Happy trails & wagging tails
Hitch-a-Hike all about giving dogs the adventures they deserve — off-leash, on the trails, and alongside their best pals.
Our story
Hitch-a-Hike Victoria was founded in late 2022 after Mich spent a year walking for another local company, gaining hands-on experience and refining the values that now define the business. At its core, Hitch-a-Hike prioritizes pups over profit, ensuring every dog feels safe, comfortable, and truly part of the pack.
As a registered Fear-Free & Force-Free business, Hitch-a-Hike specializes in small, carefully curated groups of four to six dogs. Keeping packs small allows us to pay close attention to body language, prevent stress and anxiety, and create a positive and enriching experience. Every hiking adventure helps dogs build confidence, explore alongside their best pals, and enjoy the outdoors.
What started as a humble operation has since grown into a trusted dog walking business and adventure-facilitator across Victoria, BC. As we grow, Hitch-a-Hike’s core values remain the same — offering ethical, responsible, and joyful pack hikes and adventures to all our furry, slobbery friends.
Milo is the youthful force behind Hitch-a-Hike’s team. He takes workplace engagement seriously, ensuring that each human gets at least one laugh and headbutt per day. Milo also firmly believes that a well-placed zoomie or a spontaneous shadow-chasing session is the best way to reset the day.
Mich has always been drawn to animals. After training as a veterinary assistant in Halifax and working in Ontario, she moved west in 2015 and explored a variety of paths — managing yoga studios, working in medical offices, and spending four seasons tree planting in Northern BC, to name a few.
Through these experiences, one thing became clear: she was meant to work outdoors and with animals. In 2022, she turned that realization into action, launching Hitch-a-Hike Victoria with the goal of providing safe, engaging, and enriching outdoor experiences for dogs.
Laurie is known as one of Hitch-a-Hike's cheeriest handlers, and she's well-acquainted with the joy of caring for dogs. She adopted Koal, an American Staffordshire Terrier, when she was 19 and living on her own, and they spent those early years learning about caregiver and dog relationships and life in general. Wilbur, a loving and chonky blue heeler, came later and became Laurie's best friend for the rest of his lifetime.
Now, with high-energy, scent-tracking coonhounds Junebug and Josie at her side, Laurie spends most of her daylight hours outside, making sure that they and her favourite furry buddies from Hitch-a-Hike's pack get to sniff and explore Victoria's forests and coastlines.
At Hitch-a-Hike, the dogs may be the priority — but who’s looking out for the humans? As Senior HR Manager, Tucker ensures that the humans of Hitch-a-Hike get the same amount of love as the dogs in our pack. With over a decade of experience overseeing humans, Tucker takes his role seriously, monitoring them from his executive lounge (the sunny spot on the couch), providing emotional support through silent but understanding blinks, and exemplifying high standards of rest and self-care.
Millie found her way to Mich's household (and heart!) and joined the Hitch-a-Hike team after making the journey from Mexico City to Canada in early 2025. Currently holding the title of World's Sweetest Girl, Millie is a small dog with plenty of love to dish out to her human and canine pals. She works closely amongst her colleagues and feline brothers, planning out the day's cuddles and zoomies with Milo and coordinating snack heists with Tucker, all while providing key operational and emotional support to her mum and her Hitch-a-Hike friends!
Originally from Southern Ontario, Maggie has called Vancouver Island home for almost a decade. They're a lifelong animal lover with a soft spot for sensitive dogs, thanks to their German Shepherd (Basil) providing many lessons in meeting dogs where they're at, whether mentally, physically, or specifically for their breed.
Maggie practices this mindset on the trail with Hitch-a-Hike, making sure that every dog is having the safest, bestest time. When not out with the pack, Maggie is usually hiking with their own pup, gardening, cooking, or spending time with their senior cat.
Our team
Client testimonials
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Rocco
Mich and her team take such great care of my dog, he absolutely LOVES his outings with them. He gets so excited when they arrive to get him!! They come 2x per week on days when my work schedule doesn't allow me time to walk him. My dog loves socializing with the other dogs and getting the exercise that he needs & deserves. I highly recommend Hitch-A-Hike!!
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Huey
Huey has been going on hikes with Mich for the past year and a bit. We do it for a change of pace for him and he loves hanging out with his pals and Mich! She truly takes great care of him and always puts the pups first!
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Westley
Could not recommend Hitch-a-Hike more! Mich and her team are beyond exceptional. Getting photos of our pup and knowing he has an absolute blast is so reassuring. Mich is incredibly kind and our pup loves her to the end of the earth! We, and more importantly our dog, are huge fans!
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Mac
I have a high energy dog, but he always comes home pooped! Mac also waits at the door during his usual pickup times, and when Michelle doesn’t pick him up, Mac comes to me and wonders what’s going on! Needless to say, Mac loves going out with Michelle, and Michelle is great to work with. Top-notch business and customer service skills.
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Nora
Meesh and the team are so wonderful. She has taken the time to work with my anxious and reactive pup and find the right group and groove for her. Having their services have truly made a world of difference for us.
