Sign up to be a dog walker

The absolute golden rule is that you should NEVER allow any of our dogs to come into contact with ANY other dog while you are out. This is how incidents happen. You can avoid other dogs by asking people coming towards you to give you space, by crossing the road, by keeping the dog on a short lead on the opposite side of your body to where the oncoming is or by turning round and walking in the opposite direction. If we find that you have allowed dogs to have close physical contact you will be removed from the walkers register. We cannot stress how important this is.

Staff have the right to refuse volunteers if it is found that guidance is not adhered to.

General

• Dog walking is permitted seven days a week between 8am and 4pm
• Please be aware at busy times you may have to wait before a dog is available for walking.
• When crossing roads take all the usual precautions and ensure you stand well back from the kerb while waiting to cross. Hold the dog on a short lead – You will be shown this in induction.
• Where possible bring along your own slip lead (not a standard collar and lead).
• Remember to advise staff if your contact address or phone numbers change.

Before you go out

• Do sign in and write your walker number and phone number on the signing in/out form in reception.
• Do put on your high visibility waistcoat available in reception.
• Do take some poop scoop bags with you.
• Do let staff know if you or your client have specific needs (eg small/calm dogs only).
• Do Take a mobile phone with you so you can phone us in any emergency
• Do not take a dog which you do not feel confident walking. Ask staff for another dog.
• Do not allow the dog you are walking to have any physical contact with another dog – Golden rule

Out Walking

• Do use the poo bag to pick up after the dog if it has gone to the toilet. You have committed an offence if you fail to do this and may be prevented from dog walking in future. Put it in the bin provided at the top of the lane.
• Do keep control of the dog at all times.
• Do call the Dogs Home on 2071 1243 should any incident occur whilst out walking.
• Do return to the Dogs Home immediately if on leaving you feel the dog is not suitable.
• Do follow the recommended routes on maps provided and stand back from the edge of the footpath when you are waiting to cross the road. Keep the dog on a short lead at this point.
• Do cross busy roads at safe crossing places.
• Do not put your face or allow anyone under your supervision to put their faces near to the dog/s.
• Do not allow the dog off the lead at anytime.
• Do not allow anyone under your supervision to hold the lead if they are not capable to do so.
• Do not allow the dog to get too close or come into contact with other dogs – Golden rule

Back at the Kennels

• Do wait outside if there are dogs in the reception area before handing the dog back.
• Do put the dog waste in the bin outside the door if you haven’t disposed of it already.
• Do inform staff if there have been any incidents whilst out or if there are any physical or behavioural issues the dog may have shown whilst out.
• Do not forget to sign out on the form in reception. Do not forget to come back again!