Dog Walking Safety Guidelines for Volunteers

To ensure everyone stays safe and happy, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Please share your experience and observations after the walk.

Your feedback helps us better understand each dog’s personality and behavior. This information is important for matching dogs with the right adopters and improving their quality of care.

There may be a video shoot. We appreciate your participation.

We may ask you to be part of a video with the dog you're walking. If the videographer needs your help, we’ll let you know in advance. Taking photos/videos of the dogs in outdoor spaces are welcome, but not inside of the kennel. Showcasing the dogs in videos helps them get noticed by potential adopters and increases their chances of finding a forever home!

Don’t go to the kennel area to take out dogs unless assigned.

Handling dogs without proper assignment can cause confusion and accidents. Our team will assign dogs to ensure everyone’s safety and to match each volunteer with the right dog.

Check if the leash is stable before you start walking.

Some leashes may be worn out or have weak spots. A secure leash prevents dogs from slipping out and keeps them safe during the walk.

Don’t stray off the path.

We ask everyone to stay along the paths between Starbucks and Pennsylvania Avenue. That way we can watch out for each other. 

Avoid face-to-face interaction with other dogs.

Our goal is to exercise the dogs, not socialize them during walks. Some dogs may react unpredictably to close interactions, so it’s best to keep a safe distance.

Keep the gates closed at all times.

#1: The gate between the kennel and gathering area
#2: The gate between the gathering area and the outside

Open gates create opportunities for dogs to escape, which can be dangerous for both the dogs and volunteers. Ensuring gates are securely closed helps keep everyone safe.

Watch out for sharp objects on the ground.

Broken glass, nails, or other sharp items can injure a dog’s paws. A quick glance at the path can prevent painful injuries.

Don’t force the dog to interact with people or other dogs.

Some dogs may be nervous, fearful, or simply not in the mood to walk. Respecting their boundaries helps build trust and ensures a positive experience for everyone.

Thank You from All of Us at California GSP Rescue!

The dogs appreciate every minute of your time, every step you take, and every bit of attention you give them. Your efforts make a huge difference in their well-being and their chances of finding loving homes.

Thank you for being part of our rescue community and helping us give these dogs the love and exercise they need!

– The California GSP Rescue Team