Dog Walker (RB)

With up to 50 homeless dogs waiting to be homed our volunteers come to offer them time-out of their kennels on walks in the countryside, around private woodlands and free running in large paddocks. We aim to get every dog out once a day and need a committed army of dog walkers/ Dog befrienders each day. Some of our walkers drop away due to changes in circumstance or simply that they have ended up adopting or fostering one of our dogs so we are always happy to have more.

We have a Forum where each dog has a blog and the dog walkers share insights and fun times with a large audience, including people watching thinking of adopting their own dog. We run on Covid lines and have a 3 stage walker’s course so you are gradually introduced to the easier dogs and are supported once you have completed the training. You must be over 18 years old and no one is allowed on site to walk dogs unless they have gone through our standard induction process.  Dogs can be walked between the hours of 9am and 4pm.

All walkers must complete an application form which captures individual details, references and next of kin.  We make an assessment of the individual’s suitability during the taster and induction sessions.   These sessions also allow us to determine which dogs will be suitable for the individual to walk.  All walkers complete our induction course and following that have access to our walker’s forum and up to date dog notes.  We send a newsletter to Dog walkers to keep them up to date.   

Volunteers are required to do 4 separate training sessions with us before they are allowed to walk alone. Once the training walks are completed they are able to walk any time during daylight hours, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, however we are only able to offer the training sessions Mon – Fri between 9am and 3pm and on Saturday mornings. 

What skills do I need?

• No experience required but must have common sense and be able to follow safety instructions carefully at all times.
• A full induction is given.
• Please can you come prepared with sensible clothes and footwear for walking in rain/ muddy uneven fields and through country side.
• Accompanying dogs and children are not allowed and should be left at home.

• Give all kennel staff respect and obey kennel etiquette as explained on your first day.