you with an adoptable dog who would benefit from a day out.

Getting started is easy! Before heading out, you’ll fill out a simple one-page Pause 4 Paws form, and we’ll need to make a copy of your valid driver’s license. Then our staff will go over the program guidelines and help get you and your day-out buddy ready for your adventure.

Most of our adult dogs and older puppies are eligible to participate. Young puppies are excluded from the program for their safety.

We ask that you:

  • Spend at least one hour with your day-out dog.

  • Return your dog to the shelter no later than 3 PM.

  • Keep your dog on leash and under your supervision while out.

  • Do not introduce your day-out dog to other pets, including your own.

  • Avoid dog parks or other situations where your day-out dog may interact with unfamiliar animals.

  • Participants must be 18 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Our staff will go over everything you need to know before you leave.

Where Can We Go?

Your adventure doesn’t have to be elaborate. What matters most to the dog is getting some time away from the shelter with you!

You could:

🐾 Take a walk or explore a local park

🚗 Go for a relaxing car ride

☕ Grab a pup cup

🏡 Hang out at home and enjoy some couch time

🌳 Visit The Crosby Arboretum and receive one free admission when you bring a shelter dog

🛍️ Stop by HOPE Thrift by Pearl River County SPCA, where our day-out dogs are always welcome

📺 Have a Netflix-and-chill afternoon

💛 Or simply find a quiet spot and enjoy some one-on-one time together

Sometimes the simplest outings are exactly what a shelter dog needs.

Your Adventure Can Help Them Get Adopted

Pause 4 Paws isn’t just a fun day away from the kennel. You can help us learn more about the dog you’re spending time with.

Did they love riding in the car? Walk beautifully on a leash? Settle down quietly in the house? Want to cuddle on the couch? Enjoy meeting new people? Discover that pup cups are the greatest invention ever?

Those little details help us tell potential adopters who that dog really is outside of the shelter environment.

Take pictures and videos during your adventure and share them on social media! Tag Pearl River County SPCA so we can see and share your day. Every photo, video, and story helps put another set of eyes on a dog waiting for a home.

You never know—the picture you take or the story you share could be what makes someone say, “That’s my dog.”

Ready to Pause 4 Paws?

Just stop by during business hours and ask about Pause 4 Paws. Our staff will help you choose a dog who could use a break and get you ready for your adventure.

Come give a shelter dog their best day. You get a furry adventure buddy, they get a much-needed break from kennel life, and together you may help them get one step closer to a forever home.

View our available dogs HERE.