Hi - sorry if there are a lot of adverts but, I think this may be a way of financing the continuation of the Forum as a free resource to users.
Re the dog walking group question, I would check first with the committee or whoever oversees the U3A groups as a whole as to whether there are any general rules you must comply with.
The only dog walks which I have attended or been involved with organising on a small scale have not involved insurance etc. However, this can vary from group to group in U3A activities I have found by looking on the internet at different groups. There is a link below which you can have a look at which might help being a very comprehensive one ( although much more restrictive than any walks I have been involved with) which I think is from Australia U3A.*
Some things to think about though:
Are all dogs safe with other dogs and people? We have had two separate occasions with two different dogs who were going on the walk to try and help socialise them with others but they were highly reactive and eventually each had to be advised not to attend again.
Are all the dogs microchipped and have a collar with ID tag and all required information - these are legal requirements.
No bitches in season to be taken on the walk or any dog that has or recovering from a contagious illness. Dogs should be fully fit for the walk.
If you are going near farmland especially where sheep or cattle are grazing, all dogs must be on lead and under control.
Remind attendees that poo bags are required to clear up after the dogs and disposed of in the dog waste bins or taken home,
A lot of this is basic common sense as you say and dogs that are going to be let off lead should only be done so in a safe environment not near traffic, schools etc. If you are walking on country roads where there is little traffic a look out should be kept if any dogs are off lead to keep them under close control or back on lead if any vehicle is approaching and not to allow them to run into farm fields where crops may be growing.
*
https://www.u3aknox.org.au/wp-content/u ... Policy.pdf
Hope this helps. Other members who have organised walks may be able to offer more advice
