Post by Baglady on Dec 23, 2014 11:45:35 GMT
Want to join the walkers, but have a few questions? Post up here, someone will be along to help!
Welcome to our Forum, and thanks for the Questions! If you have a question, someone else is bound to be wondering the same thing - so we'll try to summarise everything on this post! Please don't be afraid to ask, there is no such thing as a 'stupid question'
Q: How do I become a Registered Walker?
A: Complete the on-line registration form HERE Check the dates of the upcoming inductions - they will posted at the foot of the registration page, and simply turn up for the next induction you are available for. You will be given a Walker Number at the induction then are free to walk our dogs whenever you wish!
Q: Are there other opportunities to volunteer, apart from walking the dogs?
A: Yes! Keep an eye on the Volunteering Page on our website HERE
Q: Why are Cardiff Inductions being held on weekdays?
A: We have been running the Walkers Program in the Cardiff Centre for 3 years, and generally our dogs have lots of walks on the weekends, but as many (if not most) of our volunteers have other commitments, full-time jobs, their own dogs, children, parents and other responsibilities, we are sometimes a little thin on the ground during weekdays. We are actively trying to encourage more volunteers who are available during weekdays.
Q: If I have already attended an induction at one centre, do I need to register again to walk at the other centre?
A: No you do not have to register on-line twice! Nor do you have to attend an induction twice. However - please note!
Whilst inductions primarily cover safety and etiquette around dog handling, which is common to both centres, some parts of the induction are particular to each centre, for example best places to walk the dogs, how/where to sign out the dogs, the H&S orientation, etc. So if you are a registered walker and have attended an induction at one centre, please be sure to advise the staff/volunteer when you make your first visit to the other centre that it is your first visit. They will show you how to sign out the dogs, where the poo bags and hi viz jackets are kept, where to wait for your dog etc. For all our new 2017 volunteers, it really is in your own best interests to attend an induction at the centre at which you will be volunteering if at all possible.
Q: Where is Cardiff Dogs Home?
A: On Westpoint Industrial Estate, Penarth Road, Cardiff. If you are coming by car follow your satnav to the Porsche Garage mini-roundabout CF11 8TW. Drive into Westpoint Industrial Estate, follow the road around and turn right immediately after Homerite Bathrooms. Drive up the lane, the Dogs Home is at the top of the lane.
Q: When can I walk a dog at Cardiff Dogs Home?
A: Seven days a week, from 8.30 in the morning. The dogs need to be back in their kennels before 4.00pm. Please note - the home closes to visitors for lunch, 12.00 till 1.00pm, and the gate will be partially closed, but volunteer walkers are welcome throughout the day, there will always be a member of staff or a volunteer available to help you.
Q: Where is Newport City Dogs Home?
A: Stephenson Street, Newport NP19 0RB Your satnav should bring you straight to the Centre!
Q: When can I walk a dog at Newport City Dogs Home?
A: Not until AFTER our first induction on 18th February! As we are just beginning our Walkers program at Newport City Dogs Home, we are taking things slowly and for the first month our walker hours are MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, and SATURDAY 11am till 1.00pm. We are currently recruiting a small team of volunteer Rehoming Hub Receptionists to meet and greet volunteer walkers and rehomers, and hopefully we will be in a position to extend these walking times/days once we have more Receptionist cover. We are looking for individuals to be based at the Newport Centre who can help us provide a rota of cover between 11.00am and 1.00pm Monday to Saturday initially. If you are confident around dogs and people, and would like to be a part of a small and friendly team welcoming volunteers and visitors to the Shelter, this could be for you! Ideally you will be able to commit to one regular day per week at the Shelter. As with registered walkers, these posts are only available to volunteers over the age of 18. See the Volunteering page on our website for more details VOLUNTEERING
Q: Do I have to commit to a set number of hours/days?
A: No - once you have your walker number you can come as little or as often as you like!
Q: Are there toilet facilities at the Centres?
