Community

WATCH: It’s a dog-meet-dog world for these woof wardens

Super paw-sitive dog ambassador program back at RDCO

  • What are dog ambassadors?
  • Helping visitors know the rules

Wherever there’s dogs in the Central Okanagan, you’ll find Rileigh Payne and Jaine Hiller.

Not simply because they both have a passion for pooches, but because they are working as dog ambassadors for the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) this summer.

The pair roam local beaches, parks, and popular trails to educate dog owners about the aptly named Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw.

“The [bylaw] is there to protect others, but also to protect you and your dog. Keeping your dog on leash is a really great way to protect your dog from wildlife and other dogs,” Hillier told Kelowna10. “But, also, it’s just really important to protect the community and everybody’s comfortability and safety around dogs.”

While the team talks to everyone, the program is key in assisting the influx of dogs that accompany tourists to the Okanagan every summer.

The woof wardens not only remind people about the rules, but also act as quasi tour guides, directing locals and visitors to the nearest dog-friendly parks, beaches, and businesses. They also make sure dogs are licensed – a must for every hound in the RDCO.

Hiller and Payne are also armed with squeaky toys, leashes, bandanas, and treats to reward any furry friends they encounter along the way. The team has also recently started taking Polaroid pictures of owners with their pets, handing it out as a free memory.

“I think when people hear about dog licensing, dog control, their mind goes really negative and that’s not how it is in Kelowna,” Payne said. “We want to make sure that the public knows that and knows that we’re out trying to reward them for doing the right thing and encouraging them to bring their dogs out.”

The dog spotting duo also work to encourage good dog ownership with the My Dog Matters rewards program. This is available to anyone who has their dog licensed through the RDCO. It offers deals and discounts for over 60 businesses, catering to both dogs and humans, like grooming, automotive, or beauty services.

Payne and Hiller said they do more petting and scratching than policing and prosecuting while out and about.

“For the most part, people are doing the right things, so we don’t even have to mention the bylaw because they already know about it,” Payne said. “They’re out here doing exactly what we want them to and we’re just trying to reinforce that.”

The RDCO dog ambassadors are always donning bright colours, so they are easy to spot.

Published 2022-06-30 by Tyler Marr and David Hanson

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