Unless you’ve been directly referred to a dog walker via a friend or a dog professional, chances are you’re left with Google. While this can be helpful, it can also - like all Google searches- lead to a rabbit hole. Dog walker X doesn’t service your area, dog walker Y is booked, dog walker Z doesn’t provide force free options, and dog walker double ZZ was outright rude when you spoke.
Toronto dog owners, you deserve better. Let me help you.
Let’s start with the big G. Google likes websites with activity and will place them top of its search list. The issue: these companies may be irrelevant in your quest for a Toronto dog walker. Solution: get specific.
Use key words like your neighbourhood (dog walkers work in specific neighbourhoods only). For instance, K9 Kate’s operates in Seaton Village, The Annex, Little Italy, Trinity Bellwoods, Rosedale and Deer Park. Reaching out to a dog walker who services High Park when you lives in The Danforth isn’t efficient.
Next up, know what service you’re looking for and enter it as a keyword. For instance, if you are looking for offleash dog walks, include this in your Google Search. Different dog walking companies offer different types of walks. K9 Kate’s is among a handful of companies that offer both on foot and adventure.
And then there’s force Free! K9 Kate’s is a fear free dog walking company. I believe that a skilled walker does not need aversive training methods like prong or shock collars. We can get dogs to do what we want and so you can you. Why use fear when you can use love?
With this in mind, please note that I will not knowingly refer dogs to a company that is not fear free. I think it’s antiquated and your dog deserves better.
If you are not in K9 Kate’s service area , please feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to connect you with companies including:
Toronto Tails
LLDT
Mutt Love
Citizen Canine
Sarah Rix
Unleashed in the City
Toronto Humane Society
Adventure Club
City Dogs
She said Walk
Benevolent Beasts
Sparky’s Comrade
Oh my Dog
In the Lead Dog Walking
Woofs Upon a Walk
Woof, Waggle Walk
PetsGo!
Dog’s World Walking
Pup Tent
Liberty Pooch
Pooped Pooches
Philippa Curtain
They Walk Dogs
Diamond Dogs
Wag and Bone
A Couple of Mutts Dog Walking
St. Clair West Dog Walking
(to name a few).
I hope this was helpful in your quest to find a Toronto dog walker. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Thanks and have a great long weekend.