A: No, there are no public toilets at either centre.
Q: Are there lockers at the centres to store personal belongings?
A: No, there are no lockers, however the staff at Cardiff Dogs Home, and the Friends Volunteers at Newport, may be able to take care of small personal items, handbags, shoes (if you have brought a change of footwear), etc.
Q: Can I cycle to the centre?
A: Yes, there are safe places to lock your bike at both centres.
Q: Can I take a dog out in my car?
A: Regular volunteer walkers who have been walking for at least six months may request to take a dog on a day out. This is entirely at the discretion of the staff at the centre. You will need to be able to transport the dog safely, ie crated, or, if we know a dog travels well, in a car-safety harness, which we will be able to provide. However you will be required to sign a disclaimer indicated that you are transporting the dog at your own risk, and take responsibility for damage or 'whoopsie' accidents in your vehicle.
Q: Can I bring my own dog?
A: No. As most of the dogs in both centres are strays with unknown history, all of the dogs are walked separately from all other dogs. It's really important that we keep all our dogs (and volunteers)! safe and happy during the walks, so we have a strict 'one person one dog' rule, and we don't allow them to interact with other dogs whilst they are out with walkers. Our dogs do get plenty of opportunities to socialise (where appropriate) with other dogs, but this is done under staff supervision only, and generally outside of walker hours.
Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Absolutely! We welcome family groups! However, the golden rule is one pair of hands - one dog. So a sole walker wouldn't be able to walk a dog if they have a child in a pushchair. Children are not allowed to hold the lead, but volunteering walking as a family group is a fabulous way to spend a few hours in the fresh air!
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: For induction - you need to bring proof of identity - Photo ID, a utility bill, etc. For volunteer walking, you need to bring your happy feet! Comfy, waterproof footwear, or (especially in Newport) wellies are recommended during winter months. Expect to take home dog hair and drool after your walk, so don't wear your Sunday best! If you have your own slip lead please make sure it is clearly identified with your walker number. Poo bags, and during the summer months - water bottles, are provided by the centres.
Welcome to our Forum, and thanks for the Questions! If you have a question, someone else is bound to be wondering the same thing - so we'll try to summarise everything on this post! Please don't be afraid to ask, there is no such thing as a 'stupid question'
Q: How do I become a Registered Walker?
A: Complete the on-line registration form HERE Check the dates of the upcoming inductions - they will posted at the foot of the registration page, and simply turn up for the next induction you are available for. You will be given a Walker Number at the induction then are free to walk our dogs whenever you wish!
Q: Are there other opportunities to volunteer, apart from walking the dogs?
A: Yes! Keep an eye on the Volunteering Page on our website HERE
Q: Why are Cardiff Inductions being held on weekdays?
A: We have been running the Walkers Program in the Cardiff Centre for 3 years, and generally our dogs have lots of walks on the weekends, but as many (if not most) of our volunteers have other commitments, full-time jobs, their own dogs, children, parents and other responsibilities, we are sometimes a little thin on the ground during weekdays. We are actively trying to encourage more volunteers who are available during weekdays.
Q: If I have already attended an induction at one centre, do I need to register again to walk at the other centre?
A: No you do not have to register on-line twice! Nor do you have to attend an induction twice. However - please note!
Whilst inductions primarily cover safety and etiquette around dog handling, which is common to both centres, some parts of the induction are particular to each centre, for example best places to walk the dogs, how/where to sign out the dogs, the H&S orientation, etc. So if you are a registered walker and have attended an induction at one centre, please be sure to advise the staff/volunteer when you make your first visit to the other centre that it is your first visit. They will show you how to sign out the dogs, where the poo bags and hi viz jackets are kept, where to wait for your dog etc. For all our new 2017 volunteers, it really is in your own best interests to attend an induction at the centre at which you will be volunteering if at all possible.
Q: Where is Cardiff Dogs Home?
