Be prepared for anything. Remember, we don’t know what many of these dogs have been through. We don’t know their past, we don’t know how they have been treated, we don’t know how their living situation once was, and most importantly, we don’t know their true personality. All we do know is what we see here at our facility and what little (if any) information their previous caretaker provided. We try our very best to match you with a dog that we think will do well with you, but your dog may have a very different personality once they are comfortable.

Remember that the dog must always be under the control of an adult over the age of 18. While we welcome family outings, the leash must always be held by an adult, and dogs and children should never be left unsupervised.

Ready your car with the appropriate amount of space for the dog. Depending on the dog, you may need enough space for a size-appropriate crate, a friend to help contain the dog to the back seat, or a barrier to prevent the dog from getting to the driver and passenger seat.

Please plan to leave your own dog at home! The goal of our day trips is to give the dog a break from the shelter and some one-on-one time with humans. Although most of our shelter dogs do well with other dogs and enjoy doggie playtime, we prefer these field trips be geared towards interacting with humans and not with other dogs. Maintain a twenty-foot distance from other dogs while out in public. HSNT is not liable for the treatment or cost of vet bills incurred for your own pets at your private veterinarian.

If you plan to take your dog home, please check your fence line and property for holes, loose planks, poisonous plants, foxtails, and dangerous household items. Even if you have/had a dog that has never gotten loose, please don't assume that your property is secure. We don't know the history of most of the dogs we place, and the majority of them were strays.