Halifax Side:

• Halifax

• Clayton Park

• Fairview

• Rockingham

• Spryfield

• Herring Cove

• Purcells Cove

• Timberlea

• Beechville

• Lakeside

• Kingswood

• Goodwood

• Hatchet Lake

• Brookside

Dartmouth Side:

• Keystone Village

• Port Wallace

• Lancaster Ridge

• Westphal

• Brightwood

• Crichton Park

• Manor Park

• Portland Estates

If you don’t see your neighbourhood listed, please reach out! Depending on the service and location, we may still be able to accommodate you.

**Depending on the area there may be an additional fuel surcharge.

We understand that life doesn’t always fit neatly into a 9–5 schedule—especially for those working shift work, long hours, or changing schedules. Because of this, our hours for private dog walks and visits are designed to be flexible whenever possible.

For example, if you work a long shift, we can arrange your dog’s walk closer to when you’ll be arriving home, or after you’ve left for work, depending on what works best for your pet and their routine.

Rather than guaranteeing an exact arrival time, most services will be scheduled within an estimated time window. This allows us to plan routes efficiently while still giving each pet the time, attention, and individualized care they deserve.

Visits are prioritized based on location and the type of care being requested. Time-sensitive care will always take priority. For example, if two clients request a visit around 12:00 PM but one pet requires medication at that time, the medication visit would be prioritized.

If your pet has a specific schedule or a time-sensitive care requirement, please let us know when booking so we can discuss their needs and determine what accommodations can be made.

Yes! I require a complimentary meet & greet with all new clients before their first service. After our initial contact—whether by text, social media, or a free consultation call—we’ll arrange a time for me to meet you and your pet in person.

This gives us a chance to get to know one another, talk about your pet’s personality, routine, needs, quirks, and any important care or training information. For house sitting and drop-in visits, you can show me around your home and where I can find everything needed for your pet’s care. For dog walking services, we’ll go over your dog’s gear (along with where it is kept), routine and head out for a brief walk together so I can get a feel for how you and your dog navigate the world.

If we decide Spicy Paws is the right fit, you’ll also be asked to complete a Client Intake Form before services begin. The goal is to make sure everyone—especially your pet—feels comfortable and set up for a successful first booking.

Absolutely! 🌶️ Spicy dogs are always welcome here. I’m happy to work with dogs who have big feelings, need a little extra space, or simply take more time to feel comfortable with new people. Rather than rushing the process, we’ll work at your dog’s pace and adjust our meet & greet and introduction process.

For in-home boarding/house sitting, dogs who are unsure of me or need additional time to build trust may require a trial day before their first overnight stay. During the trial, you and your family head out for the day while I spend intentional one-on-one time with your dog in their own home. This allows us to begin building a relationship without the added pressure of their family being away overnight. Trial days are a paid service, with pricing based on the amount of time your dog needs.

Before beginning any service, we’ll have a detailed conversation about your dog’s triggers, history, training, management strategies, and ways we can maintain your dogs safety and wellbeing. Safety and your dog’s wellbeing will always come before simply completing a service.

If your dog’s current behaviour or level of reactivity is beyond what I can safely manage, I may recommend working with a trainer first. Then when appropriate, collaborate with you and your trainer toward the goal of safely building the relationship your dog needs to eventually access Spicy Paws services.

Yes—absolutely! 🌶️🐾 Muzzled dogs are welcome at Spicy Paws. A muzzle does not make a dog a “bad dog.” Dogs may wear muzzles for many different reasons, and I’m a strong advocate for responsible muzzle use and muzzle training.

For your dog’s safety, my safety, and the safety of others we may encounter, I do have requirements around the type and fit of muzzles used during Spicy Paws services. Dogs must wear a secure, properly fitted muzzle that allows adequate panting and comfortable movement of the mouth. Muzzles designed to hold the mouth closed, including many Velcro or restrictive mesh styles, are not appropriate for walks or extended wear and will not be used during my services.

If your dog’s current muzzle slips off easily, doesn’t fit comfortably, or doesn’t provide enough pant room, we’ll discuss finding a more appropriate fit before services begin. I’m also happy to share muzzle-training resources, help troubleshoot fit, and support you with building a positive muzzle-training routine.

Muzzles are a safety tool—not a label. My goal is to help your dog feel comfortable wearing theirs while giving them the freedom to safely enjoy their walks, adventures, and everyday life.

