Canine Cruisers

Take a dog for a walk, run, or play date from the Rowlett Animal Shelter!

Canine Cruisers is a program where shelter dogs can be taken out of the Rowlett Shelter for a much-needed break from the stressors they undergo while at the Rowlett Shelter. You can take the dogs for a short walk, a trip to a dog-friendly store or restaurant, even take them home for a night or two. Socialization helps to make the shelter animals friendlier and social, thus, more adoptable!

Steps to sign-up

Submit a volunteer application form.
Complete all FRAs orientation and animal handling training.

Rules

The yellow FRAs T-shirt and/or hoodie must be worn at all times when escorting an animal off Rowlett Shelter property.
Dogs MUST be leashed at all times.
Leave and return through lobby/front door. Do not go in and out of the service drive gate.
Carry a cell phone with the Rowlett Shelter phone number programmed in case help is needed while out.
Carry poop bags while on walk, and use if necessary.
Sign in/out on the volunteer sheet at the Rowlett Shelter; must speak with an ACO (Animal Control Officer) to see which dogs are cleared to be on the walk list.
Dog should be wearing a FRAs ‘ADOPT ME’ bandana or vest while out of the Rowlett Shelter.
Dogs should not be taken out in rain, storms, or other dangerous weather.
ACOs have a final say if a dog can be walked, or who can walk a dog.
Must be 18 years or older to check out a dog; ACOs must approve dog being walked if children under the age of 13 are walking with a FRAs volunteer.

Additional information

Write bios for the animals that you interact with

This helps us get to know our Rowlett Shelter animals. Adopters get to learn about their personality, likes, and dislikes to see if they are a good fit for their homes.

Examples:

Blossom: This elegant older lady (who appears to need treatment for runny eyes, possibly form severe environmental allergy?) is a lovely Red Heeler mix with a thick, almost luxurious coat and a gentle demeanor. When I say elegant, I don’t mean that she puts on airs — she’s very simple and easygoing in spirit.

Kash: He’s a big bruiser and lovebug at the same time, mainly because he just doesn’t know his own strength. Soft mouth though (to the point of possibly missing teeth, not sure). He is very loveable and goofy and needs a high energy, active household.

Apollo
SMC (single male cat) looking for CFH (cat friendly home) for a long term relationship. Hi. Do you like string? I like string. I also like long strokes to my back and chin rubs and tons of kitty kisses. I’m the strong good looking type and I’m looking for a CFH that will give me the love & attention I deserve.
Likes: chasing string, rubbing my head on you, getting head scratches & kisses
Dislikes: being picked up, being restrained, grumpy people
If you think we’re a match let’s give it a try. What do we have to lose?

Assist with shelter pet glamour shots

On Saturdays, the dogs at the Rowlett Shelter are able to get their glamour shots done so they have a pretty picture to use to help them find their forever family. The dogs would be picked up from the shelter and transported to the Friends of Rowlett Animals Center, where they would have their picture taken before being taken back to the shelter. These photos show potential adopters the wonderful personalities that are not always evident from shelter photos online.