Emma Bellantoni, Campus Carrier contributor

For many college students, the weight of academic burnout, societal pressures and the looming responsibilities of adulthood can feel overwhelming. With homework piling up and stress levels rising, finding a break from student life is not always easy. Public Animal Welfare Services, or P.A.W.S., offers an unexpected solution: Doggy Field Trips.

This program gives students and community members the chance to take an adult shelter dog on an adventure for the day. Participants check in at the shelter, connect with a dog, and head out for a fun outing. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a pup cup run, or a cozy nap on the couch, the experience provides both dogs and the community with a much-needed break from the experience  of adulting. 

There are few rules other than that the dogs must remain on the leash and be returned to the shelter by 4:30 p.m. For many students, the dorm restrictions make pet ownership impossible. Programs such as the

Doggy Field Trips allow them to experience the joy of bonding with an animal without having to break any residence life policies.

“I do have two dogs at home, and when I first moved to college, it was difficult, because I do have that connection with both of them,” junior Mallory Johnson said. “I think going to P.A.W.S.and being able to show love to all those dogs that don’t have somebody and being able to give them treats and spoil them doesn’t necessarily replace like my dogs, but it makes me feel like I’m doing something for other dogs before they get adopted.”

According to the article, “The Power of Pets,” from the National Institutes of Health, spending time with animals can significantly reduce stress and improve mental well-being. 

“Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure,” the article said. “Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.” 

  Junior Leine Burke never hesitates to reap the benefits of spending time with a furry friend.

“I have been able to hang out with multiple dogs that my friends have brought to campus, and it’s just been a wonderful break in the day to get to sit outside in the sun and love on a sweet little animal who is just super happy and excited to be alive,”  Burke said. “It makes me feel a lot better about myself, and takes a lot of stress out of my day when I get to do something that’s fun and also beneficial.”

The program is mutually beneficial for both the shelter animals and students. For shelter animals, life in a kennel can be overwhelming. The constant barking, confined space and lack of one-on-one interaction can cause stress and anxiety, making some dogs appear timid, withdrawn or overly excitable. These behaviors often lead to them being overlooked by potential adopters.

“The dogs here, they do not get socialized, and they don’t get out of their kennels like they need to,” Adoption Coordinator Allison Wright said. “When people come and check them out for the day, or just come and play with them here, it gets them out of their kennel and it gets them socialized that way. For them to experience [being around people] before they actually go out into the world is good for them.”

When students return their dogs to P.A.W.S. at the end of the day, they complete a doggy field trip report card to provide feedback on the dog’s personality and behavior. These details help the shelter staff find the best possible match for their future forever home. Students also help advocate for the dogs through sharing photos and videos on social media to increase their visibility.

“Whenever I started taking the dogs, I realized that each dog is different. It was fun to be able to learn the different personalities of each of the dogs,” Johnson said. “I highly recommend [field trips], even if you’re not necessarily a dog person, it can get people out of their comfort zones without having the full responsibility of [having a] dog.”