Inside McKamey Animal Center’s ‘Slumber Pawty’ Program

What do you get when you mix a slumber party with a dog from the shelter? A “Slumber Pawty,” of course. McKamey Animal Center’s Slumber Pawty is a year-round program in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that invites people to take adoptable dogs home for up to a week for some real-world bonding. 

Whether you’re testing the waters before adopting or simply want to give a shelter pup a cozy break from the kennels, it’s a win-win. You get the joy of canine company, and the dog gets a chance to decompress and boost their chances of adoption.

“The Slumber Pawty program launched over a year ago, and more than 30 dogs have found their permanent home thanks to this program,” says Jennifer McAfee, director of advancement at McKamey Animal Center (MAC). And McKamey isn’t the only one offering temporary foster programs; similar programs are found in many shelters and rescues across the country. Read on to get the scoop on how the program works, and why it’s so impactful for people and pups.

via McKamey Animal Center/ Big Momma at her slumber party

Benefits of slumber parties

Hosting a dog from the shelter is fun, but it’s more than just a good time. It genuinely helps the dog (and you) in several ways. 

Gives the dog a break from the shelter 

A night (or a few days) away from the shelter can be a huge emotional reset for a dog. Shelters and rescues can be loud, stressful, and overstimulating, even in the best conditions. A slumber party gives a dog the chance to decompress and enjoy simple comforts, like a quiet home, one-on-one attention, and outings. Many dogs sleep better, eat better, and seem calmer after just a short break from the shelter environment.

Helps you see how the dog could fit into your life

“If you’re thinking about adopting but aren’t quite ready to commit, a Slumber Pawty lets you welcome a dog into your home for a short stay and see how they fit with your lifestyle,” McAfee says. 

During a sleepover, you’ll get a better sense of what life with this dog would be like. You’ll get a feel for their energy level, manners, and quirks. These real-life moments make it much easier to decide if the dog is a good fit.

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Boosts adoption chances, even if you don’t adopt

Even if you don’t adopt your guest, sleepovers increase their chances of getting adopted. Why? A home environment brings out natural behaviors you don’t usually see in a shelter. You may learn how they walk on leash, handle stairs, ride in the car, respond to everyday activities, or interact with other people. 

For shelters and rescues, these observations are gold. They help staff better understand each dog and match them with the right person or family. Plus, many hosts share photos and updates on social media, giving the dog extra visibility.

via McKamey Animal Center/ Lulu

Helping overlooked dogs at shelters

Slumber parties can be the thing that changes everything for a dog who’s been overlooked for way too long. Take LuLu’s adoption story. At the time, LuLu was one of MAC’s longest residents, and life in a kennel had begun to affect her, so she wasn’t showing her best self in the shelter.

Her adopter reflects: “I talked to a lot of people at MAC, and they said she was stressed and not doing well at all. I took her on slumber parties one after another until I could finally adopt her in May.” Those overnights gave LuLu space to decompress, rest, and show who she really was outside the kennel. Now she’s had a total glow-up. “She’s always running around with toys, ready to play, and she loves long walks and running at the park. It’s crazy to me she was at the shelter for so long because she’s such a cuddle bug and the sweetest girl.”

Here’s how to get started

Ready to host a dog from McKamey Animal Center? As long as you live near Chattanooga, Tennessee — where MAC is located — joining in on the fun is easy. If you don’t live nearby, find an alternative near you. Start by browsing other organizations below.

Step 1: Visit the McKamey Animal Center

Start by stopping by MAC (Tuesday through Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m.). You can browse dogs online beforehand, or just come in and meet eligible pups in person. An adoption counselor will talk you through each dog’s background, behavior history, and any special needs — so you know what to expect.

Step 2: Select the dog

Once you’ve met a few dogs, the staff will help you choose the best match. Only dogs who are at least a year old and have been available for adoption for at least two weeks are eligible for sleepovers.

Step 3: Complete the paperwork and read the rules

Next, you’ll fill out an agreement specific to the dog you’re hosting. You must be 18 or older, and you’ll need to present a government-issued ID. This quick paperwork outlines expectations and ensures MAC has your information. 

Before you head out, you’ll go over a few important guidelines to keep everyone safe.

• Dogs must never be unrestrained or allowed to run loose.

