Borrowed Buddies

The Borrowed Buddies program is a fun and flexible way to spend time with a shelter dog, no long-term commitment required! Take a pup out for a walk in the park, a “doggie date” at a pet-friendly restaurant, or just enjoy some one-on-one time outside the shelter. It’s a great way to give our adoptable dogs a break, help them get socialized, and maybe even help them meet their future family!

Fill out an application to get started!

Borrowed Buddy Application
A young woman with long brown hair, glasses, and a gray shirt is playing with a joyful white dog with a rainbow bandana, outside on grass and trees. The woman is bent over, holding the dog's paws, and the dog is standing on its hind legs, mouth open, looking happy.

How do I borrow a buddy?

  • To participate in the Borrowed Buddies program, please start by filling out our Borrowed Buddies Application below. Participants must be 18 years or older, or accompanied by a parent or guardian if under 18.

  • Once you’ve completed your application, reach out to our front desk at 321-567-3615 or via email at spcafrontdesk1234@gmail.com to schedule a Borrowed Buddies outing. You’re also welcome to walk in during our regular hours. Please note we are closed for lunch from 12 PM to 1 PM on weekdays.

Borrowed Buddies FAQs

  • Borrowed Buddies offers these dogs a much-needed break from the shelter environment. Spending time outdoors and exploring new surroundings helps reduce stress and anxiety, improving the overall mental and emotional well-being of the dog. This also enhances their public visibility, increasing their chances of being adopted. 

  • We generally give priority to adult dogs that have been with us for a longer duration or those in greater need of a break from the shelter.

    If you have a specific adult dog in mind that you'd like to spend the day with, please let us know.

  • Numerous studies have demonstrated that the stress levels in dogs do not significantly increase upon their return after a short-term foster period. For dogs, being a 'borrowed buddy' is akin to the rejuvenation we experience during a weekend or a day off from work. While stress may resurface when we return to our routine, this time away offers both dogs and people an opportunity to recuperate and recharge. 

    You can learn more about how short-term fostering can benefit dogs here.

    • Go to a dog-friendly restaurant or patio

    • Take them on an outdoor adventure (hiking, a walk on the beach, etc.)

    • Go for a drive to get a pup cup or visit a dog-friendly business

    • Be couch potatoes and catch up on the latest Netflix series

    • The paw-sibilities are boundless!

    • Take them to a dog park 

    • Let them interact with other animals in your home or while in public

Have questions?

Reach out to Shelby Hicks, Public Relations and Community Engagment Coordinator
merchandise@spcabrevard.com