dog hikes

Full day of Fun
Full day of fun for your dog, less stress for you! Imagine returning home from work to your dog, happy and ready to relax with you at the end of the day, only needing a quick walk to do their business before bedtime.

Pick Up & Drop Off
Your dog will be picked up from your home between 8AM-10AM, with the full excursion typically lasting 5-6 hours. Dogs will ride with me in my Honda CR-V, properly harnessed and seat-belted in the backseat.

Physical Exercise
Hiking fulfills many natural dog instincts. In the pursuit of food, primitive dogs would encounter a variety of obstacles: jumping over rocks, climbing hills, and weaving through trees on hikes mimic these hunting/chasing scenarios and satisfy the modern dogs instinctual drive. Each hike is tailored to the needs/abilities of the group and weather conditions, ranging from 4-8 miles.

Safety Prioritized
Your peace of mind is important! Safety is my number one priority with my own dog, as it is with any dog in my care. Ensuring safety in the car ride, on the trail, thoughtfully choosing well-tempered dogs, and considering weather conditions are all taken into account to curate a safe and fun outing for your dog.

Mental Stimulation
Pack hikes provide a healthy balance of socialization and natural stimulation for all the senses. Each pack is thoughtfully grouped together considering temperament and fitness level, with 3-5 dogs per hike. Ideally, the aim is to keep them on a consistent schedule so they can develop friendships.

Photo and Video Updates
Watch your dog have fun in the great outdoors, from your home or office! Photos and Videos will be uploaded to Instagram, and if I snap a great shot of your dog with a scenic backdrop, I will text to you directly.
Dog hiking rates
Single dog household
One-Time Pack Hike
$110/hike
1 Weekly Pack Hike
$85/hike
2+ Weekly Pack Hikes
$75/hike
Multi dog household
One-Time Pack Hike
$90/hike/per dog
1 Weekly Pack Hike
$80/hike/per dog
2+ Weekly Pack Hikes
$70/hike/per dog
Private Hike
One-time Solo Hike
$250/hike
Weekly Solo Hike $225/hike
Dog hiking requirements
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Dog must be at least one year old, and a certified vet must clear your dogs physical condition to hike.
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Show up-to-date vaccination records for Rabies, Bortadella, and DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza.)
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All dogs must be on tick/flea and heartworm prevention medications.
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Your dog must be friendly with other dogs.
Equipment Provided
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Doggy First Aid Kit
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Seatbelt
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Car-safe Harness
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Leash
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Water & Bowls
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Poop bags
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Healthy snacks & treats to keep your dog energized during the hike (approved by you)
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Moisturizing Paw Balm for dry, winter hikes
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Hypoallergenic dog wipes (for wiping paws before returning home)
Equipment you provide
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Collar with all necessary tags (rabies, identification with name and phone, microchip)
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Walking Harness
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Optional: Winter gear (booties and/or coat)
paperwork you provide
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Up-to-date vaccination and Vet records
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Signed Switchpack Dog Hikes contract (with your contact, emergency contact, and preferred veterinary provider information)
Dog hiking Q&A
Are there any breed requirements/restrictions?
For pack hikes, yes. Brachycephalic breeds have difficulty breathing in the heat and may have trouble keeping up with other dogs. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions, or would like to arrange a solo hike!
Can small dogs hike?
Yes! As long as your dog is fully grown, and in good health (per clearance provided by your Veterinary provider), small dogs can hike!
Why does my dog have to be fully grown in order to hike?
This may seem like bad news if you were hoping to get your hyperactive, spritely young puppy out of your apartment and onto the trails! While your pup is still growing, they’re at risk for growth plate injuries if over-exercised. A good rule of thumb to avoid this is a ratio of five minutes exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown e.g. 15 minutes (up to twice a day) when 3 months old, 20 minutes when 4 months old and so on. Fully grown dogs can go for much longer!
Where do you hike?
All trails have been hiked by Jaclyn and her dogs previously, and are located within a 30 minute to a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from the city within the tri-state area. In the summer, hikes are thoughtfully chosen by the amount of shade on the trail and access to water to allow the dogs to cool down. Before each hike your dog attends, you will be provided with details on the hiking trail and address of the trailhead.
How will my dog be transported?
All dogs will ride, properly harnessed and seat belted, in the backseat of Jaclyn's Honda CR-V. Dogs will under no circumstances be left unattended in the car.
How many dogs on each hike?
Each pack hike will have 3-5 dogs.
How do I get started?
The first step is to fill out the form found on the “Contact” page. I will get back to you shortly, answering any questions you may have, and set up a time to meet! After our initial meet and greet, I'll be ready to start when you are.