Dog walking in Mississuaga
Dog walker in Hamilton
Dog walking in Mississuaga
Dog walker in Hamilton

Dog Walking Service in Hamilton | Realiable Dog Walker

Your dog needs daily exercise, but Hamilton’s escarpment trails, variable weather, and busy work schedules make consistent walking challenging. Since 2005, Loving Paws has provided professional dog walking across Hamilton from Dundas Valley conservation areas to Waterdown’s growing subdivisions, ensuring your dog gets the physical activity and mental stimulation they nee,d regardless of your schedule.

Trusted Local Walkers

Certified, insured, and background-checked professionals provide reliable, safe walks for dogs across Hamilton neighborhoods, building trust with both pets and owners.

Consistent Care & Routine

Same walker every visit ensures your dog’s habits, pace, and preferences are understood, reducing stress and creating a dependable daily routine.

Personalized Walks & Updates

Neighborhood-specific routes, breed-appropriate pacing, and real-time photo updates keep you informed while your dog gets exercise, mental stimulation, and proper care.

Why Hamilton Dogs Need Professional Walking

Hamilton’s geography creates unique challenges. Mountain neighborhoods offer trail access but require understanding which paths suit senior dogs with arthritis versus young Labs needing serious workouts. 

Here’s what professional dog walking solves:

Your dog maintains regular exercise even when you’re stuck in meetings downtown, working late shifts at local hospitals, or traveling for business. They get proper socialization in controlled environments. They receive mental stimulation through varied routes and scent exploration. 

For working professionals in Westdale or East Hamilton, this means coming home to a calm, exercised dog instead of a frustrated animal who’s been cooped up for 10 hours. For senior owners in Ancaster who can’t handle pulling or long distances, it means their dog still gets needed activity.

Hamilton Dog Walking Routes and Terrain

Escarpment Trail Access

Dundas Valley Conservation Area: Network of trails offering varying difficulty levels. We use easier paths for seniors, challenging routes for high-energy breeds. Muddy conditions are common in spring; we know which trails drain better.

Chedoke Radial Trail: Paved pathway good for leash training and dogs needing controlled environments. Less challenging than valley trails, but still provides quality exercise.

Red Hill Valley Trail: Longer routes for dogs needing serious distance. We access different sections based on your dog’s fitness level and available walk time.

Urban and Neighborhood Walking

Bayfront Park and Waterfront Trail: Flat, scenic routes perfect for older dogs or those recovering from injury. Wind off the lake can be intense; we adjust accordingly.

Gage Park and Victoria Park: Urban green spaces are good for structured walks. Busier during peak hours, so we schedule reactive dogs during quieter times.

Residential Streets in Westdale, Corktown, and Crown Point: Tree-lined neighborhoods providing safer, lower-traffic environments for anxious dogs or puppies still learning leash manners.

Suburban and Rural Options

Waterdown trails and conservation areas: Access to longer, less crowded routes. Good for dogs who need space from other animals.

Ancaster’s mix of suburban and rural paths: Variety lets us match terrain to your dog’s specific needs.

Stoney Creek waterfront and trails: Alternative to busier downtown routes, especially valuable during summer tourist seasons.

Glanbrook rural properties: For dogs living in countryside settings, we understand property boundaries and rural walking considerations.

Walk Pricing for Hamilton Dogs

15-Minute Quick Relief — $16.50 Fast bathroom break and light movement. Works for senior dogs managing arthritis in Mountain East homes, puppies in Stoney Creek still building stamina, or brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) who overheat easily during Hamilton’s humid summers. Gets them outside for necessary business without overdoing it.

30-Minute Standard Walk — $22.00 What most Hamilton dog owners choose. Enough time for proper sniffing, exploring favorite spots along the escarpment base, marking territory, and legitimate exercise. Fits most adult dogs comfortably—Golden Retrievers, mixed breeds, Poodles, Beagles, Terriers living in Dundas or Westdale. Real workout without being excessive.

45-Minute Active Walk — $30.25 Extended route with substantial exploration. Good for dogs needing serious daily exercise but not marathon sessions. Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, and working breeds in Ancaster or Waterdown do well here. We cover genuine distance on escarpment trails or waterfront paths.

