Roger Leonhardt didn’t grow up with dogs — in fact, he didn’t even consider himself a dog person until his niece moved in with her two children and a puppy. Helping out with the new pup’s care sparked something in him. “That’s when I realized I was a dog person,” he says.
That realization changed the course of his life. By the early 2000s, Leonhardt left a stable, well-paying tech sales job to pursue something others scoffed at — dog walking. “Back then, people laughed when I said I’d turn dog walking into a business. They didn’t believe anyone would pay for it,” he recalls.
But he proved them wrong. At his peak, Leonhardt was walking up to 40 dogs a day and became known as a “dog whisperer” in Toronto’s east-end parks and trails. Today, he still walks his own dog, Dawson, along with a few others, year-round — rain, shine or snow.
Now in semi-retirement, Leonhardt has turned his focus toward a new canine-centred venture: Chase Away, a 100 per cent natural, alcohol- and DEET-free tick and insect repellent for dogs. The product, initially created for personal use, quickly gained popularity after he handed out samples in his neighbourhood.
“With climate change, tick season is lasting much longer than before — even through parts of winter,” says Leonhardt. “I needed something safe for the dogs I walk daily, and I knew others did too.”
Chase Away’s blend of natural oils offers protection from ticks, fleas, flies and other pests, and is safe for dogs and their human companions alike. But what makes the business truly stand out is its mission: over 50 per cent of profits are donated to animal charities.
“I want this to be about more than just sales,” Leonhardt says. “It’s about helping every dog I can — including those in shelters.”
From backyard solution to growing startup
Leonhardt soft-launched Chase Away last summer after two years of testing. Word-of-mouth success at dog parks and fairs motivated him to officially debut the brand at the Canadian Pet Expo in Mississauga this past spring.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “After the Pet Expo, I was able to donate $1,000 to Pickering Animal Services,” he says proudly. He continues to attend regional pet shows and farmers markets, determined to raise awareness of both tick-borne illnesses and the growing need for dog welfare support.
One client, Devi G., whose two small dogs, Aloo and Poori, often walk with Leonhardt, swears by the product. “Having had Lyme disease myself, I wouldn’t want my dogs to go through the same,” she says. “Roger’s spray, along with their medication, has been a great help when we camp and kayak together.”
Leonhardt now sells directly to customers through his online store at Chaseaway.caexpanding access to pet parents across Canada.
Sidebar: Newcomers and pet ownership in Canada
For many newcomers, raising a dog in Canada presents unfamiliar challenges — from indoor pet etiquette to socializing in dog parks and hiking on tick-prone trails. With temperatures now regularly above freezing during the shoulder seasons, the tick threat lingers much longer, raising health concerns for both pets and their owners.
Leonhardt, who spends most of his days on Durham Region’s trails, offers some quick tips for staying safe during walks:
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Wear light-coloured clothing and long sleeves
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Tuck pants into socks
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Apply natural repellents (like cedarwood oil)
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Check yourself and your pet after every hike
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Use tweezers to remove ticks carefully if found
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Send ticks to public health for testing
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Learn more at local or provincial public health websites
He believes education is key — especially for newcomers unfamiliar with Lyme disease and the severity of untreated tick bites.
“Many people, especially newcomers, are unaware that these little bugs can carry serious illnesses,” says Leonhardt. “The more we talk about it, the more we can prevent unnecessary suffering — for both dogs and their humans.”
