Slow Walks runs on volunteers who are happy to go at a dog’s pace. Walkers take our residents on short, sniffy rambles. Sofa fosterers lend a lap for a few weeks. Drivers ferry grey muzzles to the vet, and groomers keep everyone looking distinguished. You do not need to be young, fast or an expert. You need to be kind, reliable and comfortable stopping every few yards while someone reads the news on a lamppost. Every role comes with free training and a named coordinator.

Volunteer with us

“Best gym membership I ever had. Nobody has ever overtaken me.”

Walk slowly. Carry biscuits.

A grey-haired man walking a sandy-coloured dog on a long lead along a quiet, leafy lane

Find your role

Jobs for kind humans.

Slow walker

Two short walks a week with the same dog, at the same gentle pace. Training covers harnesses, hips and the art of waiting.

Sofa fosterer

Host an older dog for a few weeks while they wait for a home. We cover the food, the vet and the blankets.

Vet taxi

Drive residents to check-ups in your own car, with a crate and a seat cover from us. Mileage paid, biscuits included.

Groomer

Trim the eyebrows, brush the beards and file the nails of our more distinguished guests. Gentle hands essential.

Biscuit baker

Bake soft, low-salt treats for old teeth at home. Recipes provided; quality control is handled by the dogs.

Here is how a typical week of walks fits together. Pick one slot or several. You walk the same dog each time, so friendships can grow at their own pace.

A week in slow motion.

The walking rota

Join the rota

Monday, 8am

Dew walk. Twenty minutes round the park with the early risers, then breakfast for everyone.

A grey-haired man in a red check shirt walking two small white dogs along a misty field path

Wednesday, 11am

Bench club. A short stroll to the bench by the pond, a long sit and a lot of people saying hello.

A woman with red hair relaxing on a park bench beside a brown and white dog

Friday, 4pm

Sniff safari. No destination and no hurry. The dog chooses the route and reads every lamppost.

A beagle sitting on an autumn path, holding its own lead in its mouth

Sunday, 10am

The long way round. Our longest walk of the week, which is still not very long. Tea afterwards.

A white-haired woman walking a small dog along a sunny, tree-lined pavement

From the walkers

Frank, walks the Colonel on Tuesdays

“The Colonel and I both have dodgy knees. We have agreed never to mention it and to stop at every bench.”

An older man with a walking stick strolling barefoot along a wet beach with a black dog

Irina, slow walker and biscuit baker

“Every Thursday, Nell greets me as if I have been away at sea. I have been to the corner shop.”

An older woman in a purple hoodie holding the paws of a fluffy dog standing up to greet her

Sam, sofa fosterer and walker

“Some evenings we walk for ten minutes and watch the sun go down for twenty. Best part of my week.”

A man walking a small white dog along a field path at sunset

Sample dates for an imagined season. A real rescue would confirm times, places and access details before anyone sets off.

Dates for your diary.

Two volunteers in blue T-shirts hugging a golden dog against a pink wall