Dog handler hiking a trail at golden hour

Our story

Built for dogs who need more than a walk

Big Stretch Canine Club started with one simple belief: dogs deserve real adventures, not just laps around the block.

How it started

Big Stretch Canine Club started with fostering.

Every rescue dog that came through my door needed the same thing: a job to do and a way to burn off energy. Twenty-minute neighborhood walks weren't cutting it. These dogs needed trails, new smells, real movement, and a pack to run with.

So I started taking them out differently. Long hikes. New terrain. Social groups matched to each dog's individual energy. The change was immediate: calmer demeanors at home, more confident personalities, and dramatically easier to place with adopters. That's when it clicked: this wasn't just exercise, it was enrichment. And every dog deserves it.

Big Stretch grew out of that realization. This is not a traditional dog-walking service. We're a community of dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts! Our operation is built around YOU and what your dogs need to thrive!

Founder sitting on rocks with her German Shepherd wearing a red pack

What we believe

Adventure over routine

Dogs are built to explore. We take them somewhere worth going: trails, parks, beaches. Not just the same sidewalk loop.

Safety is non-negotiable

Every outing is planned with your dog's physical limits and temperament in mind. We never push a dog past what's right for them.

Small groups, real attention

Pack hikes stay small so every dog gets eyes on them. We know each dog by name, quirk, and favorite trail sniff.

Honest communication

You get a photo update after every outing. If something comes up on the trail, you hear about it. No sugarcoating.

How we keep dogs safe

Safety isn't a checkbox. It's how we plan every single outing.

1

Pre-adventure assessment

Every new dog gets a complimentary meet-and-greet before their first outing. We assess energy level, leash manners, and compatibility with other dogs before they join a pack.

2

Trail-appropriate grouping

Dogs are matched by energy and temperament, not just size. A mellow senior and a young border collie don't belong on the same hike.

3

Weather and terrain checks

We monitor conditions before every outing. Hot pavement, icy trails, and extreme heat are all reasons to adapt the plan or reschedule.

4

Hydration and rest protocols

Water breaks are built into every adventure. We watch for signs of overexertion and always have a plan to cut a hike short if needed.

5

Emergency preparedness

Every handler carries a first-aid kit and knows the nearest emergency vet. We have protocols for injuries, lost dogs, and unexpected situations.

Your dog's person

Big Stretch is currently a one-person operation, which means your dog always gets the same handler, the same energy, and someone who genuinely knows them.

Founder in the forest with her dog

Vivian

Founder & Handler

I am a lifelong dog person and outdoor enthusiast. Hiking, backpacking, paddleboarding, kayaking, snowboarding, rock climbing, horseback riding, off-roading. If it happens outside, I'm in. I started Big Stretch because dogs deserve the same kind of adventures that I live for.

Ready to get your dog out there?

Browse the adventure menu or reach out. We'll help you find the right fit.