POOPS is a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by police-cleared volunteers that provides a fee-free pet care service for elderly or disabled pet owners who need assistance with caring for their beloved pets and haven’t the support of family or friends in times of need. POOPS believe that no-one should have to give up their pets due to age, disability or poor health. Our volunteers work actively to keep people with their pets. The main task our volunteers undertake is walking the dogs of older people. Our volunteers generally commit to one walk/ week on a set time/day to suit the volunteer and client. The role also provides for interaction between the client and volunteer, thus providing a valuable social aspect. The volunteer needs to be able to perform these tasks independently. Each new volunteer meets with a coordinator for Induction before starting to walk a dog. The availability of dogs in a particular area can vary from time to time.