Yes! 🐾 Consistency and clear communication are incredibly important to me. Before services begin, you’ll complete a Client Intake Form where you can share the cues, training methods, routines, equipment, and expectations you currently use with your dog.

My goal isn’t to come in and change how you’ve been working with your dog—it’s to provide care that complements the work you’re already doing. I’ll do my best to use the same cues and maintain the boundaries and expectations your dog is familiar with, helping provide consistency between their time with you and their time with Spicy Paws.

I have experience and knowledge of a variety of training approaches and understand that what works for one dog may not work for another. I will never introduce or use a training tool with your dog without your prior knowledge and permission.

If I notice something during our time together that I think is worth discussing, I’ll communicate with you so we can decide together how you’d like me to approach it.

I’m comfortable and experienced using a variety of training tools and equipment, including harnesses, flat collars, martingale collars, slip leads, prong collars, e-collars, muzzles, and face/head harnesses. The equipment your dog currently uses, how it is used, and any relevant training instructions will be discussed during the intake process. My goal is to maintain consistency and clarity for your dog while they’re in my care, and I will never introduce or use a training tool without your knowledge and permission.

For e-collars, I will only use stimulation on models that offer at least 100 levels of adjustable stimulation. This allows for smaller adjustments and helps me work at the lowest level appropriate for the dog and their established training. If your e-collar has fewer than 100 levels, I can discuss alternative options with you, or I will limit my use of the collar to its tone or vibration functions. If circumstances require me to deviate significantly from your dog’s normal established settings, I will let you know what occurred and why.

For prong collars, my preference for dogs with reactivity is a properly fitted Herm Sprenger collar with the alternating-direction prong design. If your dog currently uses a different style of prong collar—for example, one with prongs facing the same direction primarily used to address pulling—I may continue using it after assessing the equipment, fit, and your dog’s established routine. All prong collars must also be backed up to a secure flat collar with a secondary safety connection during Spicy Paws services.

All required equipment must be properly fitted, safe, functional, and ready to use when I arrive. This includes ensuring electronic equipment is sufficiently charged. If an essential piece of equipment is missing, broken, uncharged, or otherwise unsafe to use, and I cannot safely provide the scheduled service without it, the service may need to be modified or cancelled.

For example, if your dog requires their prong collar to be safely walked and I arrive to find it broken or missing, I may only be able to provide a brief bathroom break rather than the scheduled hour-long walk. The full booked service fee will still apply, as that time was reserved specifically for your dog and cannot typically be filled by another client at short notice.

Above all, equipment is only one part of the picture. My priority is providing your dog with clear, consistent and compassionate care while respecting the training plan you already have in place.

Communication is a big part of the care I provide! 🐾 I’m happy to communicate through your preferred method, including text, WhatsApp, Instagram, email, iMessage, or phone calls. For in-home boarding/house sitting, I can also create a group chat so everyone in your household who wants updates can stay in the loop.

For dog walks and adventures, at minimum, I’ll let you know when your dog’s service has been completed. I also do my best to confirm scheduled walks ahead of time and let you know when I expect to arrive, so you know when your pup will be heading out.

For in-home boarding, you can expect me to take lots of photos and videos—I love capturing the little moments while you’re away! You can choose how often you’d like to hear from me. If you’d prefer one thoughtful update each day so you can unplug and enjoy your time away, I’m happy to respect that. Otherwise, be prepared for plenty of photo, video, and adventure updates throughout your pet’s stay!

Yes! Spicy Paws carries liability insurance.

Additional information regarding insurance, responsibilities, policies, and terms of service will be outlined as part of your Client Intake Form. I encourage all clients to review the agreement carefully before services begin, and I’m always happy to answer any questions you may have about the information included.

For Private Walks, Adventure Walks, Small Group Adventures, and Drop-In Visits, I require at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged 50% of the scheduled service fee, unless the cancellation is due to an emergency or health-related concern.

For In-Home Pet Sitting, a $100 booking deposit is required to reserve your dates. I require at least 7 days’ notice if you need to cancel. For cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice, the $100 booking deposit will be non-refundable unless the cancellation is due to an emergency or health-related concern. Repeated or short-notice cancellations may also require a larger deposit to secure future bookings.

Sometimes things happen on my end too. If I need to cancel a service due to my own health, unsafe weather conditions, vehicle issues, or another circumstance that prevents me from safely providing care, I’ll let you know as soon as possible. Any prepaid service can either be rescheduled for another available date or refunded.

