Anna-Catherine Kueng ~ Assistant Editor
According to the Lynchburg Humane Society website, “The Lynchburg Humane Society has launched a new life saving program and we want you to get involved!”
Danielle Ulmer, Adoption Manager, said, “The Pet-Cation program allows the public to come into the center and choose a pet to spoil for the day. We offer two different types of Pet-Cations. The first type is an Adventure Day. This is where you can take a pet out for the day on a walk, a hike, take them home and give them a nice bath, just getting them out of the center and allowing them to have a break and do something fun. The other type is a Slumber Party. This is essentially the same thing as an Adventure Day, but you get to cuddle with them overnight and bring them back the next day.”
Pet-Cations began on Oct. 18, 2019, and Ulmer commented, “It has been amazing so far. We are seeing an increase in positive behavior and adoptions in pets that are getting out more. We are hoping to keep bringing awareness to the program so that every pet has a chance to get out get spoiled for at least once a week.”
The program is both beneficial for the animals and people who participate, according to Ulmer. She said, “The shelter environment can be extremely stressful for pets. It can become very overwhelming, which can cause the pet to decline mentally and physically. Being able to get out and simply smell different things does wonders for a pet’s overall well being. For humans, it is a great way to make a huge difference in a pet’s life. Potential adopters love to see posts about pets that have gone on Pet-Cations because it gives them a great picture of what everyday with this pet could look like.”
Maddie’s Fund gave the Lynchburg Humane Society a grant to begin the Pet-Cation program. Ulmer explained, “We received a grant…to implement a program that would allow pets a chance to leave the center to destress and become more socialized with all types of people.”
To participate in the Pet-Cation program, you must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult. Ulmer said, “You [must have] a valid I.D. You will also need to complete some forms at the time of the outing. Once you bring them back to the pet center, we just ask that you fill out a quick survey about your day out with the pet.”
As far as how the animals are selected, Ulmer said, “We do have a handful of dogs that are only allowed to be walked by specialized volunteers or staff. Other than those, it is pretty open. We try our best to match people with dogs that would be a good fit for whatever activity they are wanting to do.”
If you are interested in the Pet-Cation program, you can visit the Lynchburg Humane Society website or call them at (434) 448-0088.