60-Minute Fitness Walk — $38.50 Full workout for dogs bred to work or run all day. Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, Belgian Malinois, and high-drive mixed breeds in Mountain West or East Hamilton. We cover real distance on challenging terrain and maintain steady pacing throughout.

Group Walk Discount: Multiple dogs from the same household who walk well together get walked simultaneously with reduced per-dog pricing.

Regular Schedule Savings: Book recurring weekly walks and receive discounted rates. Consistency benefits your dog and your budget.

Additional Services: Upgrade to text or email diary notes with photos sent immediately after each walk.

What Makes Our Hamilton Dog Walking Different

Year-Round Hamilton Weather Expertise

Winter walking (December-March): We understand which trails get maintained first, when ice makes escarpment paths dangerous, and how to protect paws from salt on Crown Point sidewalks. Dogs with thin coats get shorter walks when windchill drops severely. Breeds like Huskies and Malamutes actually prefer winter and get longer sessions.

Summer heat management (July-August): Hamilton humidity affects dogs differently than dry heat. We schedule early morning or evening walks when pavement cools, choose shaded Dundas Valley trails over exposed Bayfront paths, bring water for all dogs, and significantly reduce walk time for flat-faced breeds who struggle breathing in humidity.

Spring mud season: Trails get messy. We towel paws thoroughly before re-entering your Waterdown or Ancaster home.

Fall conditions: Generally ideal for walking, but shorter daylight hours mean adjusting schedules for visibility and safety.

Same Dog Walker, Every Walk

Your dog doesn’t meet a different stranger each visit. We assign one dedicated walker who becomes familiar with your dog’s personality, quirks, and needs.

They recognize when behavior changes if your normally energetic Shepherd seems lethargic, they notice. They learn your dog’s bathroom schedule and preferences.

For reactive dogs or rescues from Hamilton Animal Services still learning to trust, this consistency proves essential. Starting over with new people repeatedly prevents progress.

Certified Professional Standards

Every walker meets Pet Sitters International certification requirements. Background checks completed. Fully insured and bonded. Trained in canine behavior, safety protocols, and emergency response procedures.

We know how to handle encounters with wildlife on rural Glanbrook properties or aggressive off-leash dogs in city parks. We understand leash laws and follow them. We’re prepared for emergencies and know how to reach Mountain Animal Hospital or Centennial Animal Hospital quickly.

Transparent Photo Documentation

You’re at work in downtown Hamilton or traveling for business. You still see what happened during your dog’s walk.

After every walk, you receive: Photos of your dog on the trail or in the neighborhood, specific notes about bathroom breaks, energy level observations, behavior during the walk, any noteworthy incidents or interactions.

This transparency matters when you’re troubleshooting health issues or working with trainers. Documented patterns help veterinarians diagnose problems.

Secure Home Access

Our Ready-Key program provides secure entry without hiding spare keys under planters on your Westdale porch or using vulnerable lockboxes in Stoney Creek. Every entry gets logged. Your walker ensures doors lock properly when leaving. Your home stays secure while your dog gets out.

Dogs We Walk Throughout Hamilton

High-Energy Working Breeds

Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Cattle Dogs breeds that need jobs or they create their own (usually destructive). We provide the intense physical activity and mental stimulation these dogs require through challenging escarpment trails and structured training during walks.

Large Breeds Needing Space

Great Danes, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands in Ancaster homes—large dogs benefit from routes where they can move freely without constant sidewalk navigation. We use appropriate trails and timing to give them proper exercise opportunities.

Sporting and Retrieving Breeds

Labs, Golden Retrievers, Pointers, Setters, Spaniels dogs bred to work all day retrieving game. They need serious exercise. Swimming access at appropriate waterfront locations , long trail walks, and genuine physical challenges keep them healthy and well-behaved.

Small Breeds With Big Personalities

Terriers, Beagles, Dachshunds, Corgis in Corktown or Crown Point apartments small doesn’t mean low-energy. Many small breeds were working dogs and still need substantial exercise. We match walk intensity to their actual needs, not their size.

