Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Dog Daycare & Pet Services in Avon, CO
Walkin' the Dog was founded by Merrill and Marisa Lahman, lifelong animal lovers who transformed their passion for dogs into a dedicated career. Since establishing our mobile hiking and boarding service in 1998, we have prioritized building meaningful relationships with pets while providing expert care. Our team combines formal education from accredited veterinary technician programs with over 20 years of hands-on experience in dog behavior, pack dynamics, and holistic wellness. We expanded our offerings in 2002 by opening the Vail Valley's largest fenced-in dog daycare facility, designed to be clean, safe, and home-like for optimal comfort. As active participants in the Association of Pet Dog Trainers conferences, we continuously refine our knowledge of canine behavior and training methodologies.Our commitment to personalized care ensures every dog receives individualized attention, with real-time updates on their socialization and development. We maintain a low staff-to-dog ratio, with all team members trained directly by us in behavior management and playgroup leadership. Our overnight boarding service operates from our home, ensuring constant supervision and a family-like environment. We specialize in balancing structured playtime, one-on-one interaction, and rest periods to promote physical and mental well-being. Our facility features an aqua treadmill for therapeutic exercise, reflecting our dedication to comprehensive wellness solutions for dogs of all ages and abilities.
Services
Dog Daycare
Hiking Services
Overnight Boarding
Aqua Treadmill Therapy
Cat Care
Play Cards
Group Hikes
Private Walks
Pick-up/Drop-off
Enrollment Form
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of combined experience in dog behavior and care.
- Our staff maintains a low dog-to-staff ratio for personalized attention.
- We operate from our home for constant overnight supervision.
- We participate in annual APDT training conferences for professional development.
- We offer specialized aqua treadmill therapy for canine rehabilitation.
What people say
Ecstatic in the car
Frame worthy photos
Loves his friends at WTD
Always exhausted and happy
In good hands
Services
Dog Daycare
Our Vail Valley facility offers the region's largest fenced-in play area for dogs. Structured group play sessions promote socialization while trained staff monitor interactions to ensure safety. Dogs enjoy continuous physical activity and mental stimulation tailored to their individual needs, with real-time updates provided to owners.
Overnight Boarding
Dogs stay in our home with 24/7 supervision and access to a large fenced yard. We maintain a maximum of 10 guests nightly to ensure personalized care. Services include medication administration, feeding, and individualized attention while maintaining consistent routines for guest comfort.
Hiking Services
Group hikes operate three days weekly with trained staff leading safe, structured outdoor activities. We assess each dog's ability to follow commands before participation. Private walks accommodate special needs pets with 20-30 minute one-on-one sessions including feeding assistance when required.
Aqua Treadmill Therapy
Our Tudor Treadmill system provides low-impact exercise for rehabilitation and fitness. Computer tracking monitors progress while adjustable water levels customize resistance. This service benefits dogs recovering from injuries, managing weight, or requiring geriatric care through controlled aquatic workouts.
Cat Care
We provide in-home cat visits with litter cleaning, feeding, and medication administration. Visits occur daily or every other day based on client needs. Our facility houses resident cats to demonstrate our understanding of feline behavior and care requirements during owner absences.
People
Merrill Lahman
Co-Owner & Care Provider
With over 20 years of dog care experience, Merrill co-founded Walkin' the Dog in 1998. He combines formal veterinary technician education with hands-on expertise in canine behavior and pack dynamics.
Marisa Lahman
Co-Owner & Care Provider
Marisa co-founded Walkin' the Dog with Merrill, bringing extensive animal care knowledge from professional training programs and daily hands-on experience managing all aspects of pet services since 1998.
Questions
What services does Walkin' the Dog offer?
We provide dog daycare, hiking programs, overnight boarding, aqua treadmill therapy, and cat care services in the Vail Valley region.
How do I schedule services for my pet?
Call (970) 476-8197 to make appointments for daycare, boarding, or mobile services. Advanced reservations are required for overnight stays.
Are there vaccination requirements for dogs?
Yes, all dogs must provide proof of vaccinations and complete an enrollment form before first-time service access.
What areas do you serve?
We operate from Avon to East Vail, including Wildridge, Edwards, Minturn, and Beaver Creek areas with mobile services.
Can I visit the facility before booking?
We require meeting all clients and their dogs prior to overnight care but don't offer general facility tours to minimize dog distractions.
Do you care for pets with special needs?
Yes, our private walks accommodate older dogs, puppies, and pets requiring medication administration or rehabilitation support.