• No dog parks or off-leash areas.

• Your foster pup must stay in your custody — no pet sitters, dog walkers, or hand-offs without prior approval from MAC.

• Dogs should remain indoors unless they’re on leash or in a secure, fenced yard. 

Step 4: Gather supplies and head home

MAC provides everything you’ll need to care for the dog, including dog food, a leash and collar, toys, medication (if needed), and a dog bed. Just let the team know which supplies you need to make your sleepover a success.

Step 5: If it’s not a match

If you realize during your sleepover that the dog isn’t the right fit, you can finish your sleepover and return them on the scheduled date. If you’d like to bring them back sooner, just call MAC to set up a return time. When you drop them off, you’ll fill out a short survey about how they did in your home. This information makes it easier for staff to match them with the right adopter.

Step 6: If you want to foster or adopt

If you fall in love with the pup and want to adopt them, you can set up a time to make it official. If you’re not ready to adopt but want to foster, staff can walk you through that process as well.

What to expect when hosting a sleepover

Hosting a dog from the shelter is a mix of fun, discovery, and a little trial and error. 

Let them take their time

When you first bring your guest home, give them time and space to settle in. Some dogs immediately flop on the couch like they’ve lived there forever, while others might quietly scope things out from the corner. Keep the environment calm, and let them explore at their own pace.

Have fun together

Go on leashed walks. Play fetch in a fenced yard. Practice basic cues. Or curl up on the couch for a movie. These low-pressure moments help you bond and give the dog a chance to relax and just be themselves.

Take notes 

Pay attention to how your party guest handles everyday situations (and take notes). These observations give the McKamey team valuable insight into the dog’s personality and what type of home they’ll do best in. If you’re considering adoption, they can help you figure out if this pup could be the right match for your lifestyle.

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Do other shelters and rescues offer similar programs?

Yes, many shelters and rescues offer similar overnight sleepover programs. Below you’ll find several others. If you don’t find one near you, check with your local shelter or rescue.

West: 

• Humane Society Silicon Valley: Learn about their program here. 

• The SPCA for Monterey County: Learn about their program here. 

Midwest:

• Wayside Waifs: Learn about their program here.

• Gateway Pet Guardians: Learn about their program here. 

• Helping Hands Humane Society: Learn about their program here. 

• Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit: Learn about their program here. 

• Michigan Humane: Learn about their program here. 

• Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center: Learn about their program here. 

Mid-Atlantic: 

• Old Dominion Humane Society: Learn about their program here. 

• Hope for Life Rescue: Learn about their program here. 

South:

• SPCA of Texas: Learn about their program here. 

Southeast:

• Saving Grace: Learn about their program here. 

Northeast: 

• Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue: Learn about their program here. 

Some shelters and rescues also offer options such as short-term fostering, Doggie Day Out events, or walks with dogs waiting to be adopted. Check with your local shelters and rescues to see what they offer.

Commonly asked questions

Should I let them sleep in my bed?

This is totally up to you. If the dog seems eager to hop into bed, and you’re comfortable with it, sharing the bed can help them relax and bond. If you prefer to keep bedtime separate, a comfy dog bed nearby works just as well.

Can cats go to Slumber Pawties? 

Currently, MAC isn’t sending kittens or adult cats to Slumber Pawties. If you’re interested in helping a cat, fostering or adopting are great options.

Do you have to live in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to participate? 

No, you don’t have to live in Chattanooga to join the MAC Slumber Pawty program. Anyone is welcome to participate as long as they can pick up and return the dog to McKamey Animal Center. 

Resources 

“Doggy Day Outs, Field Trips & Short-Term Fosters: Reducing Stress in Shelter Dogs While Increasing Volunteers and Adoptions.” ASPCA Pro, 8 Aug. 2024, www.aspcapro.org/resource/doggy-day-outs-field-trips-short-term-fosters-reducing-stress-shelter-dogs-while.

‌Gunter, Lisa M., et al. “The Influence of Brief Outing and Temporary Fostering Programs on Shelter Dog Welfare.” Animals, vol. 13, no. 22, 1 Jan. 2023, p. 3528, www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/22/3528, doi.org/10.3390/ani13223528.

“Slumber Pawties.” McKamey Animal Center, 19 June 2024, mckameyanimalcenter.org/pawty.