Dog Walking Instructions

Please take note of the Level (green, yellow, or red) the dog is at before you walk it. If you are not yet at the volunteer level you need to be to walk this dog, please choose another dog. Do not handle an animal above your level unless instructed by a staff member to do so.

Wear appropriate clothing to walk the dogs (long pants and closed-toe shoes).

Please use a leash provided by the shelter located at the visitor’s entrance for the dog adoption area (6 foot or less).

Make sure the collar fits correctly. Use a choke chain if necessary, and please remember to remove choke chain after your walk. Only Yellow or Red Level dogs would possibly need a choke chain.

Only one dog at a time per volunteer.

If several volunteers are walking dogs together, please choose dogs that are compatible (determined by shelter staff).

Get a plastic bag from the leash area for poop pick-up.

Please use extra care when removing or returning a dog from or to its kennel. Make sure that there are no other dogs in the kennel walkway or also being removed at the same time as the dog you are working with.

Please use the side door by the cat colony room to enter and exit for your walk. If it is too muddy or snowy outside the door, please enter and exit through the garage door.

Never walk your dog through the main hallway, entryway, or into the office.

Please be careful when walking with other dogs because fights can break out. If the dogs start to fight, please use their leashes to pull them apart. NEVER get between the dogs. If need be, leave the dogs unattended and come get help from staff.

Please do not allow the dogs to be "in control" during the walk. Please help teach them "Doggie Manners" so they are easier to adopt (no jumping, humping, mouthing, or pulling).

Please do not walk any one dog longer than 10 minutes in case someone comes to view them.

Please have all dogs back and in their cages 15 minutes before Open Hours end.

Please do not groom or play with the dogs in their kennels.

Please do not feed the dogs anything unless instructed by the staff.