Dog Walking

Dog Walking/Dog Socialization Volunteers are incredibly important to the health, welfare, and ultimate adoptability of HSCC Dogs.

Dog Volunteer Orientation Notes

Sign In/Out

• Sign in and out at the desk in the hallway next to the bathrooms on the laptop, or the Cause Connect App 

Attire

• Closed toe shoes (no flip flops, no sandals)
• Wear pants or a jacket with pockets, or a fanny pack. Shorts, lots of exposed skin, and dangling jewelry are not recommended. Tie back long hair before volunteering.
• If possible, wear an HSCC general t-shirt. Can be purchased at the shelter. You will receive one free volunteer shirt after 20 volunteer hours are completed.

Volunteer Hours

• Tuesday – Friday – 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Sunday - Monday (and any days the shelter is closed) 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 

Volunteer Board

• In the kennel area there is a whiteboard that lists all dogs currently on the adoption floor.  Each kennel space on the board will list the dog’s name.
• Each kennel door has a dog name tag with a clothespin.  
• GREEN side = dog has not been walked.
• RED side = dog has been walked
• Once the dog has been walked, mark the board and turn the clip to RED.
• Make sure to pay attention to kennel signage. Some dogs are marked experienced only. This can help prevent dog fights or bites to volunteers!

Walking Tools/Treats

• Poop Bags are on the desk by the laptop in the hallway next to the bathrooms. Please make sure to have poo bags on you at all times.  Dispose of the poo bags in the trash cans located around the property.
• Treats are also on the desk in the hallway. Make sure to have treats in your pocket when walking the dogs.
• We recommend using a Harness Lead for walking dogs.  These are available for purchase online at Amazon.  Proper use of the harness lead will be demonstrated to you so you can continue this when you are walking on your own.
• If a harness lead is not available, the staff does keep slip leads for volunteer use. Please make sure this is returned at the end of each volunteer day.
• Grab your leash, poop bags and treats before you go to retrieve your dog.

Kennel Entrance/Exit

• Open the kennel and enter while making sure the dog does not escape.
• Do not enter the kennel if a dog is not welcoming, polite or happy to see you.
• Dogs should have all paws on the floor before entering the kennel.
• Leash must be placed on the dog securely inside the kennel, not when outside
• Dogs should be kept on a short leash while inside the building or in the outdoor play area
• Walk the dog to the side door to exit
• Walk the dog on the opposite side of the kennels to avoid dog conflict or bad behavior.
• Do not walk dogs out the main kennel entrance to the office area. It is often busy in this area
• Make sure the outside door closes securely behind you,
• When returning a dog to its kennel make sure the latch is closed. 
• If the dog kennel is dirty, please clean before walking away.  Mops, brooms and scrappers are located in the kennel area.  We want our dogs to always live in a clean environment. 
• Make sure the door is secure before moving on. 

Dog Socializers

• Socializing items (brushes, tennis balls, toys, etc.) are located in the outside play yards.
• Dogs can be socialized inside their kennels or in the outside play yards.

• All toys not remaining in the dog’s kennel should be put in the dirty laundry

• Do NOT offer food, treats, or toys in kennels with multiple dogs while they are in the kennel. Many dogs are protective of these items and it could cause a dog fight.

Hours

• You will have the opportunity to train with an experienced walker for your first 3 hours.  So keep track of your hours!  
• Once you have completed your 3 hours of training you will be approved to walk on your own.  If you have not reached an acceptable comfort level you may always request more training hours.
• You must be 18+ to walk dogs.

Safety First

• Safety of the dogs and volunteers is TOP priority.
• Dogs that have not previously interacted with each other need to be kept 3 feet apart during walks.
• Short 3 second greetings between the dogs can be done if all seems to be calm after dogs have walked near each other for a time.
• If you have any questions on which dogs may/may not get along please ask staff or volunteers that have experience with the dogs in question.
• Only one dog is allowed in each kennel at a time (unless staff has placed the dogs in the kennels together) either indoors or outdoors.
• Always watch the dog’s body language to see how they react to other people, dogs, bikes, loud noises, big trucks, etc.  When walking in the neighborhood, cross the street if another person and/or dog is coming toward you.
• Please let Animal Services know of any health issue you might observe with the animals. There is a shet and dry erase marker on their office to notate any issues with the animals.
• Please do not try and break up a dog fight. Quickly find a member of HSCC staff member to handle the situation. 
• Do NOT introduce family members, friends, or any members of the public to shelter dogs. Visitors must check in with Animal Services to visit with the animals.