LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A Kentucky animal shelter worker has helped create a toolkit available to other shelters nationwide that allows dogs to get out in the community and meet people who may want to adopt them.
Foster coordinator Stephanie Jackson of Louisville Metro Animal Services said when dogs go out, it's easier to see their needs and get them prepared for a new home. Jackson said in a news release from the group Mutual Rescue that seeing the dogs having fun also helps energize the shelter's staff, and volunteers report their own stress relief from the outings.
Mutual Rescue said the Louisville shelter's euthanasia rate has also dropped since asking volunteers to take homeless dogs out for short field trips in the community.
The national program is called Doggy Day Out. The toolkit is available online.
