Barks & Rec
Barks and Rec at the Humane Society of North Central Florida is a fun dog field trip program that gives shelter pups a break while boosting their adoption chances! Outings provide enrichment, socialization, and valuable insights into each dog’s personality, helping us match them with the perfect home. Volunteers—whether community members or students earning service hours—can enjoy a rewarding experience while making a real difference. Get involved and give a shelter dog the adventure they deserve!
To join the Barks & Rec program, volunteers must first complete the dog volunteer onboarding process. Learn more about becoming a volunteer here.
Field Trip Rules
- Volunteers must be 18 or older to participate
- Dogs must remain on leash at all times
- Avoid interactions with all other animals
- No dog parks
- Do not let dogs come nose to nose with other dogs
- Volunteers MUST have control of the leash at all times
- Keep dogs (and yourself!) well hydrated at all times
- Dogs must be returned to the shelter before 4 PM
Places To Go
Parks
- San Felasco Park
- Hogtown Creek
- Loblolly Woods Nature Park
- Glen Springs Run
- Cellon Oak Park
- O’Leno State Park
- Devil’s Millhopper Park
- Alfred Ring Park
- Depot Park
- Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
- Tom Petty Park
Restaurants
- McDonald’s Drive-Thru (nuggies & fries!)
- Starbucks (puppuccinos!)
- Curia On The Drag
- One Love Cafe’
- Swamp Head
- East End Eatery
- Blaze Pizza
- Other dog-friendy restaurants
Other
- Home Depot
- Lowes
- TJ Maxx
- Rural King
- Your house (if you do not own other dogs or cats!)
Volunteer Login
Click on the login link to schedule yourself for volunteer hours using our Volunteer Database (Digital Cheetah) and stay up-to-date on all the latest volunteer news!