By Jaden Harvey-Dick | Founder, Zoomies Adventures
Where It All Began
The idea for Zoomies actually began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like many people, I watched as families across Canada welcomed new dogs into their homes. With more people working remotely, spending time at home, and looking for companionship, dog ownership became increasingly popular.
And while it was wonderful to see so many dogs finding loving homes, I couldn't help but think about what would happen when life eventually returned to normal.
As workplaces reopened and everyday routines resumed, I began seeing the challenges firsthand.
Friends and family were suddenly finding themselves in difficult situations. Dogs that had become accustomed to having their owners home all day were now spending long hours alone. Some families struggled to provide the exercise, attention, and care their dogs needed while balancing work and other responsibilities.
Unfortunately, I also witnessed situations where people felt they had no choice but to rehome their dogs or surrender them to shelters.
That really stuck with me.
I knew that most of these people loved their dogs. They simply hadn't anticipated how difficult it could become to balance their responsibilities with the demands of dog ownership.
I started wondering: What if there was a way to help people keep their dogs happy, healthy, and fulfilled, even when life got busy?
That question would eventually become the foundation of Zoomies.
Kai and Blue: The Inspiration Behind the Adventure
Around the same time, I was learning something important from my own two dogs, Kai and Blue.
Kai, my German Shepherd, and Blue, my Labrador-Rottweiler mix, weren't exactly the type of dogs who were satisfied with a quick stroll around the neighbourhood.
They needed more.
More opportunities to run, explore, sniff, socialize, and experience the world around them.
I quickly realized that simply walking around the same neighbourhood streets wasn't always enough to meet their physical and mental needs.
Sure, they were getting exercise. But there was a noticeable difference between taking them for a routine walk and giving them the freedom to explore a trail, discover new scents, and genuinely enjoy the outdoors.
Those experiences helped me see dog walking from an entirely different perspective.
Dogs don't just need exercise. They need enrichment, stimulation, and opportunities to simply be dogs.
Kai and Blue helped shape that philosophy long before Zoomies became the business it is today.
They were, in many ways, my first Adventurists.
Turning an Idea Into Something Meaningful
As I thought more about the challenges facing dog owners during and after the pandemic, I began connecting the dots.
On one hand, there were families struggling to balance their work schedules with their dogs' daily needs.
On the other, there were dogs like Kai and Blue who needed more than a routine walk to feel genuinely fulfilled.
I realized there was an opportunity to address both challenges.
What if dog owners had access to a service that didn't just take their dogs outside for a bathroom break, but gave them something to look forward to?
What if we could provide structured outdoor adventures that combined exercise, mental enrichment, exploration, and positive social experiences?
And what if doing so could help make dog ownership more manageable for busy families?
That's when the concept for Zoomies really started taking shape.
I didn't want to build just another dog walking company.
I wanted to create a service that made a meaningful difference in the lives of dogs and the people who love them.
More Than Just a Walk
When people think about traditional dog walking, they often picture a quick stroll around the block, a bathroom break, and then back home.
But at Zoomies, we approach things differently.
We believe dogs deserve opportunities to explore the outdoors, discover new environments, engage their senses, and enjoy experiences that support their overall well-being.
Our adventures are designed with those principles in mind.
Whether it's exploring an Ottawa trail, enjoying the company of a carefully selected group of dogs, or building confidence through positive outdoor experiences, our goal is to make every adventure meaningful.
Of course, every dog is different.
Some thrive in social environments, while others prefer a quieter, more individualized experience. Understanding those differences and tailoring our approach is an important part of the care we provide.
Because an adventure shouldn't simply be about how much ground a dog covers.
It should be about how much they get out of the experience.
Building a Company Around Trust
As Zoomies began to grow, one thing became increasingly clear to me: we're not just caring for dogs. We're being trusted with members of people's families.
And that's a responsibility I take seriously.
One of the original reasons I wanted to start Zoomies was to help make life easier for dog owners, not add another responsibility to their already busy schedules.
I wanted clients to feel confident heading to work, knowing their dogs weren't simply waiting at home all day for them to return.
Instead, they could look forward to an adventure filled with exercise, enrichment, and genuine care.
That commitment continues to shape how we operate today.
From our initial Meet & Greets and individual assessments to our safety procedures and the relationships we build with our clients, trust remains at the centre of everything we do.
Exceptional dog care isn't just about providing a service. It's about building relationships, earning trust, and treating every dog as an individual.
Growing Beyond Myself
One of the most rewarding parts of building Zoomies has been watching it grow into something bigger than I initially imagined.
What began as an idea inspired by a challenging time, and by my own experiences with Kai and Blue, has grown into a team of people who share a genuine passion for dogs and the outdoors.
Our Adventurists bring their own personalities, experiences, and strengths to the team, but we're united by a common goal: giving every dog in our care something to get excited about.
As we've expanded throughout Ottawa, I've become increasingly proud of the community we're building.
Every new dog we welcome, every relationship we develop with a client, and every team member who shares our philosophy brings us closer to the company I originally envisioned.
Looking Toward the Future
While I'm proud of what Zoomies has become, I genuinely believe we're only getting started.
My long-term vision is to continue developing Zoomies into a company that sets a higher standard for dog care in Ottawa.
I envision more opportunities for outdoor exploration, expanded services that support dogs at different stages of their lives, and eventually a dedicated environment designed specifically around canine adventure, enrichment, and well-being.
But no matter how much we grow, I want us to remain grounded in the same principles that inspired Zoomies in the first place.
Helping busy families provide exceptional care for their dogs.
Creating opportunities for dogs to experience the outdoors in meaningful ways.
And building a company where trust, compassion, and genuine passion guide everything we do.
Adventure. Enrichment. Trust. And a genuine love for dogs.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Adventure
Looking back, it's incredible to think that an idea sparked during the pandemic, combined with two energetic dogs named Kai and Blue, would eventually become Zoomies Adventures.
What started as a desire to help dogs and their families has become something I'm incredibly proud to be building.
To every client who has trusted us with their dog, every team member who has contributed to our growth, and everyone who has supported Zoomies along the way: thank you.
My hope is that when you think of Zoomies, you don't simply think of a dog walking company.
You think of a team that understands how much your dog means to you.
A team that genuinely cares about their happiness, health, and well-being.
And a team that's committed to making every adventure something worth wagging about.
Because at the end of the day, that's why I started Zoomies.
More than a walk. It's an adventure.
— Jaden
Founder, Zoomies Adventures
Ready to Give Your Dog Their Next Great Adventure?
Whether you're returning to the office, balancing a busy schedule, or simply looking to give your dog more opportunities to explore, we'd love to welcome them to the Zoomies family.
Discover our Ottawa Dog Adventures and learn how we can help bring more adventure, enrichment, and excitement into your dog's life.
