Pilot program places shelter dogs in pet hotels until adoption and joins I³ Competition

Before Home, a privately funded pilot program that places shelter dogs in participating pet hotels while they await adoption, has been selected to take part in the student-led Imagine, Innovate & Inspire (I³) Competition.

Before Home, a privately funded pilot program, has been selected to participate in the Imagine, Innovate & Inspire (I³) Competition. The program places one shelter dog at a time into participating pet hotels while the dog awaits adoption. The approach seeks to reduce stress by offering more human interaction and exposure to normal activity and other dogs. Shelters retain ownership and control over adoption decisions, and the program does not provide training, rehabilitation, or medical treatment. Key details: - The program was founded by animal welfare educator Elizabeth J. Menegon and is privately funded. - Dogs must be approved by their shelter, be current on vaccinations, and all placements are microchipped; the program provides a microchip if a shelter has not already done so. - Each dog remains in a pet hotel under the hotel’s standard boarding procedures until adoption, with shelters continuing to handle applications and approvals. - Pet hotel stays are privately funded and typically cost $30 to $55 per day; Menegon said about $6,500 supports up to six months of hotel care for one dog. - As part of the I³ Competition, high school students supported by mentors will develop a tailored digital deliverable for Before Home and present measurable outcomes to a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $2,000. Summary: The program’s selection for the I³ Competition will bring student-driven digital support while the pilot examines whether temporary pet-hotel stays reduce kennel stress. Students will produce a digital deliverable and present outcomes, and the program is seeking a limited number of shelter and pet-hotel partners.