Senior Dogs With Reduced Mobility

Older dogs managing arthritis, hip dysplasia, or general aging in Mountain neighborhoods. They still need movement for joint health and mental stimulation. We provide gentle, flat-route walks paced to their comfort level. Quality over quantity.

Anxious and Reactive Dogs

Rescues from Hamilton Animal Services, dogs with fear-based reactivity, or animals who’ve had negative experiences. We start with quiet residential streets in Westdale or East Hamilton, gradually building confidence. We maintain controlled distance from triggers, use positive reinforcement techniques, and celebrate small progress.

Puppies Learning Leash Manners

Young dogs in Waterdown or Meadowvale still figuring out how walks work. We use walks as training opportunities—teaching polite leash behavior, appropriate social interactions, and building positive associations with the world outside. Short walks that gradually extend as they mature and build stamina.

Breed-Specific Considerations

Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs): Shortened walks during humidity, constant monitoring for breathing difficulty, and immediate breaks if overheating signs appear.

Northern breeds (Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds): Longer walks in winter, heat management in summer, understanding their high prey drive on trails.

Scent hounds (Beagles, Bloodhounds, Bassets): Extra sniffing time built into walks—it’s what they’re bred for and what they need mentally.

Herding breeds (Shepherds, Collies, Heelers): Structured activity preventing herding behaviors toward joggers or cyclists on shared paths.

Handling Special Situations

Medical Considerations

Post-surgical recovery: Dogs recovering from procedures at local veterinary clinics need restricted activity walks. We follow veterinary instructions precisely leashed only, specific distance limits, no stairs or jumping.

Chronic conditions: Dogs managing diabetes, heart conditions, or joint diseases need walks adjusted to their medical requirements. We coordinate timing with medication schedules and monitor for concerning symptoms.

Medication effects: Some medications affect energy levels or behavior. We note these changes and adjust the walking approach accordingly.

Behavioral Support During Walks

We’re not professional trainers, but we use basic positive reinforcement during walks. Pulling gets redirected. Jumping gets ignored until all four paws stay down. Good behavior gets rewarded with praise and continued walking.

For reactive dogs: We maintain distance from triggers, redirect attention before reactions escalate, and gradually work on desensitization through controlled, positive exposures.

For fearful dogs: We build confidence slowly, let them set the pace, avoid forcing interactions with people or dogs, and celebrate brave moments.

Serious behavior issues require professional training, which we can discuss and coordinate with your efforts.

Multi-Dog Household Walking

Two dogs who walk well together get walked simultaneously you save money, and they enjoy companionship. Three or more dogs require discussion based on sizes, energy levels, and how they interact on leash.

Common multi-dog scenarios we handle:

One young, energetic dog and one senior who can’t keep up we split them. Active walk for the youngster, gentle stroll for the elder.

Multiple high-energy dogs overwhelming one person, we schedule separate walks or bring additional walkers for safe handling.

Dogs who walk fine individually but react when togethe separate walks prevent reinforcing negative behaviors.

You know your dogs best. We create walking plans that work for their specific dynamics.

Serving Hamilton Neighborhoods

Lower City Areas: Westdale’s heritage streets and university district, Corktown’s urban density, Crown Point’s residential blocks, East Hamilton’s mix of commercial and residential zones

Mountain Communities: Mountain East subdivisions with escarpment access, Mountain West developments and trails, Lincoln Alexander Parkway area routes

Outlying Communities: Ancaster’s mix of suburban and rural properties, Dundas with valley trail access, Stoney Creek’s waterfront and suburban areas, Waterdown’s growing neighborhoods, Glanbrook’s countryside estates

We come to you regardless of the Hamilton location. Book your dog’s first walk today.

Common Hamilton Dog Owner Questions

What areas of Hamilton do you cover? All of them Ancaster to Stoney Creek, Dundas to Waterdown, downtown to Mountain communities. If you’re in Hamilton, we walk there.

How much does dog walking cost? $16.50 to $38.50 per walk, depending on duration. Most Hamilton clients book 30-minute walks at $22. Regular schedules and multi-dog households qualify for discounts.

Do you walk dogs in bad weather? Yes. Unless conditions become genuinely unsafe (ice storms, extreme heat advisories, severe windchill), we’re out there. Hamilton weather is variable we adapt, but we show up.

