You can give a dog at our shelter their moment to shine.
With Paws On The Town, you can take an adoptable dog out of the shelter and into the community for a fun field trip, whether that’s a hike, a coffee date or a dog friendly community space (excluding public dog parks).
These outings are more than just a change of scenery. They help build confidence, provide meaningful experiences outside the shelter, and give each dog the chance to show their true personality. Every adventure brings them one step closer to finding a forever home.
Getting started is simple. Registration takes just a few minutes, and no prior volunteer experience is required. Please note this is a registration-based program; walk-ins are not available.
We are a Fear Free shelter. All handling during outings is expected to follow positive reinforcement, compassionate, and force-free techniques. To learn more, visit fearfreepets.org.
What to Expect
Dogs are thoughtfully matched based on personality, needs, and your experience level. You’ll be provided with a backpack that includes everything you need for your outing, such as water, treats, toys, poop bags, and instructions to help guide your time together.
How It Works
Appointments are booked in 15-minute pick-up windows. You are welcome and encouraged to spend the day with your outing dog, with all returns no later than 4:00 p.m. Please arrive on time for your scheduled pickup.
All participants must have access to a vehicle.
We are not able to accommodate requests for specific breeds, sizes, energy levels, or personalities. Dogs are matched based on suitability and need at the time of booking.
Some of our dogs are large, strong, or high energy. If you are not comfortable handling a dog of that type, this program may not be the right fit and that’s completely okay. The safety and well-being of both our animals and participants always comes first.
Even if this program isn’t the right match, you are always welcome to visit the shelter, meet our adoptable animals, and spend time finding the right connection. We would love to see you!
To get started, just fill out the form below!
For frequently asked questions (FAQ’s), just scroll down to the bottom.
FAQ's
Paws On The Town is offered at our Welland, Niagara Falls, and Port Colborne shelters. All outings begin and end at the location where the dog is picked up.
Yourself plus a positive, calm attitude ready for an adventure! We’ll set you up with everything you need, including a backpack with supplies such as water, a bowl, treats, toys, waste bags, and details about your dog.
Families are welcome. Children must be supervised at all times, and an adult (21+) must remain the primary handler of the dog throughout the outing. Children can not handle the leash.
No. For safety and comfort, outings are limited to one dog at a time and dog-to-dog interactions are not permitted.
We carefully match dogs and participants based on experience, comfort level, and the dog’s needs. Preferences can be noted, but we cannot guarantee specific requests.
Niagara has no shortage of dog-friendly spaces. You can explore parks, trails, patios, wineries, breweries or enjoy a relaxed outing in a quiet setting. We’ll provide guidance to help you plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
Outings can range from a couple of hours to a full day. For those interested, overnight “sleepovers” may also be available for select dogs.
That’s completely normal. Many dogs need time to adjust outside the shelter. We’ll provide tips before you go, and you can return at any time if needed.
You’ll receive an emergency contact number before your outing. That number is our Animal Services dispatch line. Our team is always available to support you. For assistance in an emergency, call 905-735-1552 x 3
It happens often. If you’re interested in adopting or fostering, we’ll guide you through the next steps.
No formal experience is required, but you should feel comfortable and confident handling a dog. We’ll match you with a dog that fits your experience level.
Your role is to provide a safe, positive experience for the dog. This includes following handling guidelines, keeping the dog leashed at all times, and avoiding restricted interactions (such as other animals).
Time outside the shelter helps dogs decompress, build confidence, and show their true personalities. It also increases their visibility in the community and helps us learn more about them, which supports better adoption matches.
Registration is simple. Just fill out this online form to get started!