The Lawrence Humane Society has expanded its programming to include opportunities for community members to take adoptable dogs out for cost-free adventures.
Since the program launched for the public June 1, more than 50 people have taken 41 shelter dogs out for a romp. The shelter hopes that the program will expand so that five dogs go out each day.
“A recent study by Virginia Tech and Arizona State University researchers found that providing shelter dogs with short-term outings significantly improves their chances of adoption and reduces kennel stress,” Elina Alterman, director of development and communications for the humane society, said via email.
Dog Day Out initiatives like Mass Street Mutts can increase adoption likelihood by five times, Alterman said. The Lawrence Humane Society — which sends the dogs for excursions in vests that read “Adopt Me!” — is already seeing an impact on their numbers.
Lilo and Big Gulp, a 7-year-old pit bull and a 1.5-year-old pit bull, respectively, were both taken out through the Mass Street Mutts program. As a result, Lilo met her forever family during Lawrence PRIDE, while Big Gulp was spotted on a walk downtown. Alterman believes that, as adult pit bulls, they would have stayed at the shelter much longer without this exposure.
Similarly, bonded pair Angel and Vader, a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old pit bull, respectively, ended up at the shelter when their owner died. Two friends took these pups out as part of the initiative and got a host of footage. The shelter then shared the videos with potential pet parents to show off Angel and Vader’s personalities, which helped them get adopted together.
“It gets adoptable dogs out from behind kennel doors and into the community where more people can meet them!” Alterman wrote of the program. “Individuals who maybe have been thinking about adopting a dog, but haven’t yet made the move of going into the shelter to look for one are able to meet adoptable dogs out in the community and fall in love with them in a more natural environment than a stressful shelter situation.”
However, canine kind isn’t the only beneficiary of these outings.
“So many of the participants have told us how grateful they are to have an opportunity to spend time with a dog as their current living situation doesn’t allow for them to have pets,” Alterman said. “And others have said that this has been a great way to introduce their children to what having a dog is like.”
People can take dogs out for anywhere between a couple of hours and a full day. The Lawrence Humane Society provides all necessary supplies, including a high-quality harness, leash and a backpack full of supplies. Although folks can spend money on trips, it is not required.
Dog lovers interested in participating can sign up through an online form that will ask questions about your experience and comfort level with dogs, as well as your plans for the outing. This information helps the shelter team determine the best furry fit for your plans.
Learn more at the program’s website, lawrencehumane.org/massstreetmutts/.
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Wulfe Wulfemeyer (they/them), reporter and news editor, has worked with The Lawrence Times since May 2025. They can be reached at wulfe@lawrencekstimes.com.
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