Dog walker in Hamilton
puppy trainer in Ottawa
Dog walker in Hamilton
puppy trainer in Ottawa

Dog Walking Service in Ottawa | Your Trusted Dog Walker

Your dog needs regular walks, even when work keeps you late, or Ottawa winter hits hard. Since 2005, Loving Paws has walked Ottawa dogs through February ice storms, July heat waves, and everything in between. Our local walkers know which Kanata trails stay clear after overnight snow, when Westboro Beach gets too crowded for nervous dogs, and how to navigate Centretown sidewalks during construction season.

Trusted Local Dog Walker

Our walkers live in your neighbourhood, know local trails, and understand seasonal conditions, ensuring safe and enjoyable walks for every dog in Ottawa from Barrhaven to Rockcliffe Park, from Manotick to Orleans.

Consistent Care, Same Walker Every Time

You get the same certified walker each time. They learn your dog’s pace, favourite spots, and exactly how much sniffing time a Beagle needs versus a Border Collie.

Certified & Real time updates

All walkers are certified, insured, background-checked, and trained in safety, behaviour, and medical needs giving peace of mind while your dog exercises. Every walk includes photos sent to your phone and notes.

How Our Ottawa Dog Walking Works

We match you with a walker who lives in your neighbourhood. In Barrhaven, that means someone who knows the Chapman Mills trails. In the Glebe, it’s a walker familiar with Central Park’s busy morning hours and quieter afternoon windows.

Your walker arrives at your scheduled time, leashes up your dog, and heads out for the walk you’ve chosen. High-energy Huskies might get trail time at Petrie Island. Senior Labs often prefer the flat, paved paths along the Rideau Canal. Anxious rescues start with quiet residential streets until they’re comfortable with busier areas.

After each visit, you receive detailed daily diary notes. You’ll see exactly where they went, how your dog behaved, and whether they did their business. No wondering, no guessing. You can upgrade to text or email diary notes with photos of your pet.

Walk Options for Every Dog

15-Minute Relief Walk: $16.50 Quick bathroom break and light movement. Works for senior dogs with arthritis, puppies still building stamina, or Bulldogs who overheat easily. Gets them outside without overdoing it.

30-Minute Standard Walk: $22.00 Our most common choice. Enough time for sniffing, exploring, marking favourite spots, and getting proper exercise. Fits most adult dogs comfortably, Goldens, mixed breeds, Poodles, Beagles, Terriers.

45-Minute Active Walk: $30.25 Extended route with more exploration. Good for dogs who need serious daily exercise but don’t require marathon sessions. Labs, Shepherds, Boxers, and working breeds do well here.

60-Minute Fitness Walk: $38.50 Full workout for dogs bred to work or run. Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, and high-drive mixed breeds. We cover real distance and keep the pace steady.

Book regular walks and save. Weekly schedules, multi-week packages, and multiple dogs from the same household all qualify for discounts. Contact us for package pricing.

Why Ottawa Dog Owners Choose Us

We’re Local, and We Know It

We know Kizell Pond in Kanata fills up fast on Saturday mornings. We know which Orleans streets get plowed first after overnight snow. We’ve figured out the best times to use the ByWard Market area paths before tourist crowds arrive.

That local knowledge matters when your dog gets spooked by construction noise on Bank Street, or when summer heat means switching from sunny Commissioners Park to shaded Strathcona Park trails.

Same Walker Every Time

Your dog sees the same person each visit. They build trust, learn routines, and actually look forward to walk time. Your walker recognizes when behaviour changes. 

We’ve been doing this since 2005. Over 5,000 Ottawa pets, 75+ reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5 stars. Most of our growth comes from referrals, because consistent care from familiar faces works.

Certified, Insured, Background-Checked

Every walker meets Pet Sitters International standards. Background checks completed. Insured and bonded. Trained in dog behaviour, safety protocols, and emergency response.

We use a Ready-Key system for secure home access, no hiding keys under planters or worrying about lock boxes. Your home stays secure while your dog gets out.

Photo Updates After Every Walk

You’re at work or away, but you still see what happened. Photos of your dog on the trail, notes about energy level and bathroom breaks, observations about mood or behaviour. Complete transparency, every single walk.

