Volunteer dog walkers are usually employed by the likes of animal shelters and the RSPCA. They are able to provide the means by which a dog can take exercise and enjoy the socialisation and affection that all confined dogs need badly so that they remain healthy and happy animals. This is all done so that one day, they can, hopefully, be re-homed and be looked after by a loving and caring family.
Why Are Dog Walkers Needed?
Although dog shelters and other humane animal organisations do their utmost to care for dogs which are staying there because they have nowhere else to go, it’s important to remember that due to the sheer numbers of abandoned and mistreated dogs, they all need to be confined to cages. Here, prolonged isolation and extremely limited activity means that a dog’s quality of life is dramatically reduced and because that results in increased poor health and behavioural problems, the longer it persists, the less likely the chances are for a dog to be re-homed. Therefore, you’d be amazed at the amount of good you would be doing if you became a volunteer dog walker. Furthermore, you cannot fail to be moved by a dog that recognises you who is going to display sheer joy at seeing you, each time you drop by to take it for a walk.
How Do I Get Involved?
The easiest way to get involved as a volunteer is to telephone your local dog rescue or animal shelter centre or your local RSPCA. You will be able to find out the contact details in the phone book or on the internet. You don’t need to have owned a dog before as you will be given an orientation, training and guidance as to what to expect before you actually take a dog out on your own. Initially, you’ll also be taken out on a walk with a dog and one of the dog shelter’s staff members so that you can get more of an idea as to the dog’s personality and advised what you should and shouldn’t do in any given situation.
Volunteer work as a dog walker is very flexible so, whilst it’s very beneficial for a dog to get used to forming a relationship with you, you can fit the activity in very easily around your other existing commitments.
What Are The Benefits?
There are so many benefits to undertaking volunteer work as a dog walker. At the most fundamental level, you’ll bring much needed joy into a dog’s life. Exercise and companionship are crucial to a dog’s fundamental existence and you’ll have made a loyal friend who will always be glad to see you. Furthermore, dog walking is also often a good way to make other friends of the ‘human’ variety too. You’ll stop and speak to far more people when out walking with a dog than you would have otherwise previously done so it has social benefits for you too. However, what is important is that you will be helping to prepare the dog for the ultimate aim of it being adopted by a loving family.
Dog walking is also a good way of getting some gentle exercise, especially if you need to ease your way back in to exercise after illness or an operation and getting out into the fresh air is proven to be both physically and emotionally beneficial.
Any kind of volunteer work is also looked upon favourably by potential employers and volunteer work as a dog walker might be a good place to start if you’re thinking of entering any kind of profession which involves animal care.
You’ll also learn new skills you probably thought you never had and it will bring out some personal qualities in you that you never knew existed. You may even find that it is the catalyst for wanting a dog of your own – maybe you’ll even decide that you can’t bear to be apart from your new four-legged friend and decide to re-home it yourself. That’s not expected however.
Ultimately, as a volunteer dog walker, it’s all about the love and time you’ll be able to give a dog in need. And, you can be certain that for whatever time and effort you do give, you’ll get back far more in return from your new four legged friend in terms of lovely experiences and warm memories which will last a lifetime.
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I was wondering if you can contact me i am looking to volunteer work for Duke of Edinburgh i am 14 and based in poole
Many thanks
Tish
Tish - 6-Jan-24 @ 3:24 PM
I live in north wales I have recently lost my beautiful black Labrador who was 16 . I am not ready to have another dog yet but would love to help out by walking someone dogs . I work part time to could do regular walking if required. I would be happy to do this for an extended period of time
Pen - 16-Dec-23 @ 11:00 AM
Is there any volunteer dog walkers in Perth scotland ? I have MS and can't walk my dog anymore and can't afford the dog walking rates.My dog is 15 and I won't rehome here under any circumstances.
Shona - 27-Jan-23 @ 2:19 PM
I would love to start walking peoples dogs for them to help out
Maisie - 14-Jan-23 @ 12:32 PM
I would love to help volunteer walk the dogs if possible.
Jo - 12-Nov-22 @ 11:04 AM
Hello, I live in Colliers Wood (SW19) and would love to be a voluntary dog walker. I grew up with a dog and miss having his company!
Lucy - 30-Mar-22 @ 4:10 PM
Hi I would love to be a voluntary dog walker, in the BR4 West Wickham area. Used to own 3 dogs, sadly long gone. Also used to board them at home, one to one love and cuddles. Am now retired so have time, and miss walking with fur companions.
Bels - 13-Oct-21 @ 12:40 PM
I would love to volunteer by walking dogs, as I love love love dogs, I love animals in general. I am not eligible to work in the UK as voluntary work is my only option. I am hardworking and it would be an honor to spend my time, making sure that I contribute to the happiness of dogs.
