Free Runner Volunteer

Guide Dogs work incredibly hard every day to support their owners — but at heart, they’re still dogs.

Just like any other dog, they need time to run, play, explore and simply enjoy being off duty.

Our Free Run Programme gives Guide Dogs regular opportunities for exercise, enrichment and play in safe, secure and approved environments.

These sessions are an important part of keeping our Guide Dogs happy, healthy and fulfilled, supporting both their physical fitness and emotional wellbeing.

Why Free Runs Matter

Free Runs give Guide Dogs the opportunity to:

• Run and play off lead in a safe, secure environment
• Explore and enjoy natural dog behaviours
• Experience enrichment and mental stimulation
• Maintain physical fitness and overall wellbeing
• Relax, have fun and enjoy time away from their working role

A happy dog is a healthier, more confident working Guide Dog.

What is a Free Run?

A Free Run is a supervised session where a Guide Dog can exercise freely in an approved, secure location.

A typical session involves:

1. Collecting the Guide Dog from their owner’s home
2. Travelling with the dog to an approved Free Run location
3. Allowing the dog to run, play and explore for 30–60 minutes
4. Returning the dog safely home

The overall time commitment will vary depending on the location and travel arrangements.

Become a Free Run Volunteer

As a volunteer, you’ll help a Guide Dog enjoy regular opportunities for exercise, play and enrichment while providing valuable support to their owner.

Your role will include:

• Supporting a Guide Dog and their owner
• Getting to know the dog’s routine and individual needs
• Safely handling and supervising the dog during Free Runs
• Providing consistent opportunities for exercise and enrichment

You don’t need previous Guide Dog experience to become a Free Run volunteer. We’ll provide the training and support you need to get started.

Your Training and Support

Before volunteering independently, you’ll complete a programme of training designed to ensure you feel confident and prepared.

This includes:

• Online Training: Online modules covering the Free Run role, programme information and expectations.
• Garda Vetting: Completion of the required Garda vetting process.
• Instructor-Led Training: Practical training with an IGDB Instructor covering: Safe handling, dog behaviour and body language, transportation, procedures, managing distractions, and emergency situations

Your First Free Run

You’ll also complete your first Free Run with the support of one of our instructors, giving you the opportunity to put your training into practice with guidance and support.

Help a Guide Dog Run, Play and Be a Dog

By becoming a Free Run volunteer, you can make a real difference to the life of a Guide Dog — helping them stay fit, happy and confident while giving them something every dog deserves: time to simply be a dog. You’re also helping their owner, who can be sure their dog is enjoying some free time and getting exercise to stay in the best shape so their life-changing partnership can continue.