How to become a volunteer dog walker

chilly day for a walk

Jo Grundy

Millions of people in England live with dogs. But for many older and disabled dog guardians, circumstances mean they often can’t take their dogs for walks. So to keep dogs with human companions, volunteer walkers can help.

Take courses in first aid and dog-walking.

The Cinnamon Trust (a dog walking charity)

The Cinnamon Trust is England’s main dog walking charity, and is always looking for volunteers nationwide. It helps people over 65 (or those with termina illness). It can also help with grooming, cleaning litter rays and ‘pet taxi’ services to visit the vet.

The charity carefully matches volunteers with pet guardians by considering location, pet needs and experience. This helps to create trusted relationships for the benefit to all.

It also offers a ‘Forever Foster’ service, where volunteers can look after pets, if their human guardian has  to move into residential care (it covers food and vet costs, and also holds a list of pet-friendly care homes.

Guardians complete a Pet Profiling process, to let guardians know of daily routines, medication, personality, diet and likes/dislikes. This makes future transitions as relaxing as possible.

It’s advised for all pet guardians to make future arrangements, by leaving a Codicil in their Will. This allows them to record their wishes and help ensure their pets are cared for, if they can’t in the future.

Tips for safe volunteer dog walks

Safe dog walking involves more than putting on a lead and heading outside. A little preparation can prevent accidents and keep dogs healthy.

  • Research dog-friendly parks, beaches and countryside routes. And know dangerous plants and toxic foods to avoid. And keep dogs away from standing water, due to algae.
  • Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. And learn how to keep dogs safe at the seaside.
  • Humane dog training helps good recall.
  • It’s UK law for dogs over 8 weeks to be microchipped. FlexiTags lists important info, without needing for hanging tags.
  • Experts say to avoid collars until around 8/10 weeks (puppies). Harnesses avoid collar accidents. Or quality quick-release dog collars remain secure on walks (the lead is locked through D-rings). But break off in emergency situations.
  • Only walk/run 2 hours after long drives, to avoid bloat (same with after eating food). Neve leave dogs in cars (even with windows open, temperatures can get too hot or cold).

Keep dogs safe in all seasons

  • Only use pet sunscreens (wash off sunscreen, deodorant and cosmetics with zinc oxide before pets kiss you – same for cocoa butter creams).
  • Learn how to remove ticks from dogs. Also check ear and paws after walks in long grass (esp.  for sharp foxtail grass).
  • Rinse paws with warm water after walks to rinse off rock salt, which can burn at higher indoor temperatures.

How to keep dogs safe near snakes

  • Keep dogs on leads when walking in tall grass or bush. Be extra careful around piles of wood and rocks. And creeks or other water sources, especially early morning or evening.
  • Don’t leave food (or fruit waste) outside (this can also attract rodents).
  • Dog-Friendly Cornwall has tips on when to avoid walking (‘safe hours’ were previously before 9am and after 7pm). But climate change has adapted temperatures, so this does not always follow.
  • Goodheart Animal Health Centres has tips to protect small dogs (advice could apply to other species) from birds of prey.  Attacks are rare, but info is useful for people who live near eagles and raptors.

If a dog is bitten by a snake:

  • Call a vet immediately (read how to avoid & treat adder bites).
  • Keep calm and stay quiet, so your dog doesn’t panic. Lift and carry your dog to the car to stop venom from spreading.
  • Don’t wash or attempt to treat the bite yourself.
  • If you can safely take a photo of the snake, this can help vets.
  • Animal Emergency Service has tips on symptoms and treatment.

More ways to help pet guardians

  • Dogs Trust and Blue Cross welcome volunteers to walk dogs and groom/foster horses.
  • Keep Your Pet (Yorkshire) helps older/vulnerable pet guardians in times of emergency. From dog walking to feeding animals, vet trips and foster care.
  • Wag and Company (North East) offers ‘cuddle monster’ dogs for visiting people who would like visits from furry friends. There is vet advice for ‘friendship dogs’.
  • TimeBanks are where communities share tasks for an ‘hour of time’. Many offer/receive dog walking services.
  • Care Dogs (London) is a befriending charity where people visit with dogs, so you can go on walks together with your new canine friend.

Dog charities abroad to inspire

  • Rosie’s Trust (Northern Ireland) helps people with mobility issues and receiving cancer treatment.
  • Sara Lanzarote has volunteer dog walkers and is a good ‘town inspiration website’ to replicate elsewhere.
  • Poops (pets of older persons) is an Aussie charity offers help people over 60 or in palliative care.

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