These folks are amazing. I called them to get urgent help for me door-eating dog, and they came over that same day to meet him. By the end of the week they had him on a schedule, walking 3 times a week for a half hour, to train him to walk on a leash. Once he can do that (which may take a while, he's hard-headed :)) he is going to go on adventure walks with them, which are basically long hikes with 2-3 dogs at a time, that completely tire your pooch out. I have two walkers that work with my dog, and they are both awesome. They send me an email after every walk, with pictures of my dog and a progress report of how he's doing. They also are bonded and insured, and offer to keep keys to the house so they can come in while you are at work and exercise the pooch. And get this- it's $20 for the walk... and $5 for every extra 15 mins! And that is for one or two dogs... very reasonable. So much so that I can definitely afford the 3 days a week walking, and seeing my puppy so happy at the end of the day is worth it. Love these guys. read more

Canine Adventure - This is Josh, he owns the joint. Pic from www.canineadventure.net - Dog Walkers Near Me

UPDATE: 7/23/17: I'm writing an update to this review 7 years later, still as a loyal client of Canine Adventure. Unfortunately, my 3 boys (Ozzy, Tyler, and Bono) have since passed away, but my 2 new pups (Cannon and Hollywood) are still regular adventurers. They get to go hiking and swimming with Marti every couple of weeks - with Cannon generally finding some enormous stick or piece of trash to keep him entertained and Holly swimming laps in the river and playing chase with other dogs. They always come home happy and tired. There is a review posted from someone named "Matin" (which I assume is made up as it is a brand new account and contains false information) that says someone from Richmond Boxer Rescue steered him away from CA. I am the founder and president of RBR and a loyal client for almost 10 years now. Many of my fosters and volunteers use them and love them as well. NO ONE from my organization knows who this person is or said anything negative about CA, so that is a blatant lie. Review from 2010: I cannot say enough good things about Josh and Canine Adventure! Aside from actually being able to sometimes make my boxer, Ozzy, slightly tired (a nearly impossible feat), Josh was always reliable, responsible and ended up being a good friend! My own dogs (Ozzy, Tyler and Bono) were lucky to get Adventure Walks with him every week! The highlight of their week was seeing Josh pull up in front of the house! In addition to working with my own dogs, Josh graciously worked with my many fosters through Richmond Boxer Rescue. He donates his time to several other local rescue groups as well. The walks and training were an invaluable asset to the foster dogs as were the AMAZING photos he would take on the walks! We moved to the west coast but would still be loyal clients if we were in Richmond! I so wish there were a service like this available here! read more

I cannot say enough good things about Canine adventures, especially Gabrielle and Jennifer. From adventures on my long days at work to full on multiple visits a day for my silly pupper who likes to refuse to eat when I'm out of town they are perfect. Always going above and beyond, reliable communication, treating your puppers like family. What more could you ask for?? read more

Canine Adventure - Dog Walkers Near Me

See all

Found these guys surprisingly enough from the yelp reviews, and the rating is 100% accurate! I contacted Josh and he set me up with a pet visit with one of his staffers, a basic meeting of myself, the dog walker, and my dogs. Essentially we were all establishing if they were a good fit and my dogs were friendly enough not to attack when they enter my home. Being new to the area we arranged an Adventure Walk, that way my pups could get out, swim, and play with other dogs. Upon return my dogs were exhausted, but noticeably in adoration of their new friend (Marti). A few hours later my email was filled with pictures and a synopsis of how the adventure went, and great detail. We have continued to use the service more recently for Pet Sit Visits, where they walk your dog for an allotted amount of time when you are not home. All I have is praise for the service and the people who provide it! It is an easy process, one that makes day trips and late work hours less stressful on pets, and my carpet. I know that they have different staff for different areas of town, Marti has been ours for 10 months, she is a kind and caring individual that I trust with my pets. read more

