Dog Walking Expectations

Commitment:  Dog walkers are asked to commit to three to six months of walking a dog after they have walked the dog 2 to 4 times. This commitment is very important both for the dogs who need to get to know their walkers and for the guardians to have the peace of mind of having a reliable walker for the dog. 

Absenteeism: Dog walkers are expected to show up rain or shine. If you are sick, out of town, or unable to make the walk for any reason you must first attempt to find a replacement.  Contact other walkers on your schedule to sub or switch days with you.  Team schedules are available upon request at any time from PAWS staff.  If you are absolutely unable to find a replacement please call PAWS staff with as much notice as possible so PAWS may attempt to find a replacement. 

Responsibilities: Dog walking volunteers agree not to carry out any responsibilities beyond the scope of the job description.  If clients need assistance in areas outside the scope of volunteer dog walking responsibilities, they should be directed to the PAWS office for referral to other services in San Francisco.  Volunteers must never borrow or loan personal things or money to or from the client.

Dog Walking Expectations:

õ  Time Spent Walking:  Depends upon the number of walks a dog gets per week.  For dogs that are walked 1 to 3 times a week, a 30-40 minute walk is expected - often including play time in a park or other appropriate area. For dogs that are walked 5 times or more a week, a walk of 15 to 20 minutes will suffice.

õ  Picking up Refuse:  Volunteers are expected to bring plastic bags on their walks and to dispose of the dogs refuse.

õ  Keeping Dogs on Leash:  Dogs may only be taken off leash under the permission of the dog’s guardian and in legal off-leash areas.  The dog should not be taken off-leash until the walker and the dog get to know one another well.

õ  Knowledge of Dog:  Volunteers must make an effort to know the dog’s needs and problems through either appropriate PAWS staff or the pet’s guardian.  Discuss with the guardian special needs, medication, if the dog is good around other dogs, chases bikes, skateboards, cats, and learn any commands that might help in walking the dog.

õ  Notifying PAWS:  Volunteers must notify PAWS staff if client is not at home, the dog or others are injured during a walk, or the dog is ill.

Volunteer Application Acknowledgment

• I understand that this is an application for volunteering, and not a commitment or promise of volunteer opportunity.
• I certify that I have and will provide information throughout the selection process, including on this application and in interviews with PAWS that is true, correct and complete to the best of my knowledge.
• I certify that I have and will answer all questions to the best of my ability and that I have not withheld and will not withhold any information that would unfavorably affect my application for a volunteer position.
• I understand that the information contained on my application will be verified by PAWS and I hereby give permission for PAWS to contact anyone it deems necessary to investigate or verify any information provided by me to discuss my suitability for a volunteer position, including my background, volunteer experience, education or related matters.
• I give Shanti Project and PAWS permission to contact via email with volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and other ways to support the organization.
• I voluntarily and knowingly waive all rights to bring an action for defamation, invasion of privacy, or similar cause of action against anyone providing such information. 
• I understand that misrepresentations or omissions may be cause for my immediate rejection as an applicant for a volunteer position with PAWS or my termination as a volunteer.
• I understand that while volunteering at PAWS, I may come into contact with information that is considered confidential.  This includes any information related to clients: their HIV/AIDS, health or disability statuses, their income, their personal lives, or any other information related to them.  I agree that under no circumstance will I discuss this information with people outside of PAWS.  Should questions related to clients arise, I will refer people with questions to the PAWS office. 

Confidentiality

I understand that while volunteering at PAWS I may come into contact with information that is considered confidential.  This includes any information related to clients: their HIV/AIDS, health or disability status, their income, their personal lives or any other information related to them.  I agree that under no circumstance will I discuss this information with people outside of PAWS.  Should questions related to clients arise people may be referred to our office  

I agree to hold information on PAWS clients confidential.