Yard Play

Yard time is a great opportunity for dogs to run, play fetch, play in a pool, and socialize with volunteers and other dogs. On hot days, yards also have more shade and may be preferable than walks. Yards should be used by volunteers solely for dog socialization, training, or introductions to prospective adopters. In the morning, staff typically use the yards to hold dogs for kennel cleaning.

Our shelter has six yards in front, plus the Evaluation and Side yards. Only the four corner yards (1, 3, 4, 6) should be used at once to minimize risk of fence fighting.

  • Check yards for availability before taking out a dog. Touch base with fellow volunteers to decide which dogs to place in which yards, and if any dog currently in yard is ready to be returned to kennel. Be aware of which dogs should not be placed next to others due to reactivity. If you don’t know, ask the other volunteers working with you.

  • Bring a couple of toys to play, but remember to remove them from yard when you exit or before bringing another dog in. Discard broken/torn toys and put dirty ones in laundry cart to clean. Grooming brushes and combs are available on the shelf outside by the front yards.

  • Keep a slip lead on your body at all times. Leave leash on dog when supervised in yard; be ready to pick up and hold the leash when another dog is passing by with another handler. If you must leave the dog in yard unsupervised, take the leash off before exiting to avoid risk of strangulation.

  • If you take a dog to socialize in a yard, it is highly recommended that you remain with that dog or find another volunteer (at appropriate proficiency level) to continue socializing the dog after you leave.

  • Keep water buckets clean, full, and attached to the fence with a carabiner; in the summer, make sure pools are filled.

  • Pick up any poop you notice in the yard; place used bags in trash can before you leave. Pick up and discard any piles of fur after grooming.

  • Level out gravel piles so that the yard doors open and close easily.

  • If you exit yard with a dog inside, clasp door latch to indicate to others that the yard is occupied.

  • Keep off your phone except to take photos/videos to promote our dogs on social media. Observe any behaviors or personality quirks to share in WhatsApp Mutts & Meows after you finish your shift.