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For more information, please email clientservicesteam@guidedogs.ie
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The Free Run Programme gives Guide Dogs the opportunity to enjoy supervised off-lead exercise in safe, approved locations. It allows dogs to run, play, explore, and relax while taking a break from their working role.
Guide Dogs work hard every day supporting their owners, but they are still dogs who need opportunities to exercise, play, and engage in natural behaviours. Free running supports their physical fitness, mental stimulation, and overall wellbeing.
As a volunteer, you will typically be matched with a Guide Dog and their owner. You will collect the dog from the owner's home, take them to an approved free run location, supervise the session, and return them home safely afterwards.
The off-lead exercise session usually lasts between 30 minutes and one hour. The overall time commitment depends on travel distance and arrangements with the Guide Dog Owner.
No. Free Run Volunteers do not care for the dog overnight or on a full-time basis. The role focuses specifically on providing supervised exercise and enrichment sessions for an assigned Guide Dog.
Many volunteers enjoy:
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our Guide Dogs, volunteers should meet the following requirements:
No. Previous experience with Guide Dogs is not required. Full training and support are provided before you begin volunteering independently.
Yes. Garda Vetting is a mandatory part of the onboarding process for all volunteers.
Volunteers are responsible for their own travel expenses, including fuel costs and travel time. We encourage volunteers to consider these commitments before applying.
The Free Run Programme is currently focused on supporting Guide Dog Owners along Ireland's west coast. As the programme develops, opportunities may become available in additional locations.
If you are interested in volunteering, we encourage you to apply, and our team will discuss current opportunities in your area during the recruitment process.
If there is not currently a suitable Guide Dog Owner match in the area, we will keep your details on file and contact you if a suitable opportunity arises in the future.
Volunteers complete online learning modules, Garda Vetting, and practical training delivered by an IGDB Instructor. Training covers dog behaviour, body language, safe handling, transportation, emergency procedures, and free run guidance. Your first free run will take place with instructor support.
Once your application is received, you will be guided through the onboarding process, including training and Garda Vetting. Following successful completion, you will be introduced to a Guide Dog Owner and their dog before any free running begins.
IGDB aims to match volunteers with a Guide Dog and owner based on factors such as location, availability, and suitability. We want both the volunteer and owner to feel comfortable with the arrangement before free runs begin.
Before any free running takes place, you will be introduced to the Guide Dog Owner and their dog. This allows everyone to get to know each other, discuss routines, and build confidence before starting the programme.
An IGDB Instructor will attend your first free run to provide support, introduce you to the approved location, and help you become familiar with the dog’s routine and handling requirements. Some Guide Dog Owners may also choose to attend initial sessions.
The Free Run team remains available to support volunteers throughout their involvement in the programme. If you have questions, concerns, or need advice, we are always happy to help.
The programme is flexible, and arrangements are agreed between the volunteer, the Guide Dog Owner, and IGDB. However, volunteers are expected to commit to at least one free run session per week whenever possible.
Consistency and reliability are important to ensure that Guide Dogs regularly benefit from exercise, enrichment, and time off duty. Volunteers should also communicate any changes to their availability as early as possible.
We hope volunteers will be able to support a Guide Dog Owner on an ongoing basis, as consistency helps build trust and familiarity between the volunteer, the Guide Dog owner, and the dog. There is no fixed end date for the role, and the arrangement will continue for as long as it is working well for everyone involved. If you need to step back from the role in the future, we simply ask that you give as much notice as possible so alternative support can be arranged.
Yes. Free run arrangements are flexible and are agreed directly between the volunteer and the Guide Dog Owner, with support from the IGDB team.
Most volunteers begin by supporting one Guide Dog and their owner. This allows the volunteer to build familiarity with the dog's personality, routine, and needs. Opportunities to support additional dogs may become available later.
We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you cannot attend an agreed session, we ask that you provide as much notice as possible and communicate with both the owner and the Free Run team. Consistent communication helps us ensure the dog continues to receive regular opportunities for exercise and enrichment.
We understand that circumstances can change from time to time. This may include changes to your availability, temporary loss of access to your vehicle, moving to a different area, holidays, work commitments, or other personal circumstances.
If you are unable to complete a planned free run or circumstances change, we ask that you let the Guide Dog Owner, volunteer group, and IGDB know as soon as possible. Early communication helps ensure alternative arrangements can be considered.