Quick update: if I could give more than 5 stars I would! Marti has been working with Tye 1-2 times for a few weeks now. She is a full fledged member of Team "Train Stubborn Puppy Tye"! The post walk emails are more than a summary, we have an ongoing dialogue about his behavior. She is taking the time to get to know him and is helping us reinforce the behaviors we are working on at home. I've also gone through the first billing cycle and that was organized and simple. read more

This is the first time I've written a yelp review, but Canine Adventure is so awesome I definitely need to rave about them. After moving to Richmond, we needed to find a dog walker and decided to go with Canine Adventure due to the great reviews. Some things I love about this company: -The daily emails and photos are the best. Gives you a snapshot of what your pup has been up to all day. -We've had three different handlers due to some internal changes within Canine Adventure. The changes were handled very well. They scheduled a time for the new handlers to come over and made the transition very easy for us and our dog. -Our dog got sick before his walk one day. Emily cleaned up our pup as well as his mess in the apartment. I didn't even realize our dog was even sick until Emily mentioned it in her email. Talk about going above and beyond her job duties. After working with Canine Adventure since last year, we could not say more wonderful things about them. If you're thinking about hiring a walker, go with Canine Adventure. You won't regret it! read more

Be prepared to know it all and understand everything when going with this company. Also be prepared to pay more than any other agency in town. And expect Josh to not be accepting of any questions you may have and to respond to these questions in a text that borders on condescending. I started working a position where I would be away from home for 40 hours a week with a 15-20 minute one way commute. This was new for my 6 year old slightly territorial, untrusting of newbies, big dog. So prior to me starting the job, I arranged a meeting with one of the supervisors and who would be the dog walker while I was still at home. This involved discussing my guy's behaviors and attempting to get him to know them a little. Another visit was scheduled prior to me starting new job to see if my boy would be accepting to this new person with treats. He did his usual thing of barking and not wanting her in the house, but with some coaxing, he did finally go on walk. The first dog walker was fine, but slightly more timid than I would expect with someone who is walking strange dogs on a daily basis. After about three visits, this ended up not working out and so another attempt at pairing my guy with another dog walker and supervisor was arranged. This supervisor asked good questions about his behavior and history and the girl who would be the dog walker did seem to be calm, but also had an authoritative demeanor that usually works well with my guy. They even paired up with a dog trainer who had previously met with me and my dog prior to the initiation of Canine Adventure. A babygate was suggested so that my dog would not charge the door and he could see that she(dogwalker) was safe and had treats(he's highly food motivated and will sit, shake, beg almost without any direction for treats). Babygate was installed and things seemed to be going well. The dogwalker stated that it was best to text her directly if I had any questions or wanted to schedule something since my dog schedule would change sometimes based on my work schedule. She told me her busy days and that Tuesdays/Thursdays were usually less busy and that I could text her regarding scheduling. Holidays came and there was some out of town travel, so did not utilize the services as much. I then had a question about what happened when it rained, since my dog will pretty much refuse to go out in the rain. I asked if they stayed inside for the full 30 minutes and played or if I was still charged but they just left. I thought this was a totally reasonable question as do many dog owners. Josh stated that the dogwalkers "already don't make a lot of money, we can't cancel with less than 24, preferably 48 hour notice." So he totally didn't answer my question about if they stayed inside or what happened on those rainy days. He also said that appointments had to be booked 48 hours in advance which was not what my dog's current dog walker had said. So when I emailed on a Monday night(I work in an office where looking at personal emails is forbidden, so might not look at personal email for 2-3 days) and asked if Wednesday was possible or did I need to do a later date, I was basically fired from being a client! He felt like that question totally disrespected the 48 hour rule(that was not indicated in either of the two interviews I had with supervisor/dogwalker) and that my rain question was senseless. I will say that for a perfect dog who doesn't have any reactive tendencies, I'm sure this would be a great service! I do love the idea of them taking them on walks down by the river and travelling with other dogs. My dog likes 95% of other dogs, so he would probably do great with them, but he does have a herding mentality with bikes, runners etc., so for that reason, him being off leash can be a bit anxiety provoking. The fact that they do do two dog training classes with a local trainer is also a good perk. I was very satisfied with my talks with Tom, Danny in finance, and Jules, who was our last dog walker. I did appreciate the pictures as well. But for someone who knew finding a dogwalker was going to be a challenge, I do feel like dismissing us was not very understanding at all and put me back at square one again. If they wanted things to be a bit more regimented with the scheduling, they should disclose that(in whatever's signed and also verbally within the first meeting), compared to firing us as a client. read more

