Frequently Asked Questions

Here you’ll find answers about Paul’s Paws™, Private Urban Dog Walks, Walk Consults, booking, service areas and how I work with dogs and their people in Vancouver’s urban environment.

What makes Paul’s Paws different?

I look at the dog, the person and the environment together. My work takes place in the neighbourhoods, buildings and public spaces dogs experience every day, with attention to how limited space, noise, movement and close encounters can affect a walk.

Is Paul’s Paws a dog-training service?

Paul’s Paws does not offer formal obedience training or behaviour-modification programs.

My role is centred on one-to-one care, real-world observation and helping owners better understand what may be happening during everyday walks.

Complex aggression, significant bite risk or sudden behaviour changes may require support from a veterinarian or qualified behaviour professional.

Private Urban Dog Walks - Available in Vancouver and areas

What is a Private Urban Dog Walk?

  • It is a private, on-leash neighbourhood walk shaped around your dog, your instructions and the environment they experience every day.

Are these group walks?

  • No. I walk one dog at a time, or two compatible dogs from the same household.

How long is each walk?

  • Each appointment is 60 minutes and begins and ends at your home.

Where are Private Urban Dog Walks available?

  • I currently serve Downtown Vancouver, Kitsilano, Fairview, Arbutus Ridge and nearby West Side neighbourhoods. Availability depends on route fit and travel time.

Can you walk two dogs from the same household?

  • Yes, provided they can be safely and comfortably walked together.

Can I book occasional or short-notice walks?

  • Yes. Regular weekly and occasional walks are available. Approved clients may also request short-notice support when my schedule allows.

What happens before the first walk?

  • We begin with a complimentary 20–30 minute introduction. If the service is a good fit, we complete the required care, emergency and home-access information before the first appointment.

Will I receive an update?

  • Yes. Each appointment includes a brief update and photos when appropriate.

How much does a Private Urban Dog Walk cost?

  • A 60-minute walk is $45 plus GST for one dog or $50 plus GST for two dogs from the same household.
Private Urban Dog Walks | Vancouver

Walk Consults

What is a Walk Consult?

  • A Walk Consult is an owner-education and walk-observation session. We walk your dog’s regular neighbourhood route together and look at what is happening across the dog, the person and the environment.

Who attends the Walk Consult?

  • You attend with your dog so we can experience one of your everyday walks together.

Where does the consult take place?

  • The consult takes place on your regular Vancouver walking route, where you and your dog encounter the situations that matter to your daily life.

How long does it take, and what does it cost?

  • A Walk Consult includes a 50-minute in-person session and costs $125 plus GST.

What kinds of concerns can we look at?

  • We can look at situations involving pulling, barking, busy sidewalks, other dogs, traffic, tight spaces, overstimulation or moments when you are unsure what your dog needs from you.

What is included?

  • Before we meet, you complete a short readiness questionnaire. During the walk, we observe your dog, your handling and the surrounding environment. Afterwards, you receive a concise summary of key observations, practical options and suggested neighbourhood routes when useful.

Is a Walk Consult the same as dog training?

  • No. It is an owner-education and walk-observation service, not a formal obedience or behaviour-modification program. The purpose is to help you notice what is happening, understand the interaction between the dog, person and environment, and make more informed decisions.

Will one Walk Consult fix my dog’s behaviour?

  • A Walk Consult does not promise to fix or change behaviour in one session. It is designed to give you clearer observations and practical ways to approach future walks.

What if my dog has a bite history or serious aggression?

  • Please disclose any bite incidents or serious safety concerns before booking. Some situations may be better supported by a veterinarian or qualified behaviour professional.
Urban Walk Consults

Booking and Availability

How do I choose the right service?

  • Choose Private Urban Dog Walks when you need me to walk your dog. Choose a Walk Consult when you want us to walk together so you can better understand what is happening during your everyday walks.

How do I get started?

  • Visit the page for the service you are interested in and complete the appropriate request form. I’ll review your information and contact you about availability and next steps.

How quickly will I receive a response?

  • I usually reply within one business day.

Does submitting a form guarantee a booking?

  • No. Every request is reviewed for location, scheduling, safety and overall fit before a service is confirmed.

Are services available throughout Vancouver?

  • Private Urban Dog Walks are currently limited to Downtown Vancouver, Kitsilano, Fairview, Arbutus Ridge and nearby West Side neighbourhoods. Walk Consult locations are reviewed separately based on availability and travel time.

Can I contact you with a general question?

  • Yes. Use the Contact page for questions that are not specific to a Private Urban Dog Walk or Walk Consult.

What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?

  • If you cancel more than 48 hours before your appointment, you may choose a refund or reschedule at no cost.
  • If you cancel within 48 hours, the payment is non-refundable, but you may reschedule at no additional cost. All rescheduled appointments are subject to current availability.
  • If I arrive and the appointment cannot proceed because you are unavailable or I cannot access your dog, it will be treated as a no-show and the fee will be retained. Any future appointment will be considered a new booking and require a new payment.

How do I pay?

  • Paul’s Paws™ currently accepts payment by direct deposit only. Payment instructions will be provided once your booking has been approved.
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Safety and Professional Standards

Are Private Urban Dog Walks on leash?

  • Yes. Walks are on leash and take place in the dog’s neighbourhood.

What health information do you need?

  • Before services begin, owners are asked to confirm that their dog is healthy enough for outdoor handling and has appropriate vaccinations. Please disclose any health, mobility, medication or behavioural considerations that could affect the service.

What happens during bad weather or poor air quality?

  • Walks continue during normal Vancouver weather. During extreme heat, smoke, storms or other unsafe conditions, I may adjust the route, pace or time outdoors. I’ll contact you if the appointment needs to change.

Do I need to disclose bite incidents or aggression?

  • Yes. Please share any known bite history, aggression or serious handling concerns before booking. This allows me to assess whether I can provide the service safely or whether another professional would be a better fit.

How is access to my home arranged?

  • Home access is arranged only after you and your dog have been approved for Private Urban Dog Walks. Access instructions and emergency information are completed before the first appointment.

What happens if there is an emergency?

  • I’ll follow the emergency information and authorization provided during setup and contact you or your emergency contact as quickly as possible.

What professional qualifications does Paul hold?

  • Paul’s Paws™ is licensed by the City of Vancouver and insured through PROfur. I hold Dogsafe Canine First Aid certification and am a Good Dog Academy Certified Dog Walker.

Talk about your brand

If you haven’t found the answer you need, send me a message. I’ll help you determine whether Private Urban Dog Walks, a Walk Consult or another type of support makes the most sense.

Contact Paul