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.

Sign-up

• • Register for a Barks and Rec shift under the “Shelter Assistance” calendar on Digital Cheetah
  • Shifts are set up from 10-4 which is the window in which you must pick up and drop back off (Example: you can pick up at 11 and drop back off at 2)
  • Read through rules and guidelines

Pick up

• • Head into the reception office located under the big red crooked dog house at our North Campus and let the staff know you are there for Barks and Rec
  • The reception team will radio animal care staff to bring an approved dog up (dog requests can be made but are not always able to be accommodated)
  • While the dog is being brought up, clock in on the volunteer computer
  • Let staff brief you on dog-specific details and make sure dogs have a harness, collar, and HSNCF tags on before leaving campus

Drop off

• • Return dogs to the reception office no later than 4 PM
  • Fill out the dogs report card and return dog field trip bags
  • Clock out using the volunteer computer

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!)