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Seminole County Animal Services launches doggy sleepover program to help shelter dogs find homes
Summary
Seminole County Animal Services launched a "doggy sleepover" program letting community members take shelter dogs home overnight or for up to a week. Early participants and volunteers said the program reduces kennel stress, helps staff assess behavior and in one case led to adoption.
Seminole County Animal Services introduced a "doggy sleepover" program this year that allows community members to take shelter dogs home overnight or for up to a week to help the animals relax outside kennels and to let staff learn more about their personalities.
Tama, the program's first participant, said she chose Gigi because the dog "had been here the longest" and needed attention. "I am leaving with a foster baby. Gigi, she's been here the longest, so I wanted to give love to someone who's been getting overlooked," Tama said.
The program is intended to give dogs a break from kennel life and to provide staff with additional information about each animal in a home setting, organizers said. Officials noted that stays can range from a single night to several days.
Volunteer Gretchen described taking a dog named Tanner for a sleepover and said her family bonded with him quickly. "You have a good feel for how it's going to work at the house. And the boys, my husband and my son that still lives with us, they fell right in love with each other," Gretchen said. Tanner was later adopted by Gretchen, a result the agency cited as an example of how a single sleepover can lead to a permanent home.
Seminole County Animal Services said while not every sleepover ends in adoption, the program helps staff learn more about a dog's temperament, reduces stress for animals waiting in kennels and increases the chances of finding the right match for a future family.
