About Our Dog Walking Vancouver Programs
Release the Hounds offers a variety of dog walking services in Vancouver that are specially designed for urban dogs in need of exercise and socialization. Our professional dog walkers do convenient pick-up and drop-off straight from your home or office and ensure your dog an exciting, safe, and nurturing environment.
Our extensive variety of dog walking downtown Vancouver packages offer everything from private urban promenades to off-leash play time to soak up everything the city has to offer its four-legged inhabitants; including forests trails, mountains and parks.
Community connections are as important to us as the relationships we form with our four-legged clients. Let Vancouver’s #1 recommended dog-walking company be there for your dog when you can’t be.
We’re Here When You Can’t Be
At Release the Hounds we recognize that exercise is fundamental to your dog’s well being.
We know that sometimes, you can’t find the time, or simply aren’t able to get your dog out on a walk or hike. With convenient pick-up and drop-off options from your home or office, our professionally trained team will ensure your dog is walked beyond the block and straight into bliss.
Why Walk With Us
The Right Walk For
Every Dog.
Release the Hounds offers a variety of group dog walking programs that have been designed to create a fun, safe, and nurturing environment. Choose from private urban promenades or group play sessions in dog parks, to off-leash hikes through forest trails. This means there’s the right walk for every furry companion: little pups, big guys, teens and seniors, active breeds and mellow pups. In a group or as an individual, 30 minutes to 1 hour, we have something that fits your beloved dog, and your schedule.
Mind + Body Bliss:
The Benefits of a Walk
Fresh air and exercise are just the beginning. Socialization and good old-fashioned fun during a Release the Hounds walk will contribute to a happier, calmer, more responsive dog at home. In fact, dogs that maintain an ideal body weight have less medical conditions and live nearly two years longer; and who wouldn’t want two more years with their pet? Along with guidance from our certified walkers, your dog will also practice leash skills and adopt a more refined walking manner over time.
Leading the Industry,
One Dog at a Time
Release the Hounds is one of the largest and most trusted leaders in the pet industry, safely leading tens of thousands of dog walks since 2005.
It all comes down to our commitment to the fundamental principles of safety, reliability, and being trustworthy. We know that your dog is part of your family, so as part of our commitment to safety first, our team is bonded, licensed, and insured through the Canadian Northern Shield (CNS), and is Walks ‘N’ Wags Pet First Aid certified.
Safety in Every Step.
Every one of our dog walkers is selected, trained and experienced to deliver next-level care. They are loving, attentive, and safety conscious walkers. Beyond people, we have also developed comprehensive safety processes, protocols and technologies such as: air-conditioned vehicles, GPS monitored vans, GPS monitored walks (private walks), optional GPS collars (for off-leash walks), world class walker training and handling certification.
After the Walk Emails
For dogs on our private walks, you’ll receive a summary email detailing the day’s route. Our smartphone app tracks the walk, start and end times, as well as any stops along the way using GPS so you’ll have every detail recorded. Photos are included so you can visually enjoy your pup’s walking adventure.
Before We
Walk, We Talk…
Initial Phone Consultation / Dog Requirements
If this is your dog’s first time with us, please take a few minutes and book a time to talk with Horeb Medina, of our Care Team, who can answer any questions you may have. Horeb will ensure that we have your pup set up with the walk that is just right for them. You can easily book using our online calendar, simply click here.
In order to ensure that all the dogs on our group excursions have a safe and fun time, we ask that every dog must:
- Exhibit positive social behaviours with other dogs and people
- Have had up-to-date vaccinations, titre tests, or release form (See our vaccination policy)
- Have a “clip” collar, martingale or buckle collar (no choke chains or pinch collars)
- Have a valid license on their collar if required by the City
- Be spayed/neutered to participate
- To ensure the safety of the other dogs, the public, and our team, Release the Hounds cannot take dogs with aggressive tendencies on our group off-leash hikes and walks. Private walks and training walks are available for dogs with behavioural challenges.
Vancouver Dog Walking Rates
At Release the Hounds we recognize that exercise is fundamental to your dog’s well being and we want to help when you can’t find the time, or simply aren’t able to get your dog out on that oh-so-important walk. With convenient pick-up and drop-off options from your home or office, our professionally trained staff will ensure your dog is safe and has a ton of good old-fashioned fun while in our care.
Private On-leash Packages* |
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| Program Type | Peak 11am – 1pm |
Standard 10am - 2pm |
Non-peak 8-10am and 2-4pm |
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Private (15 minutes)
Great for puppies, senior dogs and less active pups that need to get out for a short pee break. On our 15 minute pee break walk we will take your pup for a short stroll around the neighborhood to stretch their legs and have a few minutes of play and bonding time. |
$30.00 | $27.50 | $25.50 |
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Private (30 minutes)
Our 30-minute strolls get your pup out to explore all the smells, sights and sounds of your neighborhood. For many pups this walk is the perfect balance of getting out, stimulated and breaking up their day. |
$39.00 | $35.50 | $32.50 |
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Private (1 hour)
Our hour-long visits are great for dogs with lots of energy, and need long periods of stimulation & interaction. We walk in your neighbourhood, maintain your dog’s individual pace, and provide your pup with 100% of our attention. |
$50.00 | $45.00 | $41.50 |
* Prices listed are per walk. Please note walks are invoiced in packages of 10.
