Gemma and Bentley with their great friend Lynn talk about what it's like being a volunteer
Volunteer with your dog
You and your special dog could make a huge difference to the lives of older dog lovers in your community by becoming a 'Visting Wag Team'.
Many of our elderly friends are bereaved and isolated and miss the company of a dog. It only takes an hour or two most weeks for a chat and a furry cuddle, to make a difference..
Becoming a Visiting Wag Team..
You
You’re 18 or over and can spare an hour or so most weeks to share your dog with older people close to your home.
We’ll support you through our process:- the reference, the online DBS check, finding the right placement match for you, giving you all the information you need at a Getting started session, providing insurance and your Wag starter pack - ID badge, Wag dog tag and bandana and a lovely Wag polo shirt for you too.
We’ll make it easy for you to submit your online visit logs which record your visits and any issues that may arise.
Once you’re part of our community, we’ll provide you with all the support you need. Visiting is so rewarding and you make such wonderful new friends, but it can sometimes be challenging and emotional too.
You'll be able to join our volunteer Facebook and WhatsApp groups, receive a monthly newsletter and be entered into our monthly volunteer prize draw with the chance to win some great prizes donated by local businesses to recognise your lovely work.
Your Dog
Your dog must be at least 18 months old, have a good temperament and level of behaviour and enjoy being handled.
Most Wag Friendship Dogs are normal cuddle monsters not obedience champions, but obviously it’s important they are under control and pass our assessment. To see if your dog would enjoy volunteering, why not take a look at our suitabiity and assessment criteria.
You must have had your dog for at least 6 months, feed dog food or cooked - rather than raw - meat and be happy to follow our veterinary guidelines which comply with national standards for visiting dogs.
What's it like being a Visiting Wag Team? Meet Rachel and Ballet
"Cath is like family now and we love to visit her as much as she enjoys seeing us!"
Rachel and her Labrador, Ballet, have been visiting a couple in their own home in Cramlington most Fridays since November 2017. Ron passed away recently and Rachel and Ballet are a great comfort to Cath.