The Cinnamon Trust: How Volunteer Dog Walkers Help

Maria Taylor

For millions of older and disabled pet guardians in England, their dogs are much-loved companions who provide friendship, comfort and emotional support. However, there may come a time when a person is no longer able to manage daily dog walks because of age, illness or reduced mobility.

Dog walking charities, community groups and volunteers play an important role in helping people keep their pets for as long as possible. This support means that dogs can remain in the homes they know, with the guardians who love them, rather than facing unnecessary separation.

For anyone offering help as a volunteer dog walker, it is valuable to complete basic first aid and dog-walking courses..

The Cinnamon Trust: Dog Walking Volunteers

One of the best-known organisations helping older and seriously ill pet guardians is The Cinnamon Trust.

The charity supports people over the age of 65 and those with terminal illnesses by providing practical help through its nationwide network of volunteers. Support can include dog walking, grooming, cleaning litter trays and acting as a “pet taxi” to take animals to veterinary appointments.

The Cinnamon Trust carefully matches volunteers with pet owners by considering location, the needs of the animal and the volunteer’s experience. This helps create a reliable and trusting relationship between the guardian, volunteer and pet.

The charity also provides a “Forever Foster” service. If a pet guardian dies or has to move into residential care, pets can be cared for by foster volunteers. The Cinnamon Trust covers food and veterinary costs, helping ensure animals continue receiving loving care.

As part of its Pet Profiling process, guardians can provide important information about their pets, including daily routines, medication, personality, likes, dislikes and diet. This helps make any future transition as gentle and stress-free as possible.

The charity also keeps a list of pet-friendly care homes, helping people find accommodation where they can continue living with their animals.

Pet owners who want to make future arrangements can consider leaving a Codicil in their Will. This allows them to record their wishes and help ensure their pets are cared for if they are no longer able to do so.

Simple Tips for Safe Dog Walking

Safe dog walking involves more than putting on a lead and heading outside. A little preparation can prevent accidents and keep dogs healthy.

Choose Safe Walking Areas

• Research dog-friendly parks, beaches and countryside routes before visiting. Learn about dangerous plants, toxic foods and local hazards that could harm dogs.
• When walking in the countryside, follow the Countryside Code. Keep dogs under control around livestock and wildlife, and make sure they are safe near roads, cliffs and near the sea.
• Humane dog training can also make walks easier and safer by improving recall and helping dogs respond calmly.

Use Safe Equipment

• A good-quality collar and lead are essential. Quality Quick-release dog collars are secured on walks by linking lead through D-rings which break off, if dogs entangle.
• Always check that collars and harnesses fit properly and that identification tags and microchip details are up to date.

Protect Dogs from Weather Risks

• Cold and hot weather can both create dangers.
• During snowy or ice conditions, check paws regularly for ice, salt and irritation. In hot weather, avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day and always provide access to fresh water.
• Never leave a dog inside a parked car, even if windows are slightly open or air conditioning is running. Temperatures inside vehicles can become dangerous very quickly. The same risk applies to glass conservatories.
• If you find a dog trapped in a hot car and believe it is in immediate danger, take action to help. Move the dog to a cool, shaded place if possible, pour cool (not freezing) water over the body while avoiding the head, and contact a vet immediately.
• A cold car can also become dangerously cold, so dogs should never be left unattended in vehicles during freezing weather.

Heatstroke Warning Signs

• Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency. Signs include heavy panting, red gums, vomiting, weakness, collapse or confusion.
• Move the dog to a shaded area and cool them using cool water (not iced water) over the body until breathing improves. Offer small amounts of cool drinking water.
• A fan can help, and wrapped ice packs can be placed near areas such as the groin and armpits. Avoid covering the dog with wet towels, as this can trap heat. A cool, wet towel underneath the dog may help heat escape.
• If travelling to the vet, use air conditioning in the car and seek professional advice as soon as possible.

Other Dog Walking Safety Advice

• Dogs should not exercise immediately before or after eating. Allowing at least two hours between meals and vigorous activity can help reduce the risk of dangerous stomach problems such as bloat.
• Keep dogs away from ponds and standing water, especially where blue-green algae may be present, as it can be toxic.
• Be aware of adders, particularly during warmer months. Dog-friendly areas may recommend avoiding walks at certain times of day when snakes are more active. Adder bites require urgent veterinary treatment.
• Keep dogs away from adders. Dog-Friendly Cornwall has tips on when to avoid walking (‘safe hours’ were before 9am and after 7pm). Rising temperatures means times may change. Adder bites need emergency vet care (read how to avoid & treat adder bites).

Caring for Dogs After Walks

• After countryside or beach walks, check your dog’s coat and skin carefully. Ticks can often be found in grassy areas, including dunes.
• Look between toes and paw pads for cuts, stones or irritation. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet for advice.
• After a beach walk, rinse away seawater and sand using lukewarm water of around 37°C. This can help prevent itchy skin, ear problems and stomach upset caused by dogs licking salt or sand from their fur.
• Pay special attention to paws, bellies, ears and areas between toes, but avoid getting water into the eyes, ears or mouth.

More Ways to Help Pet Guardians

Many organisations welcome volunteers who want to support animals and their owners.

• Dogs Trust and Blue Cross welcome volunteers to walk dogs and groom/foster horses.
• Keep Your Pet (Yorkshire) helps older/vulnerable pet guardians in times of emergency. From dog walking to feeding animals, vet trips and foster care.
• Wag and Company (North East) offers ‘cuddle monster’ dogs for visiting people who would like visits from furry friends. There is vet advice for ‘friendship dogs’.
• TimeBanks are where communities share tasks for an ‘hour of time’. Many offer/receive dog walking services.

More dog walking charities to inspire

• Care Dogs (London) is a befriending charity where people visit with dogs, so you can go on walks together with your new canine friend.
• Rosie’s Trust (Northern Ireland) helps people with mobility issues and receiving cancer treatment.
• Sara Lanzarote has volunteer dog walkers and is a good ‘town inspiration website’ to replicate elsewhere.
• Poops (pets of older persons) is an Aussie charity offers help people over 60 or in palliative care.