* ‘One-off walks’ are not part of our service offering.
* All purchases are 100% refundable for any reason. A $75 charge is applied if a minimum of the first 5 walks are not used.
Group Off-leash Walk Packages* |
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| Program Type | Recurring Package recurring weekly bookings (i.e. Tues + Thurs) |
Drop-in Package intermittent weekly bookings |
Casual Service Package as needed |
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Urban (1 hour) Vancouver
If one hour of exercise and lots of socialization is just right for your pup, our One Hour Urban Exploration Off-leash walk is ideal. On this walk we explore local beach and parks in a fun, stimulating environment. Urban walks are available Monday to Friday (depending on your geographic location), both in the morning and afternoon. Morning Urban walks: pick-ups begin at 8:30am. Drop-offs between 10:30 – 12:00pm. * Please note that due to potential traffic, construction, or weather constraints, all pick-up and drop-off times are approximate.
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$35.00 | $36.00 | $37.00 |
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Adventure (2 hour)
Our off-leash Adventure Hikes in the lush, forested mountains of North Vancouver and along the beaches and parks of the Greater Vancouver area are perfect for high endurance dogs who need a lot of exercise to burn off excess energy. The hikes offer plenty of trailblazing in the form of running, swimming, and chasing of sticks and squirrels. Adventure Hikes are available Monday to Friday and depending on your geographic location, are available in both the morning and afternoon. Morning Adventure hikes: pick-ups begin at 8:30am. Drop-offs between 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Afternoon Adventure hikes: pick-ups begin between 11am. Drop-offs between 2:30pm – 4:30pm. * Please note that due to potential traffic, construction, or weather constraints, all pick-up and drop-off times are approximate. |
$45.00 | $46.00 | $47.00 |
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All-Day Outdoor Daycare
Our all-day outdoor daycare is for pups that are high-energy and need care for the day. We will take your pup for two outdoor adventures starting with an 8km hike in the North shore mountains and ending either on the beach or on local trails. All day outdoor care options are available Monday to Friday and depending on your geographic location, are available with a morning pickup before 10am and drop-off between 3:30 – 4:30pm. * Please note that due to potential traffic, construction, or weather constraints, all pick-up and drop-off times are approximate. |
$70.00 | $71.00 | $73.00 |
Vancouver Off-Leash Dog Parks
We know you love walking your dog as much as we do, so we’ve compiled a list of all the wonderful dog parks in the Vancouver area for some outdoor bonding sessions. Enjoy!
Address: 4594 Balaclava Street, near Balaclava and West 31st Avenue
Description: Off-leash times are from 7am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round.
Address: 999 Charleson Street
Description: Dogs are not allowed in the duck pond. The grass bowl area is off-leash from 6am to 10pm all year round. The waterfall pond area is off-leash at all times, except dogs must be on-leash from June to September from 10am and 5pm.
Cooper’s Park
Address: 1020 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, the grass field east of the Cambie Street bridge
Description: Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 101 East Waterfront Road, east side of the park
Description: Dogs are not allowed within 15 metres of the playground. This is a water access location. Off-leash times are from 6am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round.
Address: 1929 West Georgia Street at Denman Street
Description: This is a fenced area. Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 2799 Wall Street, Vancouver
Description: Off-leash times are from 5am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round.
Address: Davie Street and Richards Street, Vancouver
Description: This is a fenced area with a water fountain. Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 8200 Kerr Street, Vancouver, on the inner trails<
Description: Off-leash times are all day, all year round.
Address: 3434 Falaise Avenue
Description: Areas except the area beside the school are off-leash from 5am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round. The area beside the school is off-leash from 5am to 8am all year round.
Address: 8705 Angus Drive, Vancouver, at West 75th Avenue
Description: The west side is off-leash all day, all year round. The east side is off-leash all day between October 1st to April 30th; and on-leash from May 1st to September 30th. The river bank area is on-leash only at all times.
Address: 8101 Kerr Street; boundaries are from Rosemont Avenue on the north to Kerr Street on the east and from Vivian Drive on the west
Description: Off-leash times are from 5am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round.
Address: 500 East 63rd Avenue, west of St. George Street
Description: Dogs are not allowed within 15 metres of the playground. Off-leash times are from 6am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round.
Address: 1905 Ogden Avenue at Chestnut Street
Description: This is a water access location. Off-leash times are May 1st to September 30th from 6am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm; and October 1st to April 30th from 6am to 10pm.
Address: 3300 Victoria Drive; boundaries are from the north end of the lake, the ball field on the west, the football field on the east, and the lake to the south
Description: This is a water access location. Off-leash times are from 5am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 5350 Commercial Street
Description: Dogs are not allowed within 15 metres of the playground. Off-leash times are from 5am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round.
