Hillsborough County Animal Services VOLUNTEER INVESTIGATION DOG WALKERS Program

About the Program

Category: Volunteers (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The Volunteer Investigation Dog Enrichment Program provides quality of life, physical care and exercise to dogs that pass through the county’s investigation kennel. These victims of animal cruelty can be in the care of the county for days, months and sometimes years. The closest thing most of these animals have ever had to a home is the care given by the kennel’s volunteers. The objective of the Volunteer Investigation Dog Enrichment Program is to provide for dogs in county custody due to ongoing court cases. A modest, but significant area of land was squared off from county property for this enrichment program. The spot was strategically planned directly behind the investigation kennels to be safely and easily accessible. Volunteers could pass through a secure double fenced area was they walk these special dogs to their recreation spot, without exposure to other traffic. In terms of volunteers, training starts with a new volunteer working with an experienced volunteer. The trainee must then demonstrate their animal behavior knowledge and handling skills before they may work alone. Depending upon the past experience of the new volunteer, training can be a couple of days to a week before they can take a dog out by themselves. This volunteer has succeeded in caring for dozens of dogs who have been abused or mistreated while new owners are being located.