5 Pet Services in Vancouver

A lot has changed since the days of Dick and Jane and See Spot Run. Now time-crunched families often need help keeping their beloved Fido fit, fancy-free and safe while you're away. Here are 5 services to help you with all of your fury friend's needs.

This dog-walking and sitting service is perfect for pooches living on the city's west side and downtown. No need to drop off or pick up—owner, Sara Bartlett does all the fetching. New Sweet Pea canine clients are carefully screened for compatibility, and once they join the pack, Bartlett sends texts and posts pictures so you can feel confident your pooch is safe and sound.

Centrally located in Burnaby, The Woof is a one-stop shop offering daycare, hikes, boarding and grooming. Owners Tony and Tanja Haller (savvy parents of two) fully understand the needs of busy moms. We love their two-hour adventure hikes with pick-up and drop-off service to the North Shore, Burnaby and the city's east-side.

Mom entrepreneur and owner of Creature Comforts, Amy Vilis, employs a team of house and pet sitters who scurry around Vancouver making sure your pet is cared for in the luxury of your own home. Good to Know: Creature Comforts will also perform home security visits and make sure your home looks lived in during your absence. Mail, newspapers and flyers are cleared, and garbage and recycling get to the curb.

Cat owners will readily admit that, as easy as it is to adopt one, it's twice as hard to find a place to leave one. Luckily, we found Vancouver's purrfect Cat Lady who runs a cattery aptly named The Cat Cottage. Nestled away on Bowen Island, owner Daniela Gifford happily ventures into Vancouver to retrieve kitties in need of restful retreat. And to ease your guilt, Kitty's day is logged and reported to you via email.

One thing we all agree on in Vancouver is that summer is too short. In order to optimize your trips to the beach, the people behind the Aussie Pet Mobile aim to reduce pesky errands, which could be the answer to your dog's dreams. The mobile truck comes to your home and provides a full service, 15-step spa groom for your pet—while you're in the backyard playing with your kids.