Job Descriptions

Dog Walking

Dog-walking is the most popular volunteer spot at PAWS, but also the biggest volunteer need.  For our clients who are physically unable to walk their own dogs, we have volunteers go in and help take the dogs out for long exercise walks.

Volunteers are matched with a specific client, and coordinate with that client to make a schedule that works for both of them. e.g. - Suzie Smith walks Fluffy every Wednesday evening at 7pm.  We ask volunteers to commit to a once-per-week schedule, for a minimum six-month commitment.

We will do our best to find a good match that works for you.  Usually, the most important factor is location.  We have dog-walking clients all around the city, so we will try to pair you up with someone who lives near where you live, work, or take classes.  We will also try to make a match based on the times of day and days of week that you are available, and based on preferences for breeds and sizes of dogs.

Dog-walking volunteers must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a parent who is also a registered PAWS Volunteer.

This video shows a good example of our dog-walking volunteers in action.

For more stories of PAWS Dog-walkers and their connection to clients, see these stories and more on our PAWS Blog:

• Henry Miller - a special needs dog for whom PAWS Volunteers gave special help.
• Remembering Maya and Remembering Carol - pieces written by volunteers who worked with clients who have passed away.
• Walking Radar - a story that highlights the bond between a volunteer, a dog and a client
• Walking Bosco - another story about a volunteer and her experiences walking a client's dog