Ottawa Neighbourhoods We Serve

We have dedicated dog walkers currently working in every corner of Ottawa. Pricing is consistent across all areas, whether you are booking dog walking in Kanata, daily walks in Orleans, midday walks in Barrhaven, or a walker in Westboro, Manotick, or Rockcliffe Park.

Rive-Sud: Rive-Sud dog owners have access to great green spaces along the Rideau River and Chapman Mills paths. Our local dog walkers know which trails stay clear after snow and the best spots for off-leash time in this fast-growing community.

The Glebe: One of Ottawa’s most dog-friendly neighbourhoods, with Central Park, Lansdowne, and the Rideau Canal all nearby. Our Glebe walkers know the busy morning windows from the quiet afternoon ones, and tailor every walk accordingly.

Centretown: Busy sidewalks, construction zones, and high-rise logistics are all part of downtown dog walking. Our Centretown walkers navigate Elgin Street crowds confidently, while knowing the quieter pockets near Dundonald Park and the Canal.

Westboro: Flexible scheduling for busy urban professionals. Our Westboro walkers cover the Ottawa River pathway, Westboro Beach off-leash zone, and quieter residential streets,  morning, midday, or evening, whenever you need us.

Hintonburg: Wellington West gets busy, but our Hintonburg dog walkers know when to duck into Parkdale Park or take the back streets for a calmer outing. We adjust the route for social dogs and anxious ones alike.

Old Ottawa South: Quiet heritage streets and easy access to Rideau River pathways make this neighbourhood ideal for relaxed, scenic walks. Our Old Ottawa South walkers match the community’s calm character with steady, reliable care.

Kanata: Fantastic trail access: Trans Canada Trail, Kizell Pond, Bridlewood, Morgan’s Grant. Our Kanata dog walkers know these routes in every season and handle high-energy breeds like Huskies and Border Collies with ease.

Nepean: From Bells Corners to Centrepointe to Merivale, our Nepean walkers cover the full range of this diverse suburban area. Quick relief walks or longer active outings, we fit your dog’s needs and your schedule.

Orleans: Newer parks, wide green spaces, and trail access near Petrie Island make Orleans great for dog walking. Commuters especially value our midday service; your dog gets proper exercise while you’re at work.

Barrhaven: Chapman Mills Conservation Area and well-maintained community paths make Barrhaven one of Ottawa’s most walkable suburbs. Our dog walkers are experienced with busy family schedules and multi-dog households.

Rockcliffe Park : Discreet, professional service for one of Ottawa’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Our Rockcliffe Park walkers are comfortable with heritage estate properties and well-trained breeds, delivering certified, attentive care every visit.

New Edinburgh: Quiet heritage streets, Rideau Hall nearby, and easy access to Stanley Park and the Rideau River pathways. Our New Edinburgh walkers know the best riverside routes for a calm, scenic outing.

Manotick: Rural properties, country lanes, and dogs used to wide-open space. Our Manotick walkers are comfortable with longer country-style walks and seasonal road conditions, keeping your dog well-exercised and safely under control.

Walking Dogs Through Ottawa Seasons

Winter Walking (-5°C to -25°C)

We dress for it, your dog gets paw protection when needed, and we adjust routes based on conditions. Bitter cold days mean shorter walks or indoor alternatives. Most Ottawa dogs handle winter well with proper prep. Huskies and Malamutes actually prefer it.

We avoid unsalted sidewalks that stay icy, stick to plowed paths, and watch for signs of cold stress in short-coated breeds. If it hits -25°C with windchill, we discuss shorter walks or rescheduling.

Summer Heat (25°C to 35°C)

Early morning or evening walks when the pavement cools down. We bring water, choose shaded routes, and cut walk time for flat-faced breeds who overheat fast: Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, or Boston Terriers.

The Ottawa River pathway, Strathcona Park trails, and tree-covered residential streets in the Glebe become go-to spots. Open fields at Brewer Park wait until temperatures drop.

Spring Mud Season & Fall Leaf Piles

Spring means mud, puddles, and excited dogs. We towel off paws before coming inside. Fall means Labs dive into leaf piles at every opportunity. We let them be dogs while keeping walks safe and controlled.

Special Needs & Behaviour Support

We’ve worked with anxious rescues from the Ottawa Humane Society, reactive dogs who need space from other pets, seniors with arthritis or hip dysplasia, and puppies learning leash manners.

