The new initiative between Tamworth Regional Council and the Heaven Can Wait Animal Shelter has recruited a number of volunteers who visit the pound to walk dogs two to three times a week.

Tamworth Regional Council co-ordinator Regulatory Services, Ross White said the walking program started in mid-December.

“Council has been looking at options to allow dogs at the pound to have more opportunities for exercise,” he said. 

“Heaven Can Wait had an idea for a program using volunteers to walk dogs and it was great to be able to make it happen.”

Two routes in the Taminda area near the pound are being used for the walking program.

Mr White said there was already evidence of the program’s benefits.

“There is a definite positive change in the dogs after they have had a walk: they appear less restless and more content.”

Heaven Can Wait Animal Shelter was founded in Tamworth in March, co-founder Kate Davies said.

“We’ve got a very good working relationship with the pound,” Mrs Davies said.

So far, the shelter has rescued 81 dogs, cats and kittens and found homes for 67 of them, with 15 still waiting to be rehomed.

Until they’re rehomed, Mrs Davies said, “we take animals that are on death row and put them into foster care”.

“That’s our main aim, adoption.”

The walking program will be reviewed at the end of February to see whether it can be improved.

Heaven Can Wait Animal Shelter can be contacted via Facebook.