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.
If you're passionate about helping animals but aren't sure where to start, you can explore different opportunities using our free Volunteer Role Finder.
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.

Answer a few questions about your interests, skills, and availability and get matched with the types of volunteering that suit you best. Whether you want to work with people, animals, or the environment, we will find your ideal role.
Try our Volunteer Role Finder free, here on this site →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.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
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.
Many thanks
Tish
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.
walks within a 5 mile radius of where Ilive. M62 (north Manchester J19)
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 !
Many thanks
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
I live in Hove and I would really like to offer my time to help walk dogs within Brighton & Hove.
Thank you
Christina
Thanks
Happy to help walking dogs-either due to owners illness or from a rescue centre.
Thank you
Thanks
Many thanks
Kirsty
I’m looking to volunteer as a dog walker, how could I go about doing this? I’d be very happy if I could get any useful advice.
Thank you
Abbie
I would love to be a volunteer dog walker around the Bromley Kent area. I’ve previously owned an energetic husky cross so I have experience with bigger and smaller dogs. It would really be lovely to be in the company of a pooch again to get me out and about! :)
If there is a opportunity to help dogs, please contact me!
Thanks
Thank you
My name is Jamie-lee, I'm a 25 year old female nurse living in Southampton. Due to my busy career I feel that it would be cruel for me to have my own dog at home due to long hours. Unfortunately I love animals and have always been brought up in a home surrounded by dogs, and my life now feels like it's missing something :( I would love to be able to help anyone I could in my free time.
Jamie-lee
X
I am an adult female and live in Eastbourne. Following traumatic life events and mental illness, I feel that dog walking would be extremely beneficial to me. I myself, am a dog lover. I used to walk my eldest sister's deceased German Shepherd while she was at work. I loved him as if he were a family member (losing him was a very sad life event.) I took him on very long walks to the woods and the Cuckmere Valley e.t.c. I also had a Cairn Terrier as a child. My Late Mother had to give him another home as it was unfair to leave him at home for long periods. This was traumatic for a 9 year old who loved him very much, again he was like a family member. We would take him everywhere for long walks. I would just LOVE to take a dog for long walks again. (It would do me good too!) I would treat the dog as if he were my own. Please could I have some advice, thank you. Kind Regards
I have weekends free to walk othe
rs dogs.
My name is Sally I am 40 years and have some spare time on my hands as kids are In school now
We don't have any furry animals but I am a animal lover, and I'm sure my kids would love to gain experience in caring for animals and the implications of owning an pooch even if its just taking them out for walks so if you need a few pairs of hands and feet we live in brighouse west Yorkshire many thanks sally
Yours sincerely,
Becca (Rebecca Ford)
Thanks kirsty
My name is Casey Morgan. I am 31 years old and live in the Tollcross area of Edinburgh.
I am interested in volunteering as a dog walker and would very much appreciate any advice. If you could point me in the right direction that would great.
Thank you
Casey
Me and my sister are interested in becoming volunteer dog walkers. We have our own dogs and wondered if these are able to come along as well?
I have plenty of spare time and a real passion for animals! From having several dogs as pets over the years, I've come to find that I really enjoy being around them, and that making a dog happy, makes me happy also :)
I'm just wondering how I would go about applying for a Volunteer role in dog walking?
Thankyou,
Abi
Angie-I live in Viewforth in Edinburgh. Are you still looking for someone to walk a dog? I do work but would be free in the evenings.
Thanks
Fraser
I live in Plymouth so I'm not sure whether there are any actual RSPCA Medical Centres because I've only seen charity shops and stuff around... Anyway I would love it if you got back to me thank you:)
Thanks
I would like to know what I need to do to become a volunteer as a Dog Walker, working with Elderly, Working with adults with learning disability and with homeless people.
many thanks
Bruno
I have helped her every day for the last 5 years, but due to illness cannot help as much.
The lady has had a fall and needs permanent help walking the dogs and occasional trips to the supermarket for food, etc.
If you live near gunnersbury park in West London and you can commit to make a difference to the life of an old lady and her dogs, please let me know asap.
Thank you
ive not long moved to birmingham and i obviously dont know anyone yet so for the summer holidays ive been literaly stuck indoors, finaly its come to a point where my mum is telling to get out and do something like get a job so.....
im really good with animals, i dont remember a time in my life growing that we didnt have a dog or a cat or even both at the same time and mostly more than 1 of each, i grew up around big dogs mostly such as "Rottys" "GermanSheps" "Malamutes" and also "Siberian huskeys" and "PitBulls".
i love being with animals no matter what it is....from walking dogs- to cleaning out kennals, just love to help out.
if you have any jobs in the area please contact me, i would be more the greatful
thanks
Kwtch
thank you :)
I was wandering if i could join as a dog walker. I really like pets but unfortunatly can't have my own. I live in plymouth and if you need anyone at the moment in this area then please contact me.
i need some money to help my mum out and would appreciate this alot.
i no the times are quite fussy but i have school and some sundayd im round my dads,get in contact with me if you find this interesting,in maldon only,thank you.
people call me brucie.
My names Beth, i was wondering if you had any space for 2 volunteers in any animal shelters near durham. I am only 12 (13 in sept) and my friend is 12. We have been walking dogs around the neighbourhood for about 2 year now. We really love animals and have applied for many rescue shelters but none of them take under 16s. We would be very thankful for any infomation you can gove, thank you.
-Beth x
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