Adventure Tails

**Please arrive 15 minutes early to get setup! This will help maximize your adventure time!**

The purpose of this volunteer program is to provide out of shelter enrichment for some of our available dogs for adoption.  Our efforts will include documenting these little adventures and posting photos and short videos to our social media sites.  We want to encourage people to adopt a shelter dog, by showing them how much fun it is to have a companion with you running errands, getting breakfast, or taking a stroll in the park. 

1. Must be a qualified Dog Walking Volunteer.  Recommended to complete 3 shifts in the shelter first!  This will have you better prepared for this program.
2. Arrive at the shelter, check in at the front desk. HSC Staff member will make a selection for you.
   • Candidates for the program must currently be available for adoption.
   • Candidates must Not have any of these barriers (including but not limited to):

• Jumpy/Mouthy
• Flight Risk
• Dogs under 6 months of age, or not fully vaccinated
• Heartworm Positive and Medical treatment for heartworms (other medical conditions may prohibit a dog from going-a staff member can confirm with our vet team)
• A dog that can not go into a home with other dogs, or children
• Leash reactive dogs
• A dog with a bite history

3. Once a dog has been selected, (with the help of an HSC Staff Member), please read kennel card and enrichment notes about the dog to familiarize yourself with their history a bit more.
4. Collect all the supplies you will need:
   1. 2 leashes
   2. Easy-Walk Front Clip Harness, unless approved otherwise.
   3. Fanny Pack with gear: treats, poopbags, etc.
5. Dogs must wear martingale collar with HSC tag on collar
6. Dogs will wear 2 leashes at all times
7. Volunteer will use personal vehicle to transport animal. The dog must be tethered in volunteer’s vehicle with restraint items or simply by tying one of the leashes around a head rest, or other item to secure.
8. You may take the dog to dog friendly places like: Parks, coffee shops, Home Depot, Lowes, Park Road Shopping Plaza, through a drive thru, through a car wash, etc.
9. You are the only individual allowed to handle the dog, but a friend or family member is allowed to join you. 
10. No dog to dog interactions
11. No dog parks
12. No interactions with children
13. No off-leash areas (including houses/apartments)
14. Do not leave the dog unattended in a vehicle
15. If safe to do so, take short, easily viewable videos and photos and post them to HSC’s Volunteer Facebook page.
16. Any concerns while off-site that need immediate attention, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at: 704-494-7706 or the shelter at 704-377-0534 ext 226.  Or all concerns should be directed to HSC staff upon return.
17. If you are in need of emergency assistance, please call 911.
18. When you return to the shelter, after the dog is put back and supplies put away, return to the front desk and provide a verbal account of your Adventure Tails!

You may download these protocols HERE as well!