Anxious dogs start with quiet routes and patient handling. Reactive dogs get walked during low-traffic times with controlled distance from other animals. Seniors get gentle pacing on flat, even surfaces. Puppies learn gradually, short walks building to longer adventures as they grow.

We adjust for medical needs, too. Post-surgery dogs recovering from procedures at Alta Vista Animal Hospital get restricted activity walks. Dogs on medications get walks timed around their schedule. Diabetic dogs need consistent routines.

Multi-Dog Households

Two dogs who walk well together get walked together, and you get a discount. Three or more? We discuss the best approach based on their sizes, energy levels, and how they interact on leash.

Some households have a young, energetic dog and a senior who can’t keep up. We split them: active walk for one, gentle stroll for the other. You tell us what works, we make it happen.

Breeds We Walk Regularly in Ottawa

Every breed, every mix. Golden Retrievers and Labs dominate Ottawa neighbourhoods, but we also walk Huskies who love winter, German Shepherds needing serious exercise, Doodles with endless energy, Beagles following every scent, Terriers with attitude, Bulldogs requiring careful heat management, and senior mixed breeds who just need gentle companionship.

We’ve worked with Great Danes in Kanata, Chihuahuas in Centretown condos, reactive Belgian Malinois, anxious Cattle Dogs, and everything in between. Your dog’s breed matters for planning the walk, but every dog gets treated as an individual.

Common Questions Ottawa Dog Owners Ask

How much does dog walking cost in Ottawa?

$16.50 for a 15-minute relief walk, $22.00 for a 30-minute standard walk, $30.25 for a 45-minute active walk, and $38.50 for a 60-minute fitness walk. Pricing is consistent across all areas,  whether you are booking dog walking in Kanata, daily walks in Orleans, midday walks in Barrhaven, or a walker in Westboro or Manotick. Regular walking qualifies for package discounts.

Is There a Dog Walker Near Me in Ottawa? 

Yes. We have local walkers currently working in Riverside South, The Glebe, Centretown, Westboro, Hintonburg, Old Ottawa South, Kanata, Stittsville, Nepean, Orleans, Barrhaven, Rockcliffe Park, New Edinburgh, Manotick, and Rockland. Your assigned walker is already based in your neighbourhood, not someone commuting from across the city.

Do you walk dogs in bad weather? Yes. Rain, snow, wind, cold, we’re out there unless conditions become unsafe. Ottawa winters are part of life here, and most dogs need exercise regardless of the weather. We adjust walk length and route, but we show up.

What if I need a last-minute walk? Call or text us. If we have availability, we’ll fit you in the same day. Emergencies happen, plans change, meetings run late, we get it. We do our best to help when you’re stuck.

Can you walk my dog off-leash? Only in designated off-leash areas like Conroy Pit, Bruce Pit, or the Westboro Beach off-leash zone, and only if your dog has a solid recall and you’ve given permission. Otherwise, leashed walks are for safety and liability.

What happens if my dog pulls, jumps, or misbehaves? We handle it. Our walkers know how to manage pulling, redirect jumping, and stay calm with reactive behaviour. We’re not trainers, but we use basic positive reinforcement during walks. If serious behaviour issues come up, we’ll discuss them with you and suggest next steps.

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.

Do you provide keys back after each walk? We use our Ready-Key secure access system. You keep your keys, we access your home safely without hidden spares or lock boxes. Your walker returns everything to its place, locks up, and confirms the visit.

How do I book a dog walk? Call us, email, or use our online booking system. We’ll ask about your dog’s breed, age, energy level, any behavioural notes, and your preferred schedule. Then we assign a local walker and get started. Book your consultation now.

Ready to Book Your Dog’s Walk?

Your dog needs exercise, routine, and time outside. We provide it reliably, safely, and with the kind of local knowledge that only comes from walking Ottawa dogs for nearly 20 years.

Same walker every time. Real-time photo updates. Certified, insured, background-checked care. Routes that match your dog’s needs and your neighbourhood’s reality.

Contact Loving Paws today to schedule your first walk. We’ll answer your questions, meet your dog, and start giving them the daily activity they need to stay healthy and happy.

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.