Can you walk my reactive dog? Yes. We have extensive experience with reactive dogs. We schedule walks during lower-traffic times, maintain distance from triggers, and work gradually on building positive associations. Progress takes time but happens with consistency.

What if I need a last-minute walk? Contact us. If we have availability, we’ll accommodate same-day requests. Meetings run late, emergencies happen, and we help when possible.

Do you provide off-leash walks? Only in designated off-leash areas and only with your explicit permission if your dog has a solid recall. Otherwise, all walks are leashed for safety and liability reasons. Hamilton’s leash laws exist for good reasons.

Will you walk my dog with other clients’ dogs? No. Your walk is private unless you have multiple dogs in your household. We don’t group-walk dogs from different homes. Your dog gets our full attention.

How do I book? Call 613-266-2697, email information@lovingpaws.ca, or book online 24/7 at lovingpaws.ca. We’ll discuss your dog’s breed, age, energy level, behavioral notes, and preferred schedule. Then we assign a local walker and get started.

What happens if my dog gets injured during a walk? We’re trained in first aid and emergency response. We contact you immediately and transport you to the nearest veterinary clinic if needed. We’re fully insured for these situations.

Ready for Reliable Hamilton Dog Walking

Contact Loving Paws today: 📞 613-266-2697 ✉️ information@lovingpaws.ca

Schedule your dog’s first walk. We’ll meet your dog, assess their needs, discuss your preferences, and create a walking plan that actually works for Hamilton’s unique environment and your dog’s individual requirements.

Visit lovingpaws.ca for 24/7 online booking and complete information about our pet care services across Hamilton, Mississauga, and Ottawa.

Services that we offer

Gently trimming Nails of cat

Pet Nail Trims Service | Stress-Free & Safe

Worried your pet’s nails are too long or causing discomfort? At Loving Paws, we provide professional nail trimming so your pet stays calm and relaxed in a familiar environment, avoiding the stress of vets or groomers.

Trusted House Sitting Ottawa

House Sitting Service | Trusted Care While You’re Away

Whether you’re traveling for a few days or several weeks, leaving your home shouldn’t come with worry. At Loving Paws, we provide trusted house sitting services, so your property stays protected, maintained, and lived-in while you’re gone.

Pet Medical Care Hamilton

Pet Medical Care | Medications & Recovery Support

Worried about giving medications or managing medical care for your pet? At Loving Paws, we provide professional in-home pet medical care services for both routine treatment and advanced recovery needs. Your pet receives veterinary-directed medical support at home, avoiding the stress of clinics, boarding facilities, or hospital stays.

Virtual Veterinary Care

Virtual Veterinary Care | Pet Health Consultations

Worried about your pet’s health but unable to visit a clinic? Our virtual veterinary care services connect you with licensed veterinarians and certified pet care professionals online, providing expert guidance, medical advice, and treatment recommendations from the comfort of your home.

Puppy Training

Puppy Training | Stress-Free, Positive Reinforcement

Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but training can feel overwhelming. At Loving Paws, our puppy training uses positive reinforcement, practical skills, and confidence-building to help your pup grow into a happy, well-behaved dog, so you can enjoy puppyhood without the stress.

Cat Sitting In Hamilton

Cat Sitting Service | In-Home Care While You’re Away

When it comes to your cat, you want someone who will love and care for them as you do. At Loving Paws, we keep your feline friend in their familiar environment, surrounded by attention and affection.

Dog & Puppy Sitting

Dog & Puppy Sitting | Personalized In-home Care

Worried about leaving your best friend while you’re away? Our dog & puppy sitter keeps your dog in their favorite place, their own home. No stressful kennels, no loud barking from strangers, and absolutely no change to their favorite routine.

Pet Sitter loving guinea

Reliable In-Home Small Pet Sitting Service

Worried about leaving your small pets alone while you’re away? Our small pet sitting service ensures rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, fish, reptiles, and other pocket pets stay comfortable in their own home. We follow their daily routines, and offer gentle attention to keep your pets stress-free while giving you complete peace of mind.

