Taking Dogs In & Out of Kennels

Once you have picked a dog to take out, write “O” in the AM/PM box next to its name to indicate the dog is “OUT.”

Read the whiteboard for background info and kennel card for instructions (e.g., “No Treats”, “Do Not Leave in Yard Alone”, “Digs in Yards”).

Before taking a dog from an outdoor kennel, locate the dog’s indoor kennel to prepare for a direct return.

Check that the coast is clear, or wait if there’s another dog being leashed or returned to a nearby kennel. Hang the padlock on cage door and block the door with your foot and leg as you carefully open it.

Reach into kennel and leash the dog with slip lead by using a treat (as needed) while putting the loop over/under the dog’s head. For small or frightened dogs, you may need to enter the kennel, lower yourself to their level, talk gently, and slip the lead over the dog’s head. For such dogs, it is often best to carry them out.

Leave the kennel door slightly ajar to facilitate your return.

Loudly announce “coming through/out/in” as you and your dog move through, exit or reenter the building. This will alert others of a dog’s presence and help clear the path.

For morning shifts that coincide with kennel cleaning, find out from staff if the dog should be returned to its indoor kennel or to an unoccupied kennel outside. If the kennel was being cleaned when you took the dog out, try to find out if it is now ready for the dog to be returned; if not, put the dog in an outside kennel or leave in yard.

Wait until the coast is clear before returning your dog to kennel. Loudly call “coming in/through” as you and your dog reenter/pass corridors.

If you are aware the dog has a food aggression issue, use your foot to push any food or treats aside before putting the dog inside.

If you have trouble getting the dog to go inside, toss a treat to the back of kennel and quickly close door while holding the lead through a narrow opening. Block the door ajar with your foot and leg as you unleash the dog. Alternatively, enter the kennel with the dog, stand between dog and kennel door, close door, unleash, open door toward you, and squeeze through the narrow opening.

Update whiteboard by erasing the “O”, entering the time you returned the dog to kennel, and if the dog walked (“W”) or played in yard (“Y”).

Return toys or grooming equipment to shelves or put them in laundry area to clean.

If you have concerns about the dog’s behavioral/medical condition, complete a Volunteer Observation form and hand it to office staff on duty.