A Local Lifeline for Animals
Giving a shelter dog the best day of their life can only take a few hours of your time, thanks to the Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester.
About the BVSPCA
1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380
Hours: Tuesday-Friday Noon-7pm & Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm
Contact Information: Phone number: 610-293-2065
Email: takeadogout@bvspca.org
The BVSPCA provides a wide range of services that extend far beyond traditional sheltering. Their mission is built on compassion and community care, with programs including:
- Adoptions
- Low-cost veterinary services
- Spay & neuter programs
- Foster opportunities
- Lost & found support
- Community outreach
- Shelter Skip Day
- Community events & Camps
Stay Connected on Socials…
https://www.instagram.com/brandywinespca
https://www.facebook.com/BrandywineSPCA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandywinespca
All You Need To Know About Shelter Skip Day
What it is:
- Shelter Skip Day is a program run by the BVSPCA that allows community members to ‘check out’ an eligible dog for an outing. You can spend a few hours, an afternoon, or even the whole day with a shelter pup, giving them a much-needed break from kennel life.
- You can go for a walk in the park, hang out in town, ride in the car, or just relax in a new environment.
- While they’re out, they wear an “Adopt Me” vest so people know they’re looking for a home.
- At the end of the outing, participants return the dog to the same shelter and fill out a short report card about the dog’s behavior and personality.
- Dogs must be returned an hour before closing time.
- Photos and videos are encouraged; this helps the shelter share more about the dog with potential adopters.
- Pick-up times: Tuesday-Friday 12-4pm & Saturday-Sunday 11am-2pm
Why it Matters:
- For the dogs: stress relief, exposure to potential adopters, and a chance to show off their true personality.
- For the community: a fun way to volunteer without a long-term commitment.
- For you: companionship, stress relief, and the joy of helping.
How to Get Involved:
- Sign up online or walk in to the local BVSPCA in West Chester.
- Bring a valid ID.
- Check in and sign paperwork.
- Choose your dog.
- Follow the SPCA rules.
The Shelter Provides:
- Travel water bottle
- A seatbelt to keep the dog safe during transport
- Treats and food
- Dog toys
- Drying towel
- A list of potential (local) parks, trails, restaurants, stores, and good walking areas.
- A list of the rules, shelter contacts, and emergency contacts.
- An “adopt me” harness
- Walking harness and leash
Recommended Locations:
Here are some good locations in the area where you can bring along your Shelter Skip Day pup:
- East Goshen Township Park
- West Goshen Park
- Slyfox Tap House
- Four Dogs Tavern
- Starbucks
- PetSmart
- Downtown West Chester
- Main Street Exton
One Dog’s Story, Many More Waiting
“Birdie had the most wonderful day out on her Shelter Skip Day outing! The person who took her out reported: “Birdie and I went for a walk through the beautiful Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge today. She was the perfect companion. Rode well in the car and loved everyone she met. She’s good on the leash, didn’t pull, and just wanted to sniff everything. She’s hard to get a good picture of because she wants to give! She’s a great medium size and will make a great companion.” YOU can give a dog a much-deserved break by stopping the shelter closest to you today!” -BVSPCA
https://bvspca.org/shelter-skip-day
Sometimes, all it takes is one walk to change a dog’s future and brighten your own day too!