Zelda - 10-Aug-21 @ 4:04 AM
I am doing the dofeprogram sliver award as part of voluntary assessment I would like to volunteer to walk dogs.
Joce - 13-May-21 @ 5:44 PM
I am my name is Emily I love animals I love to volunteer to walk somebody’s dog and look after them for them as I have been wanting to do this for a very long time and I think it would be good as I love going for walks myself in the countryside not far from where I live so I would love to have company with me and help somebody else out I would love to have my own dog myself I thought you cannot get pills so this would be the best way of getting experience as a dog
Emz - 6-May-21 @ 9:06 AM
Help.Volumtary dog walker needed.Due to circumstances.Bristol
Lynn - 8-Feb-21 @ 10:01 AM
Hello I've had staffies all my life, my last boy was called chaos he was 16 when he passed away. I really miss how loving dogs are and how they bring the best out on us. I live in stockport and would love to give some of my free time to helping dogs to have more exercise in there life.
Jonny - 13-Jan-21 @ 6:25 PM
I am retiring in February and would love to be a volunteer dog Walker, in Paignton area, I am currently looking for a dog of my own. I am fit, healthy and active .
N/A - 3-Jan-21 @ 2:04 PM
Hi, I would love to help out anyone that needs dog walking evenings/ weekends. I live in Crowthorne. Please send me any info. Thanks!
Aaron - 3-Dec-20 @ 9:30 AM
I would like to volunteer as a dog Walker. I have recently moved to a small village near Warminster. I am willing to travel further afield to do the dog walking
Bobbi - 21-Nov-20 @ 7:13 AM
Hi
I would love to volunteer as a dog walker. I have recently moved to a small village near Warminster but I am happy to travel further afield to do my dog walks.
Bobbi - 21-Nov-20 @ 7:11 AM
Hi! How can I become a volunteer dog walker?
cori4evans - 31-Oct-20 @ 10:30 AM
Hi I'm looking to become a volunteer dog walker I'm in Hulme Manchester
Funlady - 29-Oct-20 @ 11:31 PM
Would love an opportunity to walk dogs. Never had dogs but would lobe to potentially have one in the future. Currently free evenings and weekends. My girlfriend also loves dogs!
Dan - 14-Oct-20 @ 10:40 PM
I was widowed last year, and am longing to daily take a pet dog for
walks within a 5 mile radius of where Ilive.M62 (north Manchester J19)
mave the rave - 22-Sep-20 @ 12:02 PM
I am recently widowed, and due to living in a flat, not allowed to have pets !
I have had a dog and cat (together) from childhood, and as I'm still fit and
healthy, would love to take your dog for daily walks !
I live very close to the M62 motorway J19, and therefore would travel within
a 5 mile radius of this junction, no problem !
mave the rave !! - 22-Sep-20 @ 11:59 AM
Hi I would like to become a dog walker volunteer or any other role to help animals, I love cats as well. I live by colliers wood underground and I will be able to move around one mile radious.
Many thanks
Marina - 17-Sep-20 @ 9:11 PM
I live in Southampton and taking up dog walking. I am a cat person but all dogs love me. BARBARA
Barbara - 8-Sep-20 @ 5:36 PM
Hi there,
I was just wondering on the chance of getting involved volunteering to walk dogs around the area of Sutton coldfield. I don't know where abouts this is based, but I would love to get involved .
Kind regard alex
Alex - 29-Jul-20 @ 6:28 PM
Hello,
I live in Hove and I would really like to offer my time to help walk dogs within Brighton & Hove.
Sir - 29-Jul-20 @ 3:34 PM
Hi I'm 39 years old and I'm looking for a volunteerroll to be able to take out dogs for a walk or to look after animals. I was brought up with dogs cats ect. I live on my own I have fibromyalgia witch as prevented me to work but I just need something that will get me out for exercise. And get me meeting new people. I just want to give back to the community.
Mel - 12-Jun-20 @ 10:29 AM
I am 16 and living in the southside of Glasgow, looking to help some people out with dog walking
Emma - 2-May-20 @ 6:48 PM
im 17 looking for someone i can help out by walking their dog. i don't have a car but live in DA1 area so i can walk but not too far :)
Wayne - 27-Apr-20 @ 11:46 AM
Would love to volunteer to walk dogs. Grew up with a springer spaniel. Don’t have a car but live SW10 happy to walk/cycle and free every day at the moment due to furlough. Thanks
Charlotte - 24-Apr-20 @ 9:02 AM
I would like to volunteer to dog walk I live London N7 I don’t drive so would have to be not to far to pick up and drop off dog .
Thank you
Christina
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