Your pet’s safety—and my ability to travel safely to and from services—will always come first. 🐾 During severe weather, such as snowstorms, freezing rain, icy road conditions, extreme heat, or other unsafe conditions, services may need to be adjusted.

When severe weather is expected, I’ll assess conditions and communicate with affected clients as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, this may mean cancelling a service, adjusting the scheduled time to allow roads and sidewalks to be cleared and salted/sanded, or modifying the length or type of service.

During extreme heat, walks and adventures may be shortened or changed to a bathroom break keeping your dog safe and comfortable. Whenever possible, I’ll work with you to find the safest alternative while still making sure your pet’s essential needs are met.

Yes! 🐾 Spicy Paws offers services on weekends and holidays, with flexible scheduling to accommodate clients whose lives don’t always fit within traditional 9–5 hours.

As a former healthcare worker, I understand how challenging it can be to come home after a long night shift knowing your dog is ready for their morning walk—or finally get to sleep only to have them decide midday is the perfect time for an adventure!

Whether you work shift work, overnights, weekends, holidays, or simply have an unconventional schedule, I’ll do my best to find a routine that works for both you and your pet. Early mornings and quiet pick-ups can also be accommodated when available, because sometimes the best way I can support your dog is by helping you get the rest you need.

Your schedule might be unconventional, but your pet’s care doesn’t have to be. 🌶️🐾

At the beginning of 2026, I set myself a personal goal of completing 52 new trails in one year. At the time, it felt pretty ambitious—I was recovering from a broken leg and feeling burnt out. Somehow, by June, I had already reached my goal! As of August 2026, I’ve explored more than 65 new trails, and along the way I’ve built a curated collection of quieter, lower-traffic spaces that are perfect for dogs who thrive away from busy, popular trails and off-leash areas.

You won't typically find Spicy Paws adventures at crowded dog parks or the busiest off-leash spots. I intentionally seek out quieter, off-the-beaten-path locations where dogs can have space to sniff, explore, decompress, and simply enjoy being dogs.

Some of these trails might not have the traditional viewpoints or sightseeing destinations people seek out—but they have my favourite view: happy dogs, freedom to explore, confident strides, and plenty of happy wiggles. 🌲🐕

Off-leash freedom is something I want dogs to earn safely and confidently, rather than something I rush into. 🌲🐾 Every dog is different, so I’ll take the time to get to know your dog, their recall, comfort level, and how they respond to me before deciding what level of freedom is appropriate.

For dogs whose recall or off-leash skills I’m not yet familiar with, I’ll start with additional safety measures, including a 25-foot drag line and a spare Tractive GPS tracker attached to their collar. This gives me an opportunity to observe their recall, check-ins and engagement with me while maintaining an added layer of safety.

Before joining a Small Group Adventure, some dogs may benefit from private adventure first. This gives us dedicated one-on-one time to build our relationship, practice their recall, and help them become comfortable and confident responding to me before adding the excitement and distraction of other dogs.

There’s no rush to remove the long line. If your dog is having an amazing adventure while still needing that extra safety measure, that’s perfectly okay! My own dog Pico always had a drag line prior to having reliable and consistent recall as it seemed to help his ears listen better haha.

My priority is giving them as much freedom as they can safely handle while setting them up for success.

For some independent cats who are happiest staying in their own space, 15-minute drop-in visits may be a great option while you’re away! 🐱 This can work especially well for cats who are free-fed or fed once daily and don’t require a lot of hands-on attention. If your cat would benefit from more companionship, playtime, or care, we can explore 30-minute visits for an additional cost.

For dogs, 15-minute drop-ins are not suitable as their only care while you’re away overnight. Dogs generally need more time for bathroom breaks, exercise, enrichment, meals, companionship, and their overall wellbeing.

If your dog is comfortable being alone overnight, we can discuss alternatives such as three 1-hour visits spaced throughout the day. However, the cost of multiple extended visits, In-Home Pet Sitting may be the more practical and cost-effective option. It also allows your dog to have more companionship while keeping their normal routine in the comfort of their own home.

Every pet is different, so I’m happy to work with you to determine a care schedule that is realistic, safe, and appropriate for your individual pet.

No. During Spicy Paws walks, dogs are not permitted to greet or interact with unfamiliar dogs while on leash.

On-leash greetings can create additional tension or barrier frustration, and the other dog is an unpredictable variable—we don't know their behaviour, comfort level, health, training or how they may respond to an interaction.

For that reason, I don't believe the potential benefit of a brief greeting outweighs the risk. Instead, I will create space, cross the street, change direction or allow the other dog to pass whenever reasonably possible.

