Island Heights is a one-square-mile Victorian gem on the north shore of the Toms River — a preserved former camp-meeting town with a half-mile riverwalk, a landmark pavilion, and quiet historic streets. Its walkable, waterfront character makes it a treat for dog owners. Happy Tails provides professional, one-on-one dog walking throughout Island Heights — rain or shine, 365 days a year.
Quick Answer
Happy Tails offers solo dog walking in Island Heights, NJ starting at $30 for 30 minutes. Every walker is insured, background-checked, and sends a photo update after each walk. Book online at gethappytails.com.
Island Heights feels like a step back in time, and that's exactly what makes it such a pleasant place to walk a dog. Founded in 1878 as a Methodist camp-meeting site, the borough preserves block after block of Victorian, modern, and cabin-style homes on quiet, tree-lined streets. The half-mile riverwalk along the Toms River is the centerpiece — a scenic boardwalk with a two-story pavilion and pier looking out over the water, and unlike the ocean beach towns, it's a river's-edge promenade that's a joy year-round. Happy Tails walkers know the riverwalk and the historic grid and build calm routes that suit each dog.
Happy Tails assigns you a dedicated primary walker who gets to know your dog — their pace, their preferences, whether they're reactive on leash or need extra time sniffing. Before your first walk, we do a free meet-and-greet at your home. Your walker learns your dog's quirks, your house entry routine, and any special instructions. That information stays on file so nothing gets repeated or missed. Every walk ends with a photo update and a brief post-walk report covering behavior, bathroom, and energy level.
Beyond daily dog walking, Island Heights clients also use Happy Tails for drop-in check-in visits and adventure trips along the Toms River waterfront and into neighboring Toms River and Toms River County parks. Our pet taxi service covers vet runs and groomer appointments throughout Ocean County — including clinics in nearby Toms River and along the Route 37 corridor — so your dog gets where they need to go without you having to leave work.
Island Heights Riverwalk & Pavilion
Half-mile boardwalk along the Toms River with a two-story pavilion and pier — a scenic year-round walk
Victorian Historic District
Preserved 19th-century camp-meeting architecture on quiet, walkable streets
Toms River Waterfront
Calm river's-edge walking with open water views on the borough's south side
Historic Village Streets
Tree-shaded residential blocks through the compact, one-square-mile borough
30-Min Walk
$30
Solo, one-on-one. Photo update included.
60-Min Walk
$50
Premium outing for high-energy breeds.
5-Pack
$125
$25/walk — best for 1–2x per week schedules.
10-Pack
$230
$23/walk — best for daily walkers.
Weekend surcharge: +$5 · Holiday surcharge: +$15 · Extra dog (same household): +$5/walk
“The riverwalk is the prettiest walk in Ocean County and our Happy Tails walker takes our two there every morning. Reliable in any weather, and the photos overlooking the water are the best.”
Ellen & Mark D.
Baxter & Olive, Cavaliers — Island Heights, NJ
We cover all of Island Heights — the riverwalk and pavilion area, the Victorian historic district, and the tree-lined streets across the one-square-mile borough. If you're near the Toms River or Toms River Township borders, just ask; we likely cover it.
Yes — the riverwalk along the Toms River is one of our favorite routes here and, as a river's-edge promenade rather than an ocean bathing beach, it's a beautiful walk in every season. We'll follow local leash rules and pick the calmest stretch for your dog.
Both work. Single walks are available at $30 for 30 minutes or $50 for 60 minutes. If you need regular walks, our 5-pack ($125) and 10-pack ($230) options bring the per-walk cost down significantly.
Let us know during booking. We work with reactive dogs, anxious dogs, and seniors regularly — Island Heights' quiet historic streets are ideal for low-stress, confidence-building walks. We'll match you with the right walker and make sure the meet-and-greet happens before the first walk.
Yes. Happy Tails pet taxi covers vet runs and groomer appointments throughout Ocean County, including Island Heights and nearby Toms River. Pricing starts at $30 plus $3 per mile. Book alongside your walking service or as a standalone.
Takes 2 minutes to book online. We'll confirm same-day and schedule a free meet-and-greet before walk #1.
Book a Walk in Island Heights 🐾