The Winnipeg Humane Society is piloting a new program to allow shelter dogs to catch up on much-needed rest.
Starting Feb. 10, the WHS will implement a naptime program.
“Dogs typically sleep 14 to 16 hours a day. In the shelter, there is so much stimulation, from lights to noise to smells, they do not get to engage in their natural sleep cycles,” says Daphne Hee, manager of adoptions for the WHS.
Like humans, dogs need rest. Without it, they can become anxious, stressed and ultimately undesirable for potential adopters.
The hope is that the increased sleep will help reduce stress for the dogs and increase their chances of adoption.
“Well-rested dogs have better immune systems, are more sociable, and show calmer behaviour. This makes interactions with potential adopters more positive for everyone involved,” explains Hee.
Naptime will take place from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Friday. During this time, the shelter will lower the blinds and dim the lights in the dog pods. Visitors will also be asked to keep quiet while in the shelter and visitation and adoptions of dogs will not take place during those hours.
For now, naptime will only include dogs. If the pilot project proves to be successful, the WHS will expand into future catnaps.
Visitation of cats and other critters within the facility will still go on during naptime.