Top dog: Vancouver's best dog-walking companies
In Vancouver, where natural parks, beaches and waterfronts abound, no two dog-walking companies offer the same experience. Depending on what kind of care your pooch needs – from discipline training to socializing with other dogs to off-leash exercise – these companies will provide a fun, safe and exhaustive walk when you’re not able to. [Photo credit: iStock.com/ Rohappy]
Release The Hounds
194-3381 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R3The Cadillac of dog walkers, Release the Hounds offers, among many other services, robust, tailored walks throughout Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver. Choose between two-hour hikes, one-hour urban group walks, private walks and one-on-one buddy walks – all designed to suit your dog’s unique social and behavioral skills, which will be determined during a comprehensive consultation between you, your pup and a Release the Hounds dog whisperer when you first sign up.
Dharma Dog Services
7239 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5X 3V8As the name implies, Dharma places an emphasis on the cosmic benefits of outdoor exercise, choosing walks that stimulate the five senses while boosting energy levels. With each walk, dogs explore a new environment and practice commands like “sit,” stay,” “come” and “heel.” Meanwhile, a handy cell phone app displays their route, so you can live vicariously through your pooch from the comfort of your desk.
Paws at Play Dog Walking
701-1001 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1J6Believing that diversity teaches important lessons in discipline and social skills, trainers here combine all ages, breeds, shapes and sizes for group walks, which take place in North Vancouver’s expansive (and muddy) Pacific Spirit Park. A Daily Dog Report with photos at the end of each day keeps owners up-to-date on their pup’s shenanigans and new playmates.
Ruff Stuff Dog Services
1730 Vernon Dr, Vancouver, BC V6A 3T8The enthusiastic team at Ruff Stuff believes that fun is the most important element of walking. During early morning, midday or afternoon two-hour adventures, your pooch is guaranteed to swim, run, chase balls, sniff squirrels and frolic along one of Vancouver’s many trails or beaches. Moderate, one-hour excursions are available for dogs with lower energy levels and equal appetites for mischief.
Vancity Dog Walkers
452-455 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L2For hip dogs that love Trout Lake, Confederation Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and more, look no further than this East Van outfit. According to Vancity’s trainers, many of their dogs have been walking together for years, which means that – with Vancity at the helm – your canine will feel welcomed and safe among this friendly, organized pack as they navigate edgy and cool Mount Pleasant, Hastings Sunrise, and Commercial Drive.
Love on a Leash
Aldergrove, BC V4W 2T7Known affectionately as “Fairy Dog-mothers,” Love on a Leash owners and sisters Tammy Preast and Shelley Dueck operate out of Dueck’s sprawling home, where 14,000 square feet of yard allows room to roam and play before and after walks. The company’s dedicated team of dog walkers and friends will also collect your pooch from your own home, providing an energetic romp with plenty of love and care along the way.
Barks on the Boulevard
5465 West Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6M 3W5What pup wouldn’t want to be paraded through beautiful Kerrisdale with their furry pals? Among Barks on the Boulevard’s many services – from puppy training to overnight boarding – vigorous group walks through Vancouver’s high-end neighborhood will give your dog a taste of the good life, before looping down to get muddy and wet at nearby Fraser River Park, among other exotic locations.