Address: 6205 Kerr Street; boundaries are from the west side of the park between East 46 th Avenue on the north and East 48th Avenue on the south, Raleigh Street to the west and the walkway along the east at the parking lot
Description: Off-leash times are Labour Day to June 14th from 5am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm; and June 15th to Labour Day from 5am to 10pm.
Address: 4150 Knight Street; boundaries are between East 27th Avenue on the south, East King Edward Avenue on the north, and Dumfries Street on the east
Description: Off-leash times are from 5am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round.
Address: Belmont Avenue and Trimble Street, one block south of the beach between Trimble Street and Sasamat Street
Description: Dogs are not allowed on the playground side of the park. Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 4000 SW Marine Drive at Crown Street
Description: Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 4601 Ontario Street, one block north of East 33rd Avenue on the west side of Ontario Street
Description: Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 1030 Bute Street
Description: Dogs are not allowed inside the school yard fence. This is a fenced area. Off-leash times are from 7am to 9pm all year round.
Address: 3201 New Brighton Road, between Windermere Street, Nootka Street, and East Waterfront Road
Description: This is a water access location. Off-leash times are from 5am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 899 West 37th Avenue at Oak Street
Description: Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 4600 Cambie Street, off East 37th Avenue and Columbia Street
Description: Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 4590 Magnolia Street, between West 33rd Avenue and Pine Street
Description: Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 215 West 1st Avenue, between Columbia Street and West 1st Avenue
Description: This is a fenced area with a separate area for small dogs. Off-leash times are all day, all year round.
Address: 4900 NW Marine Drive, near the entrance to Pacific Spirit Park
Description: This is a water access location. Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 6998 Arlington Street
Description: Off-leash times are from 5am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round.
Address: Stanley Park Shuffleboard Court Area, off Lagoon Drive
Description: This is a fenced area. Off-leash times are from 7am to 9pm all year round.
Address: 857 Malkin Avenue; boundaries are from Prior Street on the north, Hawks Avenue on the west, and Malkin Avenue on the south. The tennis courts north of Prior Street form the east boundary. There is a second, smaller off-leash area on the northeast corner of Strathcona Park, north of the all-weather field at the corner of Prior Street and Raymur Avenue
Description: Off-leash times are from 5am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round.
Address: 1950 Windermere Street
Description: Dogs are not allowed on the sports field and playground. Off-leash times are from 5am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round.
Address: 1204 Beach Avenue, the bay behind the Vancouver Aquatic Centre east of the ferry dock
Description: This is a water access location. Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 300 East 53rd Avenue at Prince Edward Street
Description: Off-leash times are from 6am to 10pm all year round.
Address: 1751 East 45th Avenue
Description: Dogs are not allowed within 15 metres of the playground. Off-leash times are from 5am to 10am and from 5pm to 10pm all year round.
Address: 3210 West 22nd Avenue at Balaclava Street
Description: Off-leash times are from 6am to 10am and from 5pm and 10pm all year round.
Please note that all Vancouver off-leash dog parks require dogs to be well behaved, have a current license, be leashed outside of off-leash areas, and their owners must clean up after them; no exceptions.
Did we miss your favourite Vancouver dog park? Please email us with the park name, location, and a brief description, and we’ll add it to our list.
Vancouver Dog Care
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
-Josh Billings
We believe in being part of our community, and that extends to our dog community of vets, trainers, dog walkers, animal welfare, and of course, dog boarding. At Release the Hounds we like to partner with like-minded affiliates that share the same values of professionalism, trust, and know how to have FUN!
Local Vets:
Meet our list of highly educated, professional veterinarians. These experts in their field ensure your pet is cared for as a member of the family should be: with the most current medical knowledge and techniques in a compassionate manner. We trust them to treat your pet to the best of their ability.
Granville Island Veterinary
Since 1981, the doctors and staff of the Granville Island Veterinary Hospital have been dedicated as a team of the prevention of disease and preservation of the age old human-animal bond with empathy, compassion and respect. Emergency service, intensive critical care, oxygen and respiratory therapy. 24 hour staffing and continuous patient care.
Arbutus West Animal Clinic
Every member of the staff is a fully accredited pet health professional, having undergone formal training in medicine and animal nursing, and Arbutus West Animal Clinic has the only general practice and exotic animal internship program in BC. Arbutus West boasts an impressive 4:1 staff to doctor ratio!
Local Groomers:
Dharma Dog Grooming
Dharma Dog offers full grooming services for all breeds, coat types and condition. À la carte grooming options include nail trims, paw-pad treatments, teeth brushing and scraping, and anal gland expressions.
BC SPCA: Vancouver branch
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in British Columbia. It is an especially great organization to get involved with to either volunteer, fundraise, or if you are looking at expanding your family, adopt/foster. The Vancouver SPCA also oversees all of the Animal Control Services and Animal Welfare for the city. Visit the Vancouver SPCA.
