SILVERDALE — There’s nothing quite like taking a trip with your friends and roommates to get a delicious treat at a nearby business. That goes for dogs as well as humans.

For about a year, Kitsap Humane Society volunteer Molly Clark has been piling a group of dogs staying at the shelter into her car and taking them to Starbucks for a “puppuccino,” a foamy treat for the dogs to enjoy. In April, KHS decided to make Puppuccino Pals an official program. Dogs get their treats, and a little local publicity on the KHS social media sites, hopefully reaching the eyes of potential adopters.

“The goal is to raise awareness for the dog and hopefully reach out to potential adopters through social media,” said Rebekah Johnson, KHS events and outreach manager.

“Here at Kitsap Humane Society, we really value making sure that each animal has an individualized experience and receives individualized care. This helps the dog by getting them out of the shelter … the kennel can be stressful for some animals. This gives them time to kind of have a break and get some extra attention and TLC.”

“Puppuccinos” have even been added to Starbucks secret menu, the first and only menu just for dogs. The “puppuccino” is described as a crowd favorite, and comes in a dog-appropriate sized cup (and espresso cup). The treat consists entirely of whipped cream.

Conversely, Johnson said not all dogs participate in the program for various reasons. Some would find the socialization with other dogs and new humans stressful, others wouldn’t handle car rides well, some aren’t good on leashes and some just like to lay down and relax at the shelter. Johnson said those dogs are interacted with on campus, one on one in “a quiet, relaxing environment,” and walked on the trails around the shelter instead.

But in the interest of spreading the foamy love, “puppuccinos” are brought back for the dogs that stayed behind.

“There’s lots of different ways staff and volunteers who will make sure animals who need it are getting a break,” Johnson said. “It’s just all a part of how we’re trying to care for the animals. It’s important for the volunteers because they’re engaged in part of our mission.

“It’s just another way to do their part in helping these animals get rehabilitated and adopted out.”

Photos from the excursions, which usually occur on Tuesdays, are often shared on the KHS social media pages, especially Instagram (www.instagram.com/kitsaphumanesociety); or their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kitsaphumanesociety). If you’re interested in getting involved as a volunteer or foster home for the pets, or are interested in adopting an animal from the shelter, get more information at their website, www.kitsap-humane.org.