Other than our vet, there are about four people I would trust with our dog. Three of them work for Canine Adventure. It's not that our dog Garth is difficult - quite the opposite. It's just that I am incredibly over-protective because Garth is my only child and very, very, very precious to me. I have what is probably an abnormal amount of anxiety about Garth's well-being when he is not with me. Garth and I started hiking with Josh a couple years ago through Human Adventure and Dog Scouts. At some point Brian also started coming on the hikes. I was blown away by their photography of our dogs, but I was also impressed with their knowledge of the trails and especially by how they handled the dogs (and the people). I developed an enormous amount of respect for them and what they do for the dogs of Richmond. As a side benefit, I learned the trails of Richmond, and was inspired to get out hiking more. Josh and Brian also became our friends, because, in addition to everything else, they're simply great guys. Early this year, I decided to let Garth try adventure hikes as an alternative to day care. I had initially been concerned about the cost, but adventure hikes turned out to be only a few bucks more than daycare, and worth every penny. (Especially when you consider that the dog/person ratio on an adventure hike is 2:1 in Garth's case, so he really gets individual attention.) I didn't know Tim very well at that point, but I trusted Josh and knew that anyone Josh hired had to be good. Garth has been going out with Tim once a week since that time, and Garth is simply crazy about Tim and loves to go hiking with him. (I actually think the feeling is mutual.) As I've gotten to know Tim, I've been more and more impressed by his knowledge (he's a former vet tech) and commitment to animals. It's clear that Tim really cares about the dogs and cats in his care. It's his job to take care of them and show them a good time, and he takes his job seriously and is very good at it. I feel really good about Garth going on adventure walks with Tim. With most other people, I would be concerned about Garth's safety. With Tim, I know Garth is in very good hands. (That means a lot coming from me.) It also makes me feel good when I see Tim's awesome photos of Garth and his hiking companion Nicki on their weekly hikes. It's clear that the dogs are having a great time, and I'm so glad Garth gets a chance to get out on a mid-week hike to tide him over until we can get out hiking together over the weekend. Canine Adventure is operated in a very professional manner. I like that I get my bill by email every month and can simply pay it using my credit card. It's easy for me and very efficient. I love that I get a report from Tim with photos after each hike. I think it's wonderful that they match dogs with each other on hikes based on the dogs' personalities. I HIGHLY recommend Canine Adventure, and I think the whole concept of taking dogs on adventure walks is simply brilliant. Dogs need a chance to get out into the woods and be dogs. Canine Adventure gives them this opportunity. I believe that Canine Adventure has improved and continues to improve the lives of RVA dogs. I love that they support local shelters and rescue organizations and other local animal-related organizations, not only financially, but by taking shelter dogs out on adventure hikes. read more

Great business model. Great service. Josh and his team are the best. I love the pictures we get when I get visit our doggies.

