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Special Events

Dog Tips (Hosting a Dog Walk)

ASPCA

Special Events - Hosting a Dog Walk
Dog Tips

RULES
Hand out rules regarding the responsibilities of dog ownership at the event, ie Dog licences, leash, shots, animals in heat, etc.

EVALUATE
Check dogs as they enter area for aggressive or inappropriate behavior.

CLEAN UP
Give out bags, mits or paper for cleanup.

FIRST AID
Have an animal ambulance and veterinarian on call or on site for emergencies.

DOG TREATS
Be Careful! Too many treats and crowded a dogs can result in digestive upsets and dog fights.

DOG FIGHTS
Train volunteers to watch out for and to stop dog fights.

DOG BITES
Have a system to report and treat dog bites.

ASK THE TRAINER
Have a booth staffed by a dog trainer so people can ask questions.

INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES
Organize activities that people can do with their dog (agility, frisbee, etc).

LOST DOGS
Make regular announcements to keep dogs on leash and require ID tags for all dogs who participate. Have a lost and found area.

SELL DOG LICENCES
Invite the agency who sells dog licences to have a booth. Put a licence application in starter kits.

VIOLATIONS
You might see pet owners violating an ordinance. Decide in advance if this is the time or place to give out tickets.

NOISE LEVEL
Lots of noise and activity, large costumed characters, popping balloons and music, can be stressful for dogs. Limit whenever possible.

CHILDREN AND DOGS
Not every dog is good with children. Make sure parents are watching children at all times.

ON SITE ADOPTIONS
It would help to have a separate area for adoptions. Screen carefully for impulse adoptions.

VOLUNTEERS
Special volunteers should be designated to do dog related things. Crowd control, evaluations, even people who hold dogs while people use the port-a-potties, should be considered.

Courtesy of

424 East 92nd Street
New York, NY 10128-6804
212-876-7700
www.aspca.org