Long Time San Francisco Dog Walker:
My Journey

Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

What 19 Years Has Taught Me

After nearly two decades as a professional dog walker in San Francisco, I've learned that this job is about so much more than just walking dogs. It's about building trust, understanding canine behavior, recognizing health issues before they become serious, and being there for both the dogs and their families through all of life's changes.

I've seen puppies grow into senior dogs. I've helped anxious rescues learn to trust again. I've watched shy dogs blossom into confident pack members. Every single dog has taught me something new about patience, love, and living in the moment.

The Reality of Being a San Francisco Dog Walker

I have been walking dogs in San Francisco for a very long time now and I can truly say that I love doing this work! But let me be honest about what this job really entails.

You Must Love All Kinds of Weather

In order to be a successful dog walker in San Francisco, you need to relish being outside every day in any kind of weather condition. Tramping around in mud on stormy days, freezing cold windy days, you get the idea! The weather can make the job pleasant or unpleasant and that is something that you have to be willing to put up with. It is part of the job description and a must. I happen to love a stroll through the woods on a rainy day. Do you?

You'll Drive. A Lot.

Another job requirement for being a San Francisco dog walker is that you must be okay with a lot of driving! You must be able to drive without accidents or tickets and at the same time make quick pickups and drop-offs. You must operate like a UPS driver. In fact, that is exactly how you will feel, like a UPS driver. Driving the same route every day can become really monotonous. Also this can be said for the tasks you do every day. You need to remember to lock the houses, set the alarms, while answering text messages about schedule changes. You need to be a multi-tasker extraordinaire.

You Must Be Prepared for Heartbreak

You need to be able to say goodbye to dogs. They will either die from old age or move to another location. This is very heartbreaking and if you really love them, emotions run high in this business, so you must be prepared for heartbreak. Can you stand having your dog ripped from your arms? You have to give so much of your heart to be a good dog walker, but you must also be able to walk away, if the time comes. Very difficult to do.

The Most Important Requirement: You Must Love YOUR Dogs

So here is the most important requirement: you must love dogs. Correction, you must love YOUR dogs! Actually, this is the BIGGEST key to being a very successful dog walker in San Francisco. You must love each and every dog that you are taking to the park. You must open up your heart and let them in. Dogs know if you love them and will not follow your lead if you don't. It is a given.

The best advice my sister gave me is, don't take every dog that comes along. You must carefully choose candidates for your pack. Are they well trained? Do they have an excellent recall? Are they aggressive or have any play styles that might be misinterpreted by other dogs? Don't be afraid to turn down dogs that will not be good for your pack. Do not try to grow big without considering how it will affect your day, your attitude and the behavior of your pack. I know for a fact that when you are walking too many dogs, you are tired and grumpy. The job no longer seems fun and you are not happy doing this work.

Young, struggling dog walkers often work for dog walking companies as employees or contractors and need to make enough money to cover expenses. They often cut corners to make things work, thus there is a high turnover in the dog walking industry. They find out that the job requires too much work for the amount of pay and the fun of being with dogs all day loses its appeal.

I have been told time and time again that people really like my dogs and my pack. They are in awe that they behave so well. I have been called a dog whisperer, but mostly I just love my dogs and they know it. They are all really good dogs and behave. I chose my pack carefully and did not make "growing business" a priority. More importantly, I do the right thing for the dogs and the owners. Other dog walkers in San Francisco cannot say this.

Running Your Own Business Takes Dedication

Another must have—a strong desire to open your own business and willingness to put in the time. Owning your own dog walking business in San Francisco is not easy and you will need to love it so much that you are willing to spend your own time working at home. You need to market your business, interview clients, bill your clients every month, create schedules, purchase equipment and clean your vehicle inside and out. This is not a 9-5 job and you have to have the flexibility to work the many hours necessary to make the business take off.

Why Experience Matters

When you've been doing this for a long time, you develop instincts that can't be learned from a training video or a weekend certification course. You learn to read subtle body language. You know when a slight limp needs immediate veterinary attention versus when it's just a minor strain that will resolve with rest. You understand pack dynamics and can prevent problems before they start.

I've navigated thousands of walks in all kinds of San Francisco weather—fog, rain, wind, and those rare