Compassionate, spirited & fun loving dog walks
"Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -- Howard Thurman
about
BIG MIKE
Hey I'm Mike, I'm a genuine animal lover. I grew up taking care of a variety of large breed canines as well as horses, goats, wild geese, racoons, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits and cats. I am a certified professional dog walker with a keen sixth-sense to anticipate potential risky behaviour, situations and body language in dogs. I take pride in the quality of my work and I am described by close colleagues and friends as trustworthy and responsible.
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After many years working in a variety of heavy-duty jobs that required me to maintain a high level of physical stamina and true grit, I decided it was time that I took my future into my own hands. I had to do what made me feel restored. Howard Thurman famously said, "ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." My wife and I opened up Big Mike's Dog Walks in the summer of 2017 and I am thriving, loving what I do!
On my spare time I enjoy tinkering with my 60's beetle, taking care of our furbabies, going for early morning walks in our neighborhood of Kitsilano and creating driftwood art.
CERTIFIcation
In addition to being certified by the International Academy of Canine Trainers as a professional dog walker, I am also certified in providing Pet First Aid by Walks 'N' Wags. I am licensed, bonded and insured by Profur for your peace of mind. I am also an ICBC Road Star with a clean driving record. Walking and caring for dogs and animals is my ultimate life’s passion and my approach to working with animals is to treat your loved ones as though they are my own. I am 6’2, physically fit and a strong individual who is capable of handling high energy animals. As the owner and operator of Big Mike's Dog Walks doing what I love most, nothing gives me as much joy as building a positive and trusting rapport with both you and your dog, while providing the best in compassionate pet care!
Solo
WALKS
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30 minute neighborhood walks (NW) : $40 (extra dog from same household, add $17)
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SAVE with PACKAGES:​
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Package of 10 NW = ​$350 (extra dog add $170)
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Package of 30 NW = $850 (extra dog add $340)
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60 minute neighborhood walks: $45 (extra dog from same household, add $22)
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- SAVE with PACKAGES:​
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Package of 10 NW = $400 (extra dog add $220)
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Package of 30 NW = $1000 (extra dog add $560)
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90 minute beach/park walks (BW): $50 (extra dog from same household, add $27)
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- SAVE with PACKAGES:​
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Package of 10 BW = $450 (extra dog add $270)
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Package of 30 BW = $1100 (extra dog add $610)
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NOTE: Pre-paid walking packages must be scheduled within a three (3) month period from the first scheduled walk. Purchased dog walks and packages are non-transferable.
All prices include GST
Free of charge
Big Mike also offers these
complimentary services
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Meet and greet appointment with both the owner(s) and your dog(s)
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Pick-up and drop-off of your dog from your home in a reliable, well-maintained, 4WD, air & heat conditioned and spacious Mitsubishi Delica, with harnesses to safely transport your dog.
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Pick-up and drop-offs are well-coordinated to ensure that your dog spends the least amount of time in transport. When in transport, your dog will comfortably enjoy plenty of air & heat conditioning.
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Five (5) candid photos and five (5) videos of your dog posted @bigmikesdogwalks after every walk
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Paw cleaning, brushing off debris and towel drying your dog after walks
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Rehydration of your dog with fresh clean water during each walk
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Love, pets, play and reinforcement of basic commands
details
FORMs
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Call or email Mike to set up an in-person meeting with you and your dog(s) to complete initial intake forms. Meeting in-person ensures your pet's needs are carefully assessed and accounted for before service is provided.
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Big Mike’s Dog Walks reserves the right to refuse service to dogs or animals who are overly aggressive; to pet owners who insist that their dog wear pronged or electric shock collars; and to dogs/animals who are a risk to other dogs and people.
RESERVATIONS
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Reservations are required. Priority will be given to clients whose dog attends on a regular basis. Cancellations less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged full fees.
PAYMENT
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Cash, cheques and email money transfers are accepted
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There is a $10 charge for no-sufficient funds cheques
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All prices include GST
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Payment is due before the day of the initial scheduled walk or house sitting date
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There is a $10 charge for payments made after the initial scheduled walk or house sitting date
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Pre-paid walking packages must be scheduled within a three (3) month period from the first dog walk
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Purchased dog walks and packages are non-transferable
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Pre-paid packages are non-refundable at BMDW's discretion