The Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL) has created two special programs to benefit shelter dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes: Dog's Day Out and Cat's Day In.

As part of the Dog's Day Out program, people may visit the shelter and sign out a dog for the day, giving him or her a break from shelter life. Participants can take the dogs for a walk, buy them a pup treat or let them relax at home on the sofa.

Organizers emphasize that the program is beneficial to the dogs, even though they have to eventually return to the shelter environment. "From what we have seen for the most part, a break from the kennel is what's best. While it can be confusing for them, the actual break is so much better for them," said Alyssa Budock, ARL media and communications manager. "Oftentimes, we find when they go on a break, they will sleep because they don't sleep well here. That little bit of stress reduction outweighs the confusion of them coming back and forth to the shelter."

After someone arrives at the Berks ARL for the Dog's Day Out program, he or she will be paired with a dog that the staff feels would be a good fit. "We will recommend a dog, but if there is dog they are interested in, we will let them take (that dog) out for the day. It's typically only a few hours," Budock noted.

The dogs wear "Adopt Me" banners, so that when they are out, they may meet their future owner. "We even had people meet their dogs when they were out with another person," said Budock. "People meet them and then inquire about them later on."

When people return, they are asked to complete a survey about the pet's behaviors and their experience in general. This allows the adoption team at the ARL to learn more about the dog, which can set them up for a successful future adoption. "The program has been very beneficial because we learn more about the dogs," Budock noted. "They are way different out of the shelter than in the shelter."

For Cat's Day In, guests are invited to visit the shelter to spend time with the resident cats. Toys and treats are provided.

"We have a big cage that can house seven cats at a time - it's like a little room - and you enter the cage with them," Budock explained. "You can play with them or give them treats. It gives them an opportunity to socialize with people."

Children may also read to the cats. "It is an opportunity for parents with younger kids, similar to our Book Buddies program, where kids can bring a book and practice reading out loud to the cats," said Budock. "The sound of the person's voice is calming to the cats. It benefits both the kids and the cats."

Those who would like to participate in Dog's Day Out or Cat's Day In are asked to contact the ARL at 610-373-8830 or info@berksarl.org. Participants will be asked to provide a valid ID and contact information and to sign a waiver. To learn more, visit http://www.berksarl.org/dogs-day-out and http://www.berksarl.org/cats-day-in.

The ARL is located at 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro. General adoption hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more and to view adoptable animals, visit www.berksarl.org or www.facebook.com/berksARL.