Your dog's walk is about movement, enrichment and enjoying their environment—not meeting every dog we encounter.

No. During Spicy Paws walks, dogs are not permitted to greet or interact with unfamiliar dogs while on leash.

On-leash greetings can create additional tension or barrier frustration, and the other dog is an unpredictable variable—we don't know their behaviour, comfort level, health, training or how they may respond to an interaction.

For that reason, I don't believe the potential benefit of a brief greeting outweighs the risk. Instead, I will create space, cross the street, change direction or allow the other dog to pass whenever reasonably possible.

Your dog's walk is about movement, enrichment and enjoying their environment—not meeting every dog we encounter.

Potentially! 🌶️🐾 Reactivity doesn’t automatically mean a dog can’t enjoy adventures with other dogs. It will depend on your individual dog, their triggers, comfort around other dogs, and how they respond in a group environment.

Some reactive dogs are still very dog-social and can thrive in a carefully selected small group. Keeping our adventure groups small can mean less excitement and arousal while giving each dog more space to move, explore, and be themselves.

Before adding your dog to a Small Group Adventure, we may arrange a structured mini hike or walk with other dogs and their owners. This gives me an opportunity to introduce your dog gradually, observe how they interact and communicate, and determine which dogs may be a good match for them.

There’s no pressure for every dog to become a group-adventure dog. If your dog isn’t comfortable or social with other dogs, Private Walks or Private Adventures will likely be a better fit—and they can still have just as much fun exploring!

Ideally, yes! 🌲🐾 A reliable recall is an important part of keeping everyone safe and giving your dog more freedom during our Small Group Adventures.

That said, not every dog needs to be completely off leash to join the fun. If your dog is a bit of a “Velcro dog” who naturally sticks close to me and the group but their recall still needs some polishing, they may be able to participate using a long line or drag line while we continue building their skills and confidence.

If your dog is known to take off, wander significant distances, or has an unreliable recall around distractions, we’ll need to spend some more time strengthening those skills before they can safely have off-leash freedom. I’d be happy to chat about what that could look like for your dog and ways to train a reliable recall.

For dogs who already use a Tractive or Fi GPS collar, I appreciate owners sharing access to their dog’s location while they’re in my care as an additional safety measure.

While prevention is always the priority, I’m also prepared for the unexpected. I have a lost-dog SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) in place should a dog ever become separated from me or the group, and I carry enough leashes/slip leads for every dog in my care.

Most definitely! 🌶️🐾 Being turned away from another walker, daycare, or pet care provider doesn’t automatically mean your dog isn’t a good fit for Spicy Paws.

Some dogs simply don’t thrive in traditional daycare environments, large groups, busy walking routes, or one-size-fits-all care. Your dog may need more space, slower introductions, thoughtful management, a different environment, or some extra time to build trust—and that’s okay.

When you reach out, I want you to feel comfortable being open about your dog’s history, behaviours, triggers, and previous experiences. The more I know, the better I can determine how to safely support them. We can discuss what hasn’t worked in the past, what does work for your dog, and whether one of my services could be a good fit.

In some cases, we may need to take things slowly with additional meet & greets, private walks, trial visits, or collaboration with a dog trainer prior to services beginning.

While I can’t guarantee that I’ll be the right fit for every dog, I’m always willing to have the conversation. Being a little sweet, a little spicy, or needing some extra understanding doesn’t mean your dog doesn’t deserve great care. ❤️🌶️🐾

Safety starts with understanding the dog in front of me.‍ ‍

Before our walks begin, we’ll discuss your dog’s known triggers, body language, boundaries, training, and any management strategies that have helped them successfully navigate challenging situations in the past.

While we’re out, I’m proactive about our environment. This can mean creating extra distance, changing our route, crossing the street, allowing another dog or person to pass, choosing quieter areas, or simply giving your dog the space and time they need. I focus on staying calm and composed so I can make thoughtful decisions while keeping my attention on your dog and their safety.

I’m also comfortable advocating for your dog when they need space. Sometimes that means clearly asking another person not to approach, preventing an unwanted dog-to-dog greeting, or respectfully educating someone about why the dog in my care needs a little more room.

Most importantly, I don't expect every dog to navigate the world in the same way. A successful walk doesn’t have to mean passing every dog, greeting every person, or overcoming every trigger. Sometimes success is creating space, making good choices, enjoying some peaceful sniffs, and getting home feeling just as comfortable as when we left. 🐾