Volunteer | Take a Field Trip

Take a Field Trip

Take a Field Trip

Thank you for your interest in the Field Trip Program at Homeward Pet.

This program allows members of our community to take adoptable dogs out for a fun day of adventure—or a quiet day on the couch!

Field trips offer our dogs a needed break from the shelter environment, which can be loud, hectic, and stressful. Spending time outside of the shelter helps our dogs decompress and de-stress, gives them a chance to engage with new and interesting sights and smells, and helps them find forever homes!

A white dog with light brown eyes and a blue collar sits in the back seat of a car, looking out the window with its mouth open and tongue out. The dog wears a black harness and appears happy.

How It Works

Members of the community interested in taking a dog on a field trip should email foster@homewardpet.org You’ll need to complete our Volunteer Application, view the online Foster Orientation, and sign the Foster Care Agreement

Once those are done, you’ll receive a link to our online Field Trip scheduler, where you can request a field trip! Foster staff match you with an appropriate dog, go over any relevant information, and get your pick-up and drop-off confirmed.

Keep an eye on our Available Dogs and Puppies page for a dog you’d like to take on an outing—or, send foster@homewardpet.org an email with what you’d like to do, and let us match you with a dog! We’ll go over any relevant information, and then get you scheduled with a time to come pick up your field trip buddy.

At pickup, you’ll be provided with all the supplies you need to have a great day. After your field trip, we encourage you to fill out a field trip report card to tell us all about how awesome it was, and share any super adorable photos you took!

Remember to tag us if you post on social media! We have a presence on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, TikTok, Linked In, You Tube, and Next Door.

For a comprehensive overview of how field trips work, check out our online Field Trip Guide.

This program is made possible by the generosity of the Halpern Family in honor of their beloved dog Tikvah.

  • Go on a walk or run
  • Take a hike
  • Visit the lake or the beach
  • Go on a car ride to get a pup cup
  • Visit a Sniffspot
  • Go to local dog-friendly stores and businesses
  • People-watch at the park
  • Relax on the couch at home

Check out the online Field Trip Guide for a list of great places to take your buddy!

Field trips are open Sunday through Thursday, between 10:30am and 5:30pm.

  • Visit dog parks or off-leash dog areas
  • Introduce your buddy to other dogs or animals

At least one person on the field trip must be over 18 years of age and have completed Foster Orientation and the Foster Care Agreement. However, friends and family under 18 years of age are welcome to participate where appropriate!

Dogs who are in the shelter and clear of any significant medical or behavioral challenges are eligible for field trips. This includes both dogs available for adoption, and some dogs who are waiting for specific medical care or procedures. When you schedule a field trip, foster staff will give you information on all the dogs currently eligible for field trips, and help you pick a dog who will have the best time possible with you!

As long as your friend is of the human variety, please do! In fact, we recommend taking a second person along with you to take photos and video (and to hold on to your buddy if you need a bathroom break!). If you’d like to take a dog out as a group, please email foster@homewardpet.org with the size and age range of your group, so we can pair you with an appropriate dog!

All field trips must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. First-time field trippers will need to complete our Volunteer Application, go through Foster Orientation, and complete our Foster Care Agreement. If you’re already a volunteer, reach out to foster@homewardpet.org to see if there’s anything else you need to complete.

If you absolutely adore your buddy, you’re always welcome to adopt! We’re currently doing adoptions by appointment only, so when you return with your field trip buddy, stop by our reception desk to schedule an appointment! Or, visit our Adoptable Dogs and Puppies page to schedule online.

Before your first Field Trip, you’ll need to view our online Foster Orientation, and complete our Foster Care Agreement. Once those are done, you’re ready to go!