Troy Animal Rescue Project begins 'Doggy Day Out' program

TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Troy Animal Rescue Project (TARP) is debuting a new program meant to help more animals find homes.

Whether you’re interested in a new pet or just looking for something to do, you can have an adoptable pet for a day thanks to TARP’s “Doggy Day Out” program.

“With a valid drivers license you can check one of our dogs out for the day or the weekend to give them time away from the rescue center,” said TARP volunteer Melissa Boatner. “They can take them on a walk, they can take them home and play with them in the backyard, take them to get a pup cup or through McDonalds and get them a hamburger.”

Boatner says the Doggy Day Out program helps the dogs relax and socialize, which increases their chances of getting adopted. Getting outside of the shelter can also give the animals a break from living in confined spaces and overwhelming sounds.

“It does them so good and it brings their true personalities out and just gives them a break from the stressful shelter environment,” said Boatner. “They’ll get to see a home life and some of them are just completely different when you take them out of a shelter environment.”

Not only is TARP at capacity, so is the Pike Animal Shelter. Boatner says the rescue needs donations to help pay vet bills and purchase food for the animals. Community volunteers are also always needed.

“We appreciate our Troy University students that come out here and volunteer,” said Boatner. “We also have the Troy students that foster and some that are already doing the Doggy Day Out.”

According to the Shelter Animal Counts national database, Alabama shelters and rescues took in over 100,000 strays in 2024, all in need of food, care and a forever home.