How to Become a Volunteer Dog Walker
There are millions of older and disabled people in England who can’t afford dog walking fees, so appreciate organisations and volunteers that give their dogs regular walks, to keep them happy and healthy. And enable dogs to stay with much-loved guardians.
The Cinnamon Trust is the UK’s only national charity dedicated to helping older people and those with terminal illnesses care for their much-loved pets. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, they provide practical assistance to owners whenever pet care becomes a problem, including dog walking.
Registering as a dog-walking volunteer is an ideal opportunity for people who love dogs and walking, but are unable (due to circumstances) to short-term or forever foster dogs themselves (this is different from adoption, in that they pay vet bills, can provide animal welfare advice and don’t charge for the fostering match).
Most volunteers also carry out other duties like pet-taxi services, fostering for hospital stays or looking after other pets (like changing cat litter trays).
Before walks, research dog-friendly parks and know how to keep dogs safe at the seaside. Also learn of toxic foods and plants.
Also read info on quick-release dog collars (secured on walks by linking lead through D-rings which break off, if dogs entangle).
Also read our posts on humane dog training and first aid for pets.
Don’t let dogs run for an hour after eating or long car drives, to reduce risk of bloat.
The Cinnamon Trust was named after the founder’s 17-year Corgi (who sadly died the same year the charity was founded). Whether it’s matching volunteers for dog walking, or other pet assistance, each pet is always thoughtfully paired with volunteers based on proximity, pet needs and the volunteer’s experience with different pets and breeds.
In addition to dog walking, volunteers support owners and their pets in many other ways – taking pets to the vet, cleaning litter trays, brushing cats, collecting pet food as well as providing short-term fostering during hospital stays.
Volunteers and animal lovers can also become forever fosterers to pets who have been entrusted to the charity to make thoughtful decisions for their pet, in the event they have to move into a nursing home or pass away.
During the Pet Profiling process, owners share important information about their pet’s routine, medical needs, personality and diet, allowing The Trust to understand the true character and needs of each pet, and ensure a caring and stress-free transition for their beloved companion when the time comes.
The Trust oversees all animals in forever foster homes and pays all vet bills (and food, for special diets). It never relies on kennels or catteries, and always finds homely environments for pets, entrusted in their care.
Leave a Codicil in your Will, to make arrangements for your companion’s future.
More Dog Walking Volunteer Opportunities
- Dogs Trust & Blue Cross are national charities that welcome volunteers to walk dogs. And others with experience/space to groom/foster horses.
- Keep Your Pet (Yorkshire) is a regional charity that provides assistant for older and vulnerable pet guardians, in times of ill-health or other emergencies. Support includes dog walking, visiting to feed animals, vet trips and short-term foster care.
- Wag and Company (North East) offers ‘cuddle monster’ dogs for visiting people who would like a visit from a furry friend. There is veterinary advice for ‘friendship dogs’.
TimeBanks are set up in communities. Each member earns an ‘hour of time’ by offering services to someone else. So if you someone’s shopping or mend a creaky gate, you could use the ‘hour of time’ to have someone walk your dog (or for an elderly relative or neighbour).
Other Inspirational Dog Walking Charities
- Care Dogs (London) is a befriending charity with a difference. The befriender not only visits you with their friendly dog, but also you can go on walks with both at the same time, getting out in the fresh air for gentle exercise with your new canine friend!
- Rosie’s Trust is an inspiring charity in Northern Ireland, which kind of offers the same services as Cinnamon Trust, but also for people with mobility issues and having cancer treatment. Again it offers daily walks and pet care, vet trips and short/long-term fostering and care, if needed.
- Sara Lanzarote Volunteers: Though better known on the continent, this group connects people with rehoming projects and walking schemes, sharing both short and long-term opportunities. They inspire similar groups in the UK, so many towns now have their own version.
- Poops (pets of older persons) is an Aussie charity offers help for people over 60 or in palliative care.
..Or Find an Affordable Dog Walker
If you don’t qualify for a volunteer dog walker, there are many affordable dog walkers around.
Ensure they are trained with liability insurance, and ideally have taken a first aid course and dog-walking course.
