What catapulted this company to the top ranks
of Dog walking Pros?
When you've been doing something for nearly two decades, you don't just know your business—you've perfected it. Every trail at Stern Grove, every personality quirk, every subtle sign that tells you today's going to be a great adventure or when a dog needs a quieter day. That's the difference between experience and expertise.
The Owner-Operated Advantage
You know who's walking your dog? Me. Every single time. No rotating staff, no wondering who showed up today, no explaining your dog's preferences over and over. When you call, I answer. When there's a question about your dog, I know the answer because I was there.
This consistency matters more than most people realize. Your dog isn't learning to trust a company—they're building a relationship with one person who genuinely cares about their happiness and safety.
After nineteen years, I've learned that scale and quality rarely coexist in this business. You can hire a team and maximize revenue, or you can maintain the exceptional standard that keeps clients loyal for years. I chose quality.
The Zero Drama Approach
After nineteen years, I can spot potential drama a mile away. My groups are small (5-6 dogs maximum) and carefully curated. Not every dog is a match for off-leash trail adventures, and I'm selective about it. This isn't about scaling up—it's about maintaining the quality of experience that's kept my business thriving for nearly two decades.
Dogs that do well in my care share certain traits: they're social without being pushy, they respond to voice commands, and they genuinely enjoy the trail experience. I'm looking for the right fit, not just filling slots.
What Sets My Service Apart
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Crates.
Industry-Leading Transport Safety: Dogs travel safely in secure, spacious individual crates with comfortable bedding—a safety standard most dog walkers skip because it's expensive and limits capacity. I prioritize safety over maximizing profit. Compatible dogs often snuggle together, while each maintains their own secure space. No drama during transport, no loose dogs interfering with the driver. Just calm, safe travel to and from our adventures—with the occasional concert of snores from the peanut gallery.
Freedom.
Genuine off-leash freedom: Stern Grove offers the kind of trails where dogs can actually be dogs—exploring, running, engaging with their pack. This isn't a quick bathroom break in a parking lot.
Skill.
Intuitive pack management: Nearly two decades of experience means I read group dynamics instinctively. I know when to intervene, when to let dogs work it out, and how to keep everyone happy and safe.
My Background
I'm a native San Franciscan who grew up in Forest Hill with wonderful dogs that provided years of hands-on experience. As a teenager, I competed in AKC dog shows in both conformation and obedience trials, earning trophies and ribbons throughout the Northern California and Oregon show circuit.
I've studied canine behavior and training techniques through classes at the San Francisco SPCA, where I regularly worked with shelter dogs to improve their chances of finding and keeping good homes. This foundation in understanding dog behavior and body language informs everything I do.
Professional Credentials
- SFSPCA Approved Dog Walker (limited to select certified professionals)
- Listed on San Francisco Animal Care & Control Dog Walker Registry
- Licensed, bonded, and insured with $1 million liability coverage
- Fully compliant with San Francisco dog walking regulations
What Clients Say
"Janet is the most wonderful doggie caretaker of them all. She has treated our Roxy like her own since day one and it's been six years. She is dependable, reliable, and we trust her completely."
"Janet is very reliable and clearly loves our dog. She transports Maggie in her Doggie Business van where she is safe and secure. She takes Maggie for very long walks and Maggie is clearly exhausted when she returns home. Janet communicates very well with us, she is very trustworthy. We have no hesitation in recommending Janet for your dog walking needs."