If you temporarily do not have access to a suitable vehicle, you will not be expected to carry out free runs until transportation is available again. If you move to a different county, IGDB can discuss whether there may be opportunities to continue volunteering closer to your new location.
If your circumstances change significantly or you are unsure whether you can continue in the role, please contact IGDB.
We understand that circumstances can change. If you decide the role is not the right fit, we simply ask that you communicate with us so we can plan accordingly and support everyone involved.
Equipment such as leads and collars will normally be provided by the Guide Dog Owner.
Yes. Volunteers will receive information about any relevant medical conditions, health considerations, behavioural needs, or specific requirements before undertaking free runs.
Guide Dogs may become excited when heading out for a run. As part of your training, you will learn how to safely handle the dog, manage them on lead, and respond appropriately to different behaviours.
Treats should only be given if approved by an IGDB Instructor, as some dogs may have specific dietary or training requirements. If a dog has a favourite toy for free runs, the owner may choose to provide it. If you are unsure about using treats or toys, please check with IGDB beforehand.
Approved free running locations are selected to provide a safe environment for Guide Dogs. However, there may be occasions when other dogs, including Guide Dogs, are present.
Volunteers should follow the guidance provided during training and use good judgement to ensure all dogs can exercise safely. Whether a Guide Dog can interact with other dogs will depend on the individual dog and the circumstances at the time. The dogs’ safety, welfare and enjoyment should always be the priority.
If the dog does not return immediately when called, remain calm and follow the guidance provided during training.
No. The volunteer role is specific to the assigned Guide Dog. Additional dogs or pets should not be transported or exercised during a free run session.
No. The Free Running Volunteer role relates specifically to the Guide Dog participating in the programme.
Free runs can only take place in locations that have been approved by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. These locations are selected to provide a safe and controlled environment for the dogs.
The safety and wellbeing of both the Guide Dog and the volunteer should always be the priority. Free runs may only take place in locations approved by an IGDB Instructor, and Guide Dogs should only be off lead within these approved areas.
Volunteers must follow all IGDB training and guidance, including safe dog-handling and transportation practices. Potential hazards, such as traffic, livestock, uneven ground, and adverse weather conditions, should always be considered.
Volunteers may suggest free running locations, but these must be approved by IGDB before use. Any incidents, accidents, injuries, or safety concerns should be reported to IGDB as soon as possible.
The safety and welfare of both you and the Guide Dog should always be your priority. If an emergency or unexpected situation that could place you, the dog, or others at risk, you should first take any immediate action necessary to ensure everyone is safe.
Depending on the circumstances, you will need to contact the Guide Dog Owner, IGDB staff, emergency services, or another appropriate support service. If your vehicle breaks down, the dog should remain secure and under your supervision at all times.
As part of your training, you will be provided with guidance on how to respond to emergencies, including relevant contact information and procedures. Volunteers are never expected to manage an emergency alone, and support from IGDB will be available when needed. If you are ever unsure, follow the emergency procedures provided and seek assistance as soon as possible.
The volunteer is responsible for supervising and handling the Guide Dog at all times. Family members or other individuals may be able to accompany you during a free run or travel with you in the car, but this should be discussed with IGDB in advance.
We want to ensure additional people do not distract from the dog’s exercise, welfare or safety. Any arrangements involving other people accompanying you will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The programme uses WhatsApp to coordinate free run sessions and share updates. Volunteers should be comfortable checking messages and responding regularly.
The Free Run team is available to support both volunteers and Guide Dog Owners. If you have any concerns or if an arrangement is not working, we encourage open communication so that we can find the best solution together.
We recognise that circumstances can change. If concerns arise, we encourage honest communication with the Free Run team. We will work with both parties to find the best solution.
To help establish a safe and successful volunteering arrangement, certain information will be shared between you and the Guide Dog Owner. You will be provided with the information necessary to carry out your role safely and effectively, which may include the Guide Dog Owner’s name, contact information, address, and any other details relevant to arranging and carrying out free running sessions. Similarly, the Guide Dog Owner will be provided with information such as your name, general location, availability, and contact details needed to coordinate free runs.
As a Free Running Volunteer, you are expected to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the people you support. Any personal information shared with you should only be used for the purposes of the Free Running Programme. This includes using contact details only for arranging free runs, not sharing personal information with others without permission, and following IGDB’s Privacy Policy. If you are ever unsure about what information can be shared, please contact IGDB for guidance.
For more information, please email clientservicesteam@guidedogs.ie