Dog walker walking a happy dog through garden in Ottawa

Professional & Trusted Dog Walking Service

Worried your dog’s not getting enough exercise while you’re busy? We turn your busy workdays into your dog’s favorite time of day with fun, relaxed strolls full of play and totally loved while you're away.

Review from our customers

From daily walks to medical care, we provide trusted, compassionate support for your furry family members

Reasons to join our team and earn a good income

WE WORK HARD TO SUPPORT OUR DOG WALKERS, AND PET & HOUSE SITTERS

  • Work with us as one of our sub-contractors by driving to the homes of our clients to provide dog walking, pet sitting, medical care, and house sitting services.

     
  • The amount of work depends on the number of requests we receive from clients for our services, and that number keeps on growing as more and more pet parents and home owners learn of our services.
     
  • We diligently maintain our website and routinely work to ensure strong Web Search Engine Optimization so that our website appears top-most on web pages for search results.
     
  • Requests for our services come from clients who come to our website and submit quote or reservation requests. We then assign the work directly to you.
     
  • All work is paid, and we pay one of the pet care industry’s best rates for walking dogs, pet sitting, and house sitting.
     
  • No purchase of any “kit” is required to work for us. We do not charge any fee as a condition of working with us. We are not a pyramid-type organization.
     
  • There is much flexibility in terms of where, when, and how work is done, as long as the needs of our clients and their pets are met, and as long as what is paid for is done (we guarantee the duration of each visit, and that the visit will take place). Most clients are easy going about the services they need. Some clients are more specific; e.g. if their pet needs medication.
     
  • Aside from a computer with internet access, cell phone, and a vehicle that you need to work with us, we provide everything else you need to do the work, and for free: our admin software tool, access to our database, personalized email address, your insurance coverage and bonding, all the necessary printed materials, a professional binder for all documents, 4 handbooks covering medical care, procedures, and policies topics, and brochures/posters for networking.
     
  • We generally sponsor one major pet-related event annually; e.g. Pet Expo, and expect you will attend with us.
     
  • We put you in touch with new clients after they accept our quotes or existing clients after they reserve our services. Essentially, we pre-screen each assignment request to ensure it is valid before asking you to decide whether or not you want to take it on.
     
  • You can reduce your taxable income on your annual income tax filing with the Canada Revenue Agency by claiming eligible expenses for working as a sub-contractor, for using space where you live for office / admin work, and for using your vehicle for work.
  • We provide service every day of the year, especially on weekends and holidays when people tend to go away, and we pay 1.5X the normal rate for work done on a holiday.

     
  • You will interact with kind, animal-loving people who will appreciate and welcome the services you will provide, and who will trust you with their homes, belongings and their living pet(s).
     
  • You will have a territory and only be expected to drive to the homes of clients who live within typically 15-km from your home. We pay extra if you need to drive further (unless you agree to a larger territory when you join our team).
     
  • Walking dogs leads to getting exercise and the fresh are is as good for you as it is for the dogs; count on your health improving and not being stuck in a windowless office cubicle.
     
  • You will be pleasantly greeted at front doors by many pets that will be happy to see you and to also give you lots of unconditional love, affection and attention in return for just enough simple food and water, and all the play time and TLC you can afford.
     
  • You will experience improvements to your stress levels … numerous studies show that spending time with animals is relaxing and beneficial to human health.
     
  • You will learn about pet health and what it takes to become one of the region’s most respected, professional pet sitters.
     
  • You will have the opportunity to grow with us … we are increasingly called upon for our dog walking, pet sitting, medical care, and house sitting services. We provided our services to thousands of clients in the greater Ottawa region since 2005 and in Mississauga since 2012. Our goal is to reach more and more communities as we move forward.
     
  • We work on a very personalized level and are always available. We answer questions and solve problems quickly, and we invite suggestions for change and improvement regularly.
     
  • We have clear and concise policies and procedures so you will never have to guess about what you should or should not do.
     
  • We provide 4 detailed Orientation, Emergency, Procedures, and Policies Handbooks. Job shadowing and we continues with on-the-job coaching and accessibility. 
     
  • We provide continuing education opportunities relating to all areas of the pet care industry.

If you love interacting with and giving care to animals …
we and our clients … and their pets … can’t wait to hear from you.