(Photo from Pawstruck PressLinks to an external site.; image captured 2018-03-16)

Go/No-Go Checklist:

1. Check if there is currently any precipitation, and if it is expected to change over the duration of the walk:

- If moderate-heavy snow/rain, consider calling off the walk unless sufficiently prepared (if during winter season, take measures to prevent dog from ingesting salt and antifreeze/de-icers on the ground).

- If light snow/rain, check if the precipitation will become heavier or lighter in the following hours, then make decision based on that.

- In the above two cases, consider whether or not weather conditions will make the sidewalks/roads too slippery to walk safely on, or if visibility will be reduced to a dangerous level.

- If there is no precipitation, this is ideal for dog walking. 

2. Check the temperature forecast:

- If cold temperatures are expected, make sure both human and dog (if applicable) are dressed sufficiently warm. If temperatures are below freezing, try not to keep the walk too long. 

- If warm/hot temperatures are expected, make sure to have precautions in place (water bottle, sunscreen, etc.) to prevent dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn. If it is an especially hot and humid day, try not to keep the walk long. 

3. Check the wind forecast:

- If there's a hurricane, probably shouldn't go outside.

- If strong winds (Beaufort Wind Force from about 7 to 9) are expected, flying debris/dust will likely be a significant hazard, as well as reduced visibility. Walking outdoors is inadvised.

- If moderate winds (Beaufort Wind Force from about 4 to 6) are expected, use judgement to decide if hazards are significant or not (e.g. ask, "Is there also currently precipitation? How cold/warm is it?"). 

- If light/very light winds are expected (Beaufort Wind Force <4), this is ideal for dog walking.

(Photo by Runa Kazakova from ShuttershockLinks to an external site.; image captured 2018-03-16)