Hi guys,

Following up from Bazaars thread where she mentions a rescue centre that you can take dogs out for walks for the day, does anyone know of any in NW London?

I miss having dogs and especially the long walks, but unfortunately I'm not in any position to have another dog right now, so I'd love to just be able to take a rescue one out for the day instead.

I would ask around at your local dog shelters. I'm sure they will be very welcome of volunteers

Indeed, have a Google and see who's nearest to you.

Many rescue welcome volunteers, but be prepared you may have to have an interview and provide references (this is usually an easy enough process IME), just to prove you're not after stealing the dogs or anything - people do if you can believe it!!

I'm sure the smaller ones would love the help, particularly over weekends, it's really popular at my rescue, it may be worth looking at rescue helpers unite (forum) as there are lots of rescues on there that ask for help with various tasks.

If you fail to find a rescue centre near, you may be interested in https://www.borrowmydoggy.com/

That site reminds me
Why not try the Cinnamon Trust?
http://www.cinnamon.org.uk/
It's where you help the elderly by walking their dogs

I just had a look at that - I was quite interested until I spotted that they charge £25 to verify your identity before they'll put you in touch with any prospective matches!

Oh, never realised - assumed it would be free to the volunteer! Can't see them signing up many walkers in that case.

I used to sponsor a dog through the ncdl they always allowed me and my wife to take him for walks

Sadly people steal dogs and other animals for various reasons so a check is needed and since most of the dog homes are charity run they simply cannot afford the cost of the checks, a local animal sanctuary has had many animals stolen this way including rabbits and hamsters when people volunteered to look after them in the sanctuary itself, it is a sad world we live when people can do that sort of thing.