There are millions of older and disabled people in England who can’t afford dog walking fees, so appreciate organisations and volunteers that give their dogs regular walks, to keep them happy and healthy. And enable dogs to stay with much-loved guardians.
The Cinnamon Trust is England’s main dog-walking charity. Helping older people (aged over 65) and the terminally ill, with their pets.
Most volunteers also carry out other duties like pet-taxi services, fostering for hospital stays or looking after other pets (like changing cat litter trays).
An ideal opportunity for people who love dogs and walking, but are unable (due to circumstances) to foster or adopt dogs themselves.
Before walks, research dog-friendly parks and know how to keep dogs safe at the seaside. Also learn of toxic foods and plants. Also read info on quick-release dog collars (secured on walks by linking lead through D-rings which break off, if dogs entangle).
The Cinnamon Trust was named after the founder’s 17-year Corgi (who sadly died just before launch). Each dog is carefully matched with volunteers, based on location and background.
Through the Pet Profiling process, guardians entrust the charity to make thoughtful decisions for their pet’s wellbeing & future, if they have to move to a care home or pass away.
The Trust gathers information about each pet’s needs, personality and medical history, to find the perfect ‘forever home’.
The Trust oversees all animals in forever foster homes and pays all vet bills (and food, for special diets). It never relies on kennels or catteries, and always finds homely environments for pets, entrusted in their care.
Leave a Codicil in your Will, to make arrangements for your companion’s future.
More Dog Walking Volunteer Ideas
- Dogs Trust & Blue Cross are national charities that welcome volunteers to walk dogs. And others with experience/space to groom/foster horses.
- Keep Your Pet (Yorkshire) is a regional charity that assists vulnerable pet guardians with walks, feeding, taxis and foster care.
- Wag and Company (North East) offers ‘cuddle monster’ dogs for visiting people who would like a visit from a furry friend. There is veterinary advice for ‘friendship dogs’.
TimeBanks are set up in communities. Each member earns an ‘hour of time’ by offering services to someone else.
So if you someone’s shopping or mend a creaky gate, you could use the ‘hour of time’ to have someone walk your dog (or for an elderly relative or neighbour).
..Or Find an Affordable Dog Walker
If you don’t qualify for a volunteer dog walker, there are many affordable dog walkers around.
Ensure they are trained with liability insurance, and ideally have taken a first aid course and dog-walking course.
