Since 2010 Pant & Wag's (PAW) Fitness Adventures have helped the best pups in Washington, DC to have fun, stay healthy, alleviate boredom, and maintain mental wellness. Pant & Wag was the first dog adventure and canine fitness company in the Washington, DC area and among the very first in the nation!
PAW was born out of the realization that traditional pet service companies such as dog daycare and dog walkers do not provide our furry family members with fun outdoor adventures where they can safely get the exercise they need, engage with nature, and socialize in a playgroup with other similar pups. Our Fitness Adventures solve this problem by taking your pooch and his furry friends on
extraordinary hikes and
vigorous runs at different dog-friendly trails each day!
Our goal is to make sure your dog has a better life than you. Unfair? Yep! But trust us, your pupper deserves it. Here's how we make it happen:
In-Person Vetting
All pups are screened in-person before joining our dog adventure crew. This helps us keep the entire group safe and ensures we place each pooch in the best possible playgroup.
Appropriate Matching of Groups
We match the dogs in each group based on their athleticism, temperament, and age. This helps ensure no pupper gets over-fatigued or underwhelmed during their awesome Fitness Adventure. This also allows them to form lasting bonds with their adventuring friends.
Pick-up and Drop-off Included
Whether you're working from home or away at the office, we pick-up and drop-off your fur ball at your home so you don't have to worry. It's incredibly convenient and saves you time!
Diverse Destinations for
Every Adventure
We visit dozens of dog-friendly natural parks and trails. This brings out Fido's inner-explorer and gives him/her a different adventure on each outing. (It's OK to be jealous of your pup at this point... all of the other neighborhood pups will be jealous of your pup too!)
Different Physical Activities
for Fitness and Fun
We lead Rover in different activities and also allow for plenty of sniff time and socialization. We run, we hike, we play, we hunt (sort of), we roll around in the weeds and get dirty. We let dogs be dogs.
Custom Reporting of
your Dog's Awesome Day
You'll be fully informed of your pup's activities through his/her own personalized Canine Adventure Report. You'll know exactly where we went and what trail we trekked via a GPS trail map, how many miles we covered, get a bathroom breakdown, and even see picture and videos of your beautiful furball in action.
Pant & Wag is dedicated to providing your pup with the best and safest outdoor escapade. Our passion lies in crafting unique dog adventures that let them explore the most beautiful parks and trails around the DC metro area, all while enjoying the company of their furry playmates. Our main goal is to provide them with socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation in the safest way possible.
We totally get how much your pet means to you (our first clients were our own dogs!), which is why safety is our absolute priority during every adventure. With over a decade of experience in pet care, we've come up with the systems and protocols to ensure your fur-baby's wellbeing. Here's a sample of how we do it:
If you're curious about more of our safety measures, just head over to our dog hiking and trail running pages.
At Pant & Wag, we firmly believe that every doggie deserves a life full of joy and excitement. Our dog adventures offer the perfect mix of exercise and socializing, giving your furry friend the best time ever while they explore the coolest parks and trails in the DMV area. So come join the fun, and let's make some unforgettable memories together!
Most dogs require a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per day and many need at least double that amount. [1] Our Fitness Adventures are led by Canine Fitness Coaches and are recommended by vets to get those paws moving! With our 10+ years of experience we've developed the five tenets of canine fitness:
And last but not least, remember to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new canine fitness program.
Not incorporating a fitness plan into your doggy's daily routine poses a health a risk. The lack of true aerobic fitness along with poor nutrition are the leading causes of the canine obesity epidemic. It is estimated between 50-58% of all dogs in the US are now overweight. [2] Fat dogs are more at risk in surgery, more prone to injury, and have more stress on heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and joints. Excess weight can worsen osteoarthritis and dysplasia, cause respiratory problems, lead to diabetes mellitus and cancer, and generally lessen the quality of life for your best friend. [3]
Not having a fitness plan can also create mental wellness and behavioral issues for your furry buddy. The lack of physical and mental stimulation can lead to feelings of frustration, restlessness, and anxiety. These issues can manifest themselves in the form of destructive behaviors, depression, and even aggression. [4] Like us, canines are social animals that thrive on interaction with their environment. Too little activity can result in a lack of exposure to different sights, sounds, and smells, leading to underdeveloped social skills and anxiety in social situations.
" ...a really great alternative to dog daycare."
~Sunshine's Mom, Georgetown,
Washington, DC
"....professional, reliable, trustworthy, and wonderful with my dog. She loves her daily “adventures” with her pals, and I am happy to know she is well exercised, taken care of, and engaged while I’m at work."
~Rosie's Mom, Glover Park,
Washington, DC
"Pant & Wag is the best service I've ever encountered! Sean and team are enthusiastic, extremely caring, and reliable. Our Ollie had the privilege of going on 100+ adventures with Pant & Wag. She sprints to the door when they arrive to get her, smiling and tail wagging, and always comes home full exercised, tired, and relaxed."
~Ollie's Mom, Georgetown,
Washington, DC
Take the first step in making your pooch healthier and happier by signing up for a free in-home consultation, where we will explain our approach, highlight what sets us apart from other pet service companies, and assess your pupper's temperament and history to ensure the best possible playgroup for him/her. Get your pup enrolled in our Fitness Adventure program today!
Are you a fan of animals, staying active, and immersing yourself in the environment? We may have an amazing employment opportunity for you! Our team of canine fitness coaches comprises individuals from various backgrounds—stay-at-home, students, retirees, and those with other jobs—all united by their passion for doggos, the outdoors, and physical fitness. If you can spare a few hours in the afternoon and wish to earn some income while adventuring with group of amazing canines amidst the beauty of the woods, we invite you to explore our Job Opportunities page for further details.
2. Association of Pet Obesity Prevention: https://www.petobesityprevention.org/
4. VCA Animal Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-behavior-and-training---play-and-exercise#:~:text=Insufficient%20exercise%20can%20contribute%20to%20problem%20behaviors%20including%20destructiveness%20(chewing,even%20some%20forms%20of%20barking
