Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  Paid Foster Field Trips

    Posted 02-03-2026 08:11 AM
    Hi all! Do any of you have a paid field trip program for staff? If you do, would you mind if I reached out to learn more about the logistics of your program?
    I would love to get something going at my shelter so staff can have a paid hour every month to take one of our dogs out on a field trip- either around the building or in a park offsite. I think it would be a good way for staff to get to know the dogs better, and of course, it's going to be super helpful for the dogs to get out for a while. Any and all constructive help/feedback is welcome!
    Pictured below is Karen! She was my first Field Trip buddy and we took her to a picnic meeting.
    The image shows Karen on her way to a picnic with the foster team

    #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
    #FosterPrograms
    #PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

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    Michelle Misra
    Foster Program Manager
    SICSA Pet Adoption & Wellness Center
    OH
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  • 2.  RE: Paid Foster Field Trips

    Posted 02-03-2026 10:57 AM

    Hi, 

    We don't have a program like this, as we are a cat rescue, but would love to hear if any other cat rescues have something similar? 

    Thanks in advance! 

    Kallie Laity

    President

    Kitty Kisses Rescue of Reno

    NV



    ------------------------------
    Kallie Laity
    Owner
    Kitty Kisses Rescue of Reno
    NV
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  • 3.  RE: Paid Foster Field Trips

    Posted 02-04-2026 09:20 AM

    Hello,

    We have a Doggy Day Out program for volunteers/members of the public but not for staff. Would love to learn more about the logistics of making this work on a paid basis for staff. 



    ------------------------------
    Jeannie Lambert
    Animal Care Manager
    Humane Society of Utah
    UT
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  • 4.  RE: Paid Foster Field Trips

    Posted 02-04-2026 02:51 PM

    Hi there, my organization does not have field trip days like this, but I like the idea! We have lots of volunteers but most of our core team is remote. Personally, as a Grant Writer for my rescue, I do not get a lot of time to interact with the French Bulldogs we rescue. Therefore, I would certainly appreciate a day such as this. I know you're also just getting started with field trip days at your organization, but the picture of Karen (so cute!) in your car for a lunch meeting tells me you've done a few already. Even though it's early on, have you noticed any benefits from the field trip days for you, the animals, or your team?



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    McKenna Van Voris
    Administration and Grant Writing Intern
    Rocky Mountain French Bulldog Rescue
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  • 5.  RE: Paid Foster Field Trips

    Posted 02-05-2026 08:05 AM

    Hello!

    We have a well-established field trip program for volunteers, and it has been a huge help for the dogs. We have safeguards which prevent some dogs leaving on field trips with volunteers, so I'm trying to find ways to get staff-only or more behaviorally-challenged dogs out as often as our other pups (they often need it more than our "easy" dogs). 

    I highly recommend getting a field trip program in place at your rescue! :) It's a great opportunity to learn more about how your dogs behave outside of the shelter, it helps them decompress, and it gets more eyes on your adoptable pups. 



    ------------------------------
    Michelle Misra
    Foster Manager
    SICSA Pet Adoption & Wellness Center
    OH
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    Original Message


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