A: On Westpoint Industrial Estate, Penarth Road, Cardiff. If you are coming by car follow your satnav to the Porsche Garage mini-roundabout CF11 8TW. Drive into Westpoint Industrial Estate, follow the road around and turn right immediately after Homerite Bathrooms. Drive up the lane, the Dogs Home is at the top of the lane.
Q: When can I walk a dog at Cardiff Dogs Home?
A: Seven days a week, from 8.30 in the morning. The dogs need to be back in their kennels before 4.00pm. Please note - the home closes to visitors for lunch, 12.00 till 1.00pm, and the gate will be partially closed, but volunteer walkers are welcome throughout the day, there will always be a member of staff or a volunteer available to help you.
Q: Where is Newport City Dogs Home?
A: Stephenson Street, Newport NP19 0RB Your satnav should bring you straight to the Centre!
Q: When can I walk a dog at Newport City Dogs Home?
A: Not until AFTER our first induction on 18th February! As we are just beginning our Walkers program at Newport City Dogs Home, we are taking things slowly and for the first month our walker hours are MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, and SATURDAY 11am till 1.00pm. We are currently recruiting a small team of volunteer Rehoming Hub Receptionists to meet and greet volunteer walkers and rehomers, and hopefully we will be in a position to extend these walking times/days once we have more Receptionist cover. We are looking for individuals to be based at the Newport Centre who can help us provide a rota of cover between 11.00am and 1.00pm Monday to Saturday initially. If you are confident around dogs and people, and would like to be a part of a small and friendly team welcoming volunteers and visitors to the Shelter, this could be for you! Ideally you will be able to commit to one regular day per week at the Shelter. As with registered walkers, these posts are only available to volunteers over the age of 18. See the Volunteering page on our website for more details VOLUNTEERING
Q: Do I have to commit to a set number of hours/days?
A: No - once you have your walker number you can come as little or as often as you like!
Q: Are there toilet facilities at the Centres?
A: No, there are no public toilets at either centre.
Q: Are there lockers at the centres to store personal belongings?
A: No, there are no lockers, however the staff at Cardiff Dogs Home, and the Friends Volunteers at Newport, may be able to take care of small personal items, handbags, shoes (if you have brought a change of footwear), etc.
Q: Can I cycle to the centre?
A: Yes, there are safe places to lock your bike at both centres.
Q: Can I take a dog out in my car?
A: Regular volunteer walkers who have been walking for at least six months may request to take a dog on a day out. This is entirely at the discretion of the staff at the centre. You will need to be able to transport the dog safely, ie crated, or, if we know a dog travels well, in a car-safety harness, which we will be able to provide. However you will be required to sign a disclaimer indicated that you are transporting the dog at your own risk, and take responsibility for damage or 'whoopsie' accidents in your vehicle.
Q: Can I bring my own dog?
A: No. As most of the dogs in both centres are strays with unknown history, all of the dogs are walked separately from all other dogs. It's really important that we keep all our dogs (and volunteers)! safe and happy during the walks, so we have a strict 'one person one dog' rule, and we don't allow them to interact with other dogs whilst they are out with walkers. Our dogs do get plenty of opportunities to socialise (where appropriate) with other dogs, but this is done under staff supervision only, and generally outside of walker hours.
Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Absolutely! We welcome family groups! However, the golden rule is one pair of hands - one dog. So a sole walker wouldn't be able to walk a dog if they have a child in a pushchair. Children are not allowed to hold the lead, but volunteering walking as a family group is a fabulous way to spend a few hours in the fresh air!
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: For induction - you need to bring proof of identity - Photo ID, a utility bill, etc. For volunteer walking, you need to bring your happy feet! Comfy, waterproof footwear, or (especially in Newport) wellies are recommended during winter months. Expect to take home dog hair and drool after your walk, so don't wear your Sunday best! If you have your own slip lead please make sure it is clearly identified with your walker number. Poo bags, and during the summer months - water bottles, are provided by the centres.