Wanna Host a “Doggie Sleepover”? See This Arizona Animal Shelter’s New Program

One of the best things about being a kid was having weekend sleepovers with my friends. We'd get together at a friend's house, where we'd play games and visit. Living life a little differently for a night or two was exciting.

The animal shelter in Sierra Vista, the Nancy J Brua Animal Care Center, had this nostalgic fun in mind when it created the Doggie Sleepover Program.

This program is essentially a short-term foster program for its canine residents from the shelter. How long the "sleepover" lasts is up to you!

The Nancy J Brua Animal Care Center: Doggie Sleepover Program

Arleen Garcia and her team created this program for several reasons, and you can be part of the fun.

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First, get the ball rolling at the shelter by filling out a short application form. Then, if you're in Cochise County, you can choose a dog to take home. The amount of time the dog spends at your home is up to you!

KEEP READING: An Interview with Sally at the Animal Shelter

Arleen says, "You can take a dog home overnight, host the pup for a week, or keep the dog as long as you like. It's up to you."

Here's a list of people who should think about being a Doggie Sleepover Host:

• Someone thinking about adopting a dog. The Doggie Sleepover program is the perfect short-term animal fostering option.
  • It can help you decide how a dog will fit into your life. If you've never owned a dog or it's been a long time since you had one, this will help you discover what it's like to live with a canine friend without making a permanent commitment.
• Someone visiting Cochise County for a short time: If you're visiting Cochise County as a contractor or stationed at Ft. Huachuca for a short time, consider hosting a dog as a companion while you're here.
  • If you've left pets behind at your permanent home and missing them, this could help you feel a little less lonely.
• You'd like to give a dog a break from the shelter: Imagine living in a shelter all the time, with lots of barking and noises all around you. Staying in a warm home for a while is a nice break.
• You'll help the shelter free up room for other dogs: If you can commit to keeping a dog for a few days, a few weeks, or even longer, you'll help free up space so the shelter can house a few more dogs.
• You'll help the shelter learn more about the dog: Your experience can help the shelter learn more about the dog's behavior, likes and dislikes, and general personality.

READ: Time for 'PuppyPalooza' at This Arizona Animal Shelter

If You'd Like to Be a Host, You're Not Alone

The animal shelter will ensure that any dog you decide to host is up-to-date on shots and spayed or neutered. They'll also help you with supplies like leashes, dog bowls, dog food, and more.

If you'd like to host a Doggie Sleepover with a shelter dog, contact the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center at (520) 458-4151 or stop by in person at  6799 E Highway 90, Sierra Vista.

Sources: The Nancy J Brua Animal Care Center | Facebook: Sierra Vista Animal Shelter

🐾 All dogs pictured in this article (except the featured image) are available for sleepovers, foster, or adoption from the Nancy J Brua Animal Care Center in Sierra Vista.