Want a four-legged Valentine’s Day date? A Sacramento shelter seeks volunteers
If you’re single and not yet ready to mingle this Valentine’s Day, Sacramento’s Front Street Shelter is looking for dates for some of its adoptable dogs.
Dog lovers can participate in a special Valentine’s Day edition of the shelter’s Doggy Day Out program Feb. 12-14 to give pups an opportunity to spend time outside of Front Street.
“This is a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day while doing something that truly matters,” said Front Street spokesperson Andrea Haverland in an announcement. “A few hours of fresh air and one-on-one attention can make a big difference for our dogs, and it might even lead to a forever home.”
Registered participants will get paired up with dogs weighing about 40 pounds or more. Most of the dogs are “young, strong and ready for an adventure,” the shelter’s announcement said.
Front Street encourages dates to take their assigned dog on a local hike, a park visit or to grab a drive-thru “pup cup,” though they may go anywhere dogs are allowed.
There are a number of safety rules as part of the program, but two of the main requirements are that the shelter dogs do not interact with other dogs, and they remain on-leash at all times of the outing.
Interested participants can pre-register for a Valentine’s Day doggy date at the Front Street Shelter’s website. Dog pickup starts at 9 a.m. and they must be returned to the shelter between 1 p.m.-4 p.m. the same day.
If sparks fly during the one-on-one time, the dogs may be available for fostering or adoption, according to the shelter.
This story was originally published February 9, 2026 at 8:00 AM.
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