For the past 13 years, I would of given Canine Adventures 5 stars; however, the impact of COVID has dramatically changed their services. Last week, they gave me one week notice that their rates will increase to $29 for a 30 minute visit and I would have to pay an additional $10 per visit for gas to drive to the Southside of Richmond. That is $39 for a 30 minute visit, and if I paid that 3 times a week for a month, it would cost me close to what I pay in childcare for a dog walker. This week, my dog walker who is absolutely wonderful had to take family leave unexpectedly and I found out the day before my scheduled dog walk. They had no one to provide to cover my dog walks for the rest of this week due to lack of resources, and they were not willing to go above and beyond despite my many years of being a loyal customer. I am so disappointed that I truly have no words. I know that COVID has brought hard times; my family is in the rollercoaster ride too, but when you pay good money to a company for exceptional care of your furbaby, you don't expect to be left high and dry especially when you thought that you were a valued customer. read more

There are very few people in the world to whom I'll hand the keys to my home and the leash to my dogs, but these guys make the cut. Absolutely fantastic--as good as a dog-care organization gets. They're reliable, courteous, professional, and trustworthy, and they really love dogs and care for their welfare, individually and as a species. Some things I love: * They're not just hauling your dog around the block, they're skilled trainers and enjoy working on any behavioral issues your pup might have. * They pay attention to your dog's needs and adjust accordingly--for example, if weather's extreme and our dogs balk after a block or two (which we know them to do!), our walker Danny will let them lead him back home and he'll spend the rest of the half hour playing with them and loving on them indoors. * At the end of the day, you get an e-mail describing the walk in detail, often with funny and personal details that clearly show that they know and understand your dogs. (Both our previous walker, James, who now works at the C-Ville location, and Danny, our current one, are great at this!) * Pictures are also attached, and some are so good and funny they're practically meme-worthy. * The meet-and-greet at home is nice for both the dogs and the owners, and it's cool that they have one designated backup person just in case. * They do sponsored "Adventure Walks" with local shelter dogs, and post pictures and stories about it on their Facebook page. I'd be lying if I said I never cried at these pictures and heart-tugging descriptions. We've been using them for about a year now, twice a week, and I can't say enough good things about them. Worth every cent. read more

We have been using Canine Adventure's services for about 2 years now for our dog and cat. Brittany and Veronica are wonderful -- very professional and kind with our furbabies. They have gotten to know them and I feel 100% comfortable entrusting our pets to their care. Our dog is very shy and hated doggie day care, so boarding her is not an option. They check on her while we're at work during the day, and have even done overnight stays. I haven't tried the adventure walks yet because our dog is so shy, but I would like to in the future! read more

The "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" doesn't even do them justice. I have been so fortunate to find them and they have made my dog's Thursdays the best day of the week. His walker is polite and I trust them completely with taking out my dog. They did a fantastic job matching him with a pack for the adventure walk and my guy is always exhausted when I come home from work. They have babysat for me while I was traveling and it is so wonderful to have this kind of peace of mind with my dog. I love my weekly emails with pictures and updates! There is not enough praise for these guys, they are incredible! read more

Canine adventure is amazing! We stumbled upon them by accident at the vegetarian festival at Bryant Park. The rates are very affordable and the staff is all very friendly. Meredith took care of our dogs and was amazing with them! I do not trust very many people especially with my dogs, but Meredith certainly showed that she loved our dogs just like we did! It was also really awesome to see pictures of their doggy adventures which were usually down along the James River. I would definitely recommend them! read more

I could not say enough good things about Canine Adventure! We were so sad when our walker moved away - it was hard to trust someone new. But CA has been so amazing! I get a daily report and pictures of the girls having so much fun! They get to meet other dogs and other handlers. They are in such good, trusted hands. In addition, they have been flexible with me when I've had to travel and need sitting services. The faces on my dogs in the pics tells the true story! So very impressed! read more

I've known the owner of the business for several years now and it's exciting to see how much they've grown! The staff is caring and wonderful and truly put the dogs first! There aren't many people I would hand over my dogs' leashes to but they take great care of your crew and get them nice and exercised! read more

While everything that has been said about Josh in the prior reviews is absolutely accurate, I thought I would write a review on the other Canine Adventure dog handlers with whom my dogs have had the pleasure of working over the past year. Christa: When Christa joined Canine Adventure about a year ago, Christa and Josh came to my house to meet my two boxers, Charlotte and Rocko. While I am sure it was immediately pretty obvious that my dogs were a handful, I don't think Christa knew quite what she was getting herself into. My female boxer, Charlotte, is slightly fear aggressive/anxious and my male boxer, Rocko, is a hyperactive deaf boy. However, this did not deter Christa! She spent several weeks working with Charlotte around my neighborhood, working on her leash skills and her trust issues. On the day of Rocko's first adventure walk, Christa arrived having trained herself with the deaf dog hand signals and even took her own dogs out with him to help! She kept me updated on a weekly basis on their progress and genuinely seemed invested in my dogs' development as if they were her own. And it would be an understatement to say that my dogs enjoyed their time with her! When she arrived each week to take them on their walk, they would get so excited that it was impossible to get their harnesses on. One time, Rocko actually peed on himself he was so excited. It was really embarrassing. But, invariably, when they got back they were so tuckered out that they would barely greet me when I came home on my lunch break to check on them. Christa is awesome. Tim: My dogs started working with Tim a few months ago. While I knew that Christa had thoroughly briefed him on my dogs' issues prior to his arrival, I was worried that he too wasn't quite sure what he was getting himself into. Well, my worries were absolutely misplaced. While he may secretly have felt that way, I didn't notice. Tim is very professional, punctual and seems to genuinely enjoy his time with my dogs as much as they enjoy their time with him. They get just as excited to see him as they did Christa, though I have wised up and learned to put their harnesses on prior to Tim's arrival! By the way, did I mention that Tim has a talent for catching fantastic pictures of my dogs during their adventures? The pictures alone make the service worth the money. Not to mention the fact that the adventure walk is really the best decision I have ever made for my dogs. Tim is also awesome. I, without hesitation, trust anyone that Josh has approved to join him at Canine Adventure to handle Charlotte and Rocko, whom I love and treasure more than words can describe. If you knew me, that would be all the recommendation that you needed. read more

This service is questionable. Reviewing the staff involved and the conversations I had with members of the Richmond Boxer Rescue I decided to take my boxer somewhere else. I think this would be a better business if they did a complete staff overhaul. They were rude and not knowledgeable. Its best to take you dog somewhere else. read more

Canine adventure is hands down the best dog walking service in Richmond! My dog has been doing adventures with them for years now and has helped him tremendously with socialization and confidence! read more

Canine Adventures provides a wonderful service to the community of dogs and people. They understand dogs and give them a great opportunity for exercise, socialization and much more. Buddy, a very timid foster dog, was taken out on a two hour walk. The beautiful photos and feedback they gave me showed how much he relaxed and had a great time. I appreciate they go far beyond taking the dogs out for a walk and that they have a good understanding of behavior. Canine Adventures makes for happy dogs and happy dog lovers! Many thanks! read more

Josh and his team of dog walkers do an amazing job! The concept of an "adventure walk" is one of the most genius dog walking services I have ever heard of! Some times, the short amount of time and exercise we can provide for our dog in a day is just not enough. Canine Adventure provides a vigorous workout for our four legged friends while stimulating their senses in ways that is very difficult to do living in a city. The service Josh is providing to our community is invaluable. My only complaint would be that sometimes Josh can act like a "know it all". He does do a good job at handling the dogs on walks but I really feel like he thinks he is some kind of "Jr. dog whisperer" and thinks he can manage a dogs difficulties on the leash with a few basic leadership strategies or "shhh" sounds he must have learned from watching a bunch of Cesar Milan on TV. Also, he lets A LOT of his clients off leash on his wilderness walks which I feel is a HUGE gamble. It's not as if the places he is taking dogs are fenced in. What if one of his clients decided to run off or chase something and the dog became lost forever?! Sounds like a liability to me... that would make me a nervous wreck. Overall I DO like Canine Adventure and I DO recommend it to people I know. It's a GREAT service! read more