A trip to the park, a few new friends and a pup cup on the way home: some local dogs are getting an outing of their own aboard a bus based in New Kensington.

My Pups Bus, owned by New Kensington resident Beth Burkard, offers three-hour dog daycare adventures with pickup and drop-off at an owner’s home or workplace.

And alongside its paying passengers, the business is making room for shelter dogs who could use a change of scenery.

A day out for shelter dogs

Burkard has teamed up with Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley in New Kensington to offer free outings to selected dogs in the shelter’s care.

On November 3, shelter residents Carmen and Oso joined three paying customers for a trip that included time at K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Memorial Park in Lower Burrell.

The outing gave them a chance to leave the shelter, explore and spend time with people and other dogs.

For Burkard, helping shelter animals is an important part of the business she is building.

Her longer-term ideas include displaying adoptable dogs on the bus and adding a dog stroller to help senior dogs take part.

Small groups, local adventures

The mini school bus carries no more than six dogs per trip, with separate outings for smaller and larger passengers.

Burkard handles the dogs with help from her boyfriend, John Smith, a retired Marine who also drives the bus.

Each dog is secured in a seat before the group heads out.

Routes combine park visits, exercise and social time, sometimes finishing with a pup cup from a local stop such as Glen’s Custard in Springdale, Dairy Queen in New Kensington or Brr-Kee’s in Oakmont.

One regular passenger is Murphy, a sheepdog whose owner books weekly outings so he can socialize and experience something different.

Murphy’s enjoyment of the ride is easy to see in the photo above.

The service covers communities within approximately 10 miles of New Kensington, including Lower Burrell, Oakmont, Springdale and Cheswick.

Because the bus does not have air conditioning, trips depend on favorable weather.

What owners should know

An outing costs $35 per dog, with a second dog from the same owner riding for half price.

Payment is accepted by cash or Venmo.

Dogs of all breeds and ages are welcome, provided they are nonaggressive and current on required vaccinations.

Owners must also sign waivers.

Trips typically run on Tuesdays, with small dogs going from 9 a.m. to noon and large dogs from 2 to 5 p.m.

Owners can confirm the schedule and pickup arrangements when booking.

Book a ride

Call or text 724-472-2401, or contact Mypupsbus Beth on Facebook.

Whether an owner is at work, needs help getting a dog out for an adventure or simply wants to add something fun to the week, My Pups Bus offers a local option—with a little extra kindness for dogs still waiting for a family.