The Hounds Town Seal of Approval: Helping Dogs Find Their Forever Homes
At Hounds Town USA, we do more than daycare, boarding, and pet spa services. Through our Hounds Town Seal of Approval program, we partner with local shelters to help adoptable dogs gain confidence, social skills, and the opportunity to find their forever families.
The Seal of Approval program embodies our philosophy that every dog deserves a chance to thrive, no matter their background, breed, or ability. Across the country, our franchise owners are going above and beyond to make that happen.
What Is the Hounds Town Seal of Approval Program?
The Hounds Town Seal of Approval gives shelter dogs the chance to socialize in a pack-based environment, guided by trained staff who understand canine behavior. Each dog receives:
- Three free days of Hounds Town daycare
- Socialization and playtime to build confidence
- A temperament evaluation to help shelters match them with the right families
When they return to the shelter, these dogs carry the Seal of Approval, a certification that tells potential adopters they’re ready to be loved and thrive in their new homes. Here are just a few Hounds Town franchisees who have made an impact through the Hounds Town Seal of Approval program in their communities:
Scott Weikert: Supporting Shelter Dogs in Wilmington, NC
At Hounds Town dog daycare and boarding in Wilmington, NC, owner Scott Weikert has turned his love for dogs into meaningful impact by supporting adoptions across his community. Since opening in 2020, Scott and his team have worked with over 200 shelter dogs through the Hounds Town Seal of Approval program. Scott partners with local animal control, and he picks up adoptable dogs for several days of interactive daycare each week.
“We’ve seen shy, nervous dogs transform through the program,” Scott said. “They learn to trust again, and that makes all the difference when they meet their future families.”
Scott has even adopted one of his Seal of Approval graduates himself. His efforts have helped countless dogs avoid overcrowded shelters and find loving homes throughout the Wilmington community.
Roger Burzanko: Building Forever Homes in Brunswick, OH
In Cleveland-Brunswick, Ohio, owner Roger Burzanko and his team have helped nearly 200 dogs find homes through their ongoing partnership with the Berea Animal Rescue and the Hounds Town Seal of Approvalprogram.
Roger’s dedication to rescue work earned him the “We Do It for the Dogs” Award at the 2025 Townie Reunion, representing a systemwide recognition of the extraordinary impact he’s made on local adoptable dogs. His location’s social media frequently highlights dogs looking for homes, like Walter, a 15-month-old shepherd-hound mix who recently found his forever family after completing the Seal of Approval program.
Stories like Walter’s coming out of Hounds Town Cleveland-Brunswick would not be possible without the Seal of Approval, which both socializes the shelter dogs to make them adoption-ready and spreads the word about their adoptability.
Adoption Spotlight: Vegas Finds a Forever Home in Houston, TX
After spending over a year at the Houston Humane Society and being returned twice through no fault of her own, Vegas finally found the happy ending she deserved through the seal of approval program.
Known for her “energy level 10” personality, Vegas quickly became a favorite at Hounds Town Houston – Midtown, even helping out with dog evaluations during her Hounds Town Seal of Approval days. Her forever family met her at their local Hounds Town’s Comicpalooza, and she now spends her days playing with her new siblings outside Houston. Vegas’ story is proof that the right environment and a little patience can completely change a dog’s future.
Valentine’s Rescue Success at Hounds Town Space Coast, FL
During a sold-out “I Woof You” Valentine’s Day event with more than 100 pups, Hounds Town Space Coast stepped in after a nearby shelter had unexpectedly closed and 30+ dogs were left in need. Through fast coordination and compassionate teamwork from owners Jane Banke and Leslie Bottesch, Hounds Town Space Coast achieved the following results:
- 20 dogs were rescued
- Several were adopted immediately
- Four were fostered through Hounds Town
Even without implementing a formal Hounds Town Seal of Approval process for all 30 dogs, Space Coast was able to achieve tons of adoptions, showing just how powerful that community connection can be.
Community Fun & Happy Endings: Honey at Hounds Town Henderson
This Halloween, Hounds Town Henderson, Nevada, had a jam-packed weekend of community engagement, participating in Pinecrest Cadence’s Trunk or Treat for the fourth year in a row before walking in the Nevada SPCA Neon Dog Walk the next day. As part of their Seal of Approval program, franchisees Jamie and Jessica Enders brought Honey from Hearts Alive Village Rescue along for extra exposure, and she found her forever home that very day. Their teamwork and commitment to community engagement helped get Honey adopted, and is yet another stunning example of how the Hounds Town Seal of Approval program changes lives.
Two Pups Adopted Thanks to Hounds Town Allentown, PA
Hounds Town Allentown is celebrating two recent Seal of Approval success stories thanks to their partnership with the Lehigh Valley Humane Society: Bart, a terrier mix surrendered by his owner, and Lovey Dovey, a stray pittie mix. Both dogs were adopted within two weeks of completing the program, proving how quickly confidence and socialization can help dogs connect with new families.
The Seal of Approval program is just one of the many ways Hounds Town gives back to the dogs who need it most. If you’re looking to adopt, check with your local Hounds Town to learn more about adoptable dogs in your area, and see how our program continues to change lives of pets and pet parents alike.