Volunteer Application

Policy for Walking Dogs:
Walking dogs seems like simple stuff, right? Not quite. While walking your own dog may be simple, walking dogs in a shelter environment can be very different. This is a guide to keep you, the animals and the public safe while you are interacting with the dogs
When You First Arrive
1. Sign in on the volunteer binder at front counter on correct date page – noting the time you arrive and leave
2. Obtain a volunteer name badge and wear while volunteering during hours the shelter is open to the public
3. All dog walkers must receive orientation for training in safe animal procedures; sign the Liability Releases; receive a copy of this Policy for Walking Dogs and sign and acknowledge receipt of same
Safety Procedures
4. Always close all doors and gates securely behind you
5. Unless you know for certain that the dogs get along with each other, avoid walking dogs together. Only introduce dogs to each other on leash with the assistance of staff or an experienced volunteer
6. Ensure there are no other dogs in close proximity prior to removing or replacing a dog in their kennel or walking with a dog through a door or gate
7. Dogs are to be leashed at all times unless in the play yard. Prior to entering the play yard confirm there are no other dogs in the yard.
8. After entering the yard ensure all gates are securely locked

Removing Dogs from Kennel:

1. Scattered throughout the facility are buckets hanging on the kennels with colored carabineer clips
2. Place a clip on the kennel of the dog you are walking in a visible spot to indicate they have been walked
3. Make note of the kennel they are in, their name, and any comments on their card
4. When approaching an unfamiliar dog turn your body sideways to kennel door (frontal approach may intimidate dog)
5. Slowly move your hand to door and allow dog to sniff using a calm, quiet voice
6. Look around to be sure other kennel doors are not open, and no people or other dogs are near you in case the dog escapes
7. Open the kennel door slightly, maintaining a soft, gentle voice and movements
8. If dog is aggressive or excessively shy, leave to more experienced walkers
9. Once leashed, look around again to be sure other dogs and people are not nearby
10. Remove dog from kennel and exit quickly through door or gate to outside walking area avoiding interaction with other dogs in kennels
11. Do not linger in kennel area with the dog you are walking as it heightens the dogs’ anxiety and excitement

Walking Dogs:

1. Do not walk any dogs that are designated as only to be walked by staff
2. Only walk dogs you are comfortable walking
3. Dog walkers should maintain control over dogs and, if able, work on basic commands e.g. heel, sit, stay (the shelter has treats to help with training)
4. Keep dogs at least 20 feet apart from other dogs being walked unless you know they are friendly with each other
5. You are responsible for the animal you are walking. Never put yourself, the dog or others in an unsafe situation and pay attention to your dog at all times
6. Please keep to a minimum texting and talking on the phone while walking the dogs – they love your attention and need your supervision
7. Under no circumstances are children under the age of 18 permitted to walk dogs alone
8. Children between the ages of 14‐18 may walk dogs only when accompanied by parent/guardian
9. Please do not let the dogs drink out of puddles or eat anything off the ground
10. If you are the only volunteer walker during staffed hours, ask staff to get inmates to help walk and clean
11. Make sure all dogs have clean water in their kennel – there are sinks inside and hoses outside

Returning Dogs to Kennels:

1. Ensure you are returning the dog to the correct kennel
2. Enter kennel area one dog at a time and be mindful of proximity of other dogs/people present in the kennel area. If another walker is returning a dog to its kennel, wait at a distance before approaching your kennel
3. Open your kennel door and urge dog into kennel. After dog enters kennel, move kennel door close to your body so it is only slightly open but you can still remove leash without the dog escaping
4. Back out of kennel doorway and close door in front of you. Make sure door is properly latched by giving it a good “rattle”
5. Confirm that you placed a carabineer clip on the kennel indicating that the dog has been walked
Post Dog Walking
6. Once it is confirmed that all dogs have been walked, remove the carabineer clips and return them to the buckets for the next shift of walkers to use
7. Note positive/negative characteristics of dogs walked by you with date in “Dog Walker Journal” located at the front desk
8. Report any dog injury or illness immediately to staff
Remember
9. Never run with dogs (poses danger and promotes inappropriate dog behavior)
10. Do not jerk or drag a dog. Always maintain control over the dog and feel free to ask for assistance
11. Do not allow your dog to repeatedly pull you along. If your dog pulls you, stop walking, wait a moment, then continue - repeat until dog stops pulling
12. Always be aware of your surroundings. Go wide around corners, open doors slowly and move dogs in and out of building quickly (it lowers their stress level)
13. Keep your dog a safe distance from others and always be aware of other dogs and people near you
14. In the event of an emergency, call for help but remain calm
15. Report all injuries immediately – regardless of cause
16. Wear sensible shoes and conservative clothing, as you will be interacting with the public and inmates
17. Avoid wearing large hoop earrings or dangling jewelry which may catch or tangle and pose a safety hazard

Social Media:

1. Please join the Facebook group “Butts Shelter Volunteer Schedule” to communicate about availability to walk, swapping days, and sharing information about dogs such as their personality, how they are on a leash, how they interact with other dogs, tricks they learned, behavioral and health issues, etc.
2. Take photos and fun videos and share on Facebook group or with Margeaux so Butts Mutts can use them to promote the dogs
3. Please share photos and videos of the dogs on your Facebook page- remember to make public and include a link to ButtsMutts.com for more information on volunteering, adopting and fostering

Thanks for your help in providing safe exercise for Butts Mutts’ dogs!

Butts County Animal Shelter Volunteer Agreement​Please Answer all Questions and Submit

Butts County Animal Shelter Volunteer Agreement
Please Answer all Questions and Submit