Brian JonesCan you even call it dog walking when it feels like my dog is walking me? Between work deadlines and life in general, quality time with my dog can be ruff (see what I did there?).
Instead of having him suffer from my obviously poor company, I’ve taken to enlisting the services of the best dog walkers in Edmonton. True enough, my dog comes home happy all the time now – it’s so noticeable that I even considered being walked myself!
Joking aside, it’s all because I found one of the best services in the city. It wasn’t easy: to find them, I spoke with dog owners around my neighborhood, talked to my dog-lover friends, and even looked back at the dog walkers my dog had before (some of them made the cut, actually!).
At the end of it all, I found just a few who stood out, as I’ll show you below.
How much does a dog walker cost in Edmonton?
In Edmonton, the cost of a dog walker typically ranges from $15 to $30 for a 30-minute walk for one dog. Additional factors such as the number of dogs, the length of the walk, and any extra services can influence the final price.
How we chose
1. Who Let The Dogs Out
Location: 2509 Cole Cres SW, Edmonton, AB T6W 2A3, Canada
Contact: +1 519-497-1151
Finding a dog walker can be challenging, but Who Let The Dogs Out changed the game for me and my furry friend. My pup thrives on social interaction, and Johanne, the owner, understood that perfectly.
Her years of experience immediately put me at ease, especially knowing her background as a vet assistant.
An initial meet and greet with Johanne is required before she starts walking your dog, which is a good opportunity for both you and your pet. Plus, it’s free, so what’s not to like about it?
She offers a range of walks for dogs, including neighborhood walks. She also offers 30- to 45- minute, one-on-one private dog walks, which involve exploring, sniffing, and exercising.
It’s also worth noting that Johanne leaves a log note after each visit. This is particularly reassuring if you’re someone who likes to be always informed about what happened on the walk and any other information you need to know.
Finally, a big plus for me is the upfront transparency on pricing. The website clearly outlines the costs, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Considering the experience and top-notch care Johanne provides, the prices are very reasonable.
Pros
- Experienced walker
- Vet-assistant background
- Free initial meet-and-greet
- Tailored walks
- Private and neighborhood walks
- Accommodates feeding requests
- Detailed log notes after each visit
- Transparent pricing
Cons
- Unclear operating hours
Exceptional care and expertise
“I cannot say enough great things about Johanne. From the moment I met her and her interactions with my Bella solidified my decision to hire her. She has this unique way with dogs and my Bella bonded with her instantly. Johanne is very easy to deal with and is extremely accommodating. You’d be fortunate to have Johanne as your dog sitter/walker.”
Danine lapinski | Google Review
Expert one-on-one dog walking service
“Super happy to have someone reliable to watch my dogs during the day. Johanne is very knowledgeable with nutrition and my dogs well being. Would highly recommend if you’re looking for someone who does one-on-one dog walking in Edmonton!”
Camille Lemire | Google Review
2. The Leash Team
Location: Edmonton, AB
Contact: 780 554-9476
As a busy pet owner with a high-energy golden retriever, I constantly grapple with giving my furry friend the exercise and social interaction they deserve. After some research, the Leash Team in Edmonton also emerged as a top contender.
Though the initial free consultation scheduling proved a bit tricky due to a website glitch (a minor frustration!), their overall service in my testing has been fantastic. The consultation addressed my concern about group dog walks, considering my dog’s shyness around new dogs.
They explained their evaluation process, introducing my dog to a small group based on size, temperament, and maturity. They ensure dogs feel comfortable with the walker and fellow pups, which is a detail that truly impressed me.
The walkers themselves are certified professionals who show love for their canine clients. In fact, my dog’s walker kept me updated with personalized post-walk reports.
However, the real magic lies in the walks themselves. The Leash Team’s excursions provide real exercise, leaving dogs exhausted. My dog’s wagging tail is definitely the best sign that he had a real good time with them.
Pros
- Detailed evaluation process
- Small dog groups
- Personalized post-walk reports
- Certified dog-walkers
- Walks provide genuine exercise
- Thoughtful matching for groups
- Offers free consultation
- Online booking available
Cons
- Scheduling challenges online
Reliable dog care for years
“Our dogs have been with the leash team for years. They are fantastic. Now our dogs stare at the door ever hopeful for their next walk to arrive out of the blue. Their boarding service spoils our pups to the point I’m not even sure they want to come home when we come to pick them up.”
Kris F. | Yelp Review
Ensures safety and perfect recall
“I love The Leash Team. These are just very nice people who love dogs. They will love your dog like their own. We’ve talked with Dan, Liam, and Monica mostly and they just love dogs and are really nice people – you can’t say anything bad about people who are good to animals. They made me feel very safe with leaving her in their care.
We started Roggy, our Great Pyrenees x Maremma here when she was about 4 months. We were looking for people who could help us get the recall down early as GPs are notoriously bad for recall. We wanted a dog we could take to the dog park and trust off-leash. She is 8 months now and has perfect recall. I’m not saying she has good recall, I am saying she has PERFECT recall. I attribute this all to The Leash Team. Especially over the winter where I was working a lot and they were the only ones taking her to the dog park.
Basically what happens is they pick your dog up in a van with a bunch of other dogs and they all go to the park. They use whistle training, which we did too, but honestly Roggy doesn’t need it anymore. When Roggy started, she was just a baby, so they let her go with the smaller dogs at first. They keep the puppies on a leash so they don’t go too far. Now she can go where she wants, but at the start they keep them close. They also have GPS on their collars so if they do get lost, they can easily be found!
I’ll be using this service for the long term! I think the costs are reasonable. It’s about $35 for a walk, but they go for like 2 hours sometimes longer. I think that’s pretty good for an afternoon at the dog park!
They also offer boarding – but it’s actually boarding at their house. Dan, the owner, will take your dog to his house and look after them. I like that so much more than putting her in a kennel. We booked her a little vacation at their house while we get married. I’m sure she will have fun!”
Amabel D. | Yelp Review
3. Dog Wild Adventures
Location: 14032 23 Ave NW Unit 119, Edmonton, AB T6R 3L6, Canad
Contact: 780-237-2176
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dog Wild Adventures in Edmonton is another dog walker I can confidently trust with my furry friend. While I initially hesitated about group walks (as I always do), Dog Wild Adventures’ approach quickly put me at ease.
First, their walks primarily take place in Terwillegar Park’s off-leash area. Imagine acres of open space, fresh air, and endless opportunities for sniffing, running, and playing with fellow pups – it’s a far cry from the typical leash-restricted walk around the block.
Moreover, Melinda, the owner and walker at Dog Wild Adventures, brings a wealth of experience to the table. With 15 years of expertise walking dogs, she’s encountered various breeds, temperaments, and behavior quirks, making her well-equipped to handle any situation.
Melinda is also fully insured for transporting dogs, ensuring peace of mind during pick-up and drop-off. She’s also certified in Dog First Aid and CPR, which is an extra layer of security that every dog owner appreciates.
One aspect that truly sets them apart is their commitment to personalized attention. While they specialize in group walks, they keep the pack size intimate, with a maximum of seven dogs.
This ensures each pup receives adequate supervision and care during walks.
A minor point to consider, their website doesn’t mention private walks explicitly. While their group walks are well-managed and socialized, some dogs may prefer one-on-one settings.
If your pup prefers private walks, consider contacting them directly to inquire about options.
Pros
- Uses Terwillegar Park’s off-leash area
- 15 years of dog-walking experience
- Certified in Dog First Aid and CPR
- Fully insured for transporting dogs
- Limited pack size
- Flexible payment options
- Rates include pick-up and drop-off
Cons
- Private walks are special requests
- Closed on weekends
Reliable and trustworthy dog walking
“I cannot speak highly enough about Melinda and her services! We got referred to Melinda by a friend in the neighbourhood when we got our puppy Charlie. Three years later, we are still using Melinda on a regular basis for walks and boarding. I trust Melinda implicitly with Charlie and from the way Charlie scrambles to the door when she sees her car pull up to the way she sleeps for the rest of the day after a walk, I know Charlie loves her time with Melinda and crew.”
Suzanne Watts | Google Review
Over a decade of excellence
“Melinda has been walking my dogs for over 10 years now. She has also boarded my dogs many times in the past. Melinda is reliable, trustworthy and I can easily say that I never worry about my dogs when she is taking care of them – which is saying a lot! She offers a great service with picking up the dogs from my house in the morning (almost every week day) and taking them to the dog park for exercise and socialization. Melinda is very friendly and available for walks/boarding 99.9% of the time. Of note, one of my dogs was diagnosed with glaucoma a few years ago and she is very good at giving him his eye drops. I have recommended Melinda to friends/co-workers many times over and will continue to do so!”
Jonathan Toy | Google Review
4. Dog Jogs
Location: 10620 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2A3
Contact: 587-805-0678
Recently, a friend with a Labrador retriever couldn’t stop raving about a dog walking service called Dog Jogs in Edmonton.
What impressed me most from the outset was their focus on customization. Unlike some services with a one-size-fits-all approach, Dog Jogs offers short sniff-around sessions, long walks, or even jogs for high-energy breeds.
Beyond customization, their online reviews resonated with me as well. With hundreds of them boasting a solid 5-star rating, they speak to their walkers as being professional and responsible animal lovers, which I find reassuring.
Looking closely at the reviews, I found out that Dog Jogs has a process to match each dog with a suitable walker based on temperament and personality. This walker-dog compatibility is a detail I truly loved.
Transparency is another big plus for me, and Dog Jogs apparently offers upfront pricing, which is a major win. Knowing exactly what I’ll be paying for upfront eliminates any surprises down the line.
That said, they do have additional charges during holidays, which I completely understand.
Pros
- Customizable walks
- 5-star rating online
- Transparency with pricing
- Great dog-to-walker matching
- Online consultation scheduling
Cons
- Additional charges during holidays
Exceptional personalized pet care
“I love this company! They are very prompt and professional, and they treat your pup like family. They take amazing care of my giant goofballs whenever they take them out. They truly care about your pet like their own! My boys are big and rambunctious, but I have no stress or worries about my boys when they are out with the walkers because they are all professional, responsible animal-lovers who prioritize the dogs’ safety and enjoyment. Their daily report cards are the BEST! They are very detailed, and always include awesome pictures to let me know dogs are having a ton of fun.”
Maura Lavoie | Google Review
Loved by dogs and owners alike
“Dog Jogs are the absolute best! My dogs love all the walkers. Its great especially when Im travelling to receive, the maps, pictures and updates. They have easy online scheduling and superior customer service. They are amazing!”
Kacey Heiber | Google Review
5. Yikes! Dogs
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Contact: +1 587-937-5069
Opening hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you’re seeking a dog walking service that prioritizes both exercise and social engagement, then Yikes! Dogs might pleasantly surprise you. They’ve been working with dogs professionally since 2015, adding credibility to their service.
Initially, the name “Yikes!” had me a little worried – wouldn’t group walks be chaotic for my pup? However, after experiencing their service firsthand, I can confidently say “Yikes!” in a whole new light.
Their meticulous approach includes a 30-day evaluation for new clients, ensuring each dog is placed in a group that perfectly complements their size, temperament, and play style. It’s clear they prioritize finding the right fit, not just tossing pups together for a walk.
The walks themselves seem like a blast. My dog returned happy and healthy– his wagging tail is always the best sign about the fun he had with his newfound pack.
A heads-up for those considering Yikes! Dogs: currently, they primarily focus on new clients residing within a 10km radius of Millwoods. If you live in Sherwood Park, you’re in luck – they do accept clients there.
However, for those furry friends located beyond this 10km zone, there is a travel fee added to the service cost. But that’s just a tiny fraction to pay.
Pros
- 30-day evaluation for new clients
- Pet Professional Guild member
- Tailored groups for dogs
- Pet First Aid certification
Cons
- Focuses on clients within a 10km radius of Millwoods
- Additional travel fee for clients outside the 10km zone
Confidence-boosting walks
“Yikes (L) is a fantastic dog walker. I have a fearful and nervous dog. L provides as stress-free walks as possible and has helped build my dog’s confidence. Max looks forward to her walks with L.”
Jen | Google Review
Perfect fit for anxious pup
“L is a wonderful dog walker! They look a long time meeting with us and our dog at the start to make sure the group walks were a good fit. We wanted to ensure we had someone working with our anxious but social dog who understands her behaviour and uses only fear free methods. We hit the Jackpot with L. The best review comes from our dog: when she see’s L’s van outside she starts squealing and jumping around with glee!”
Jamie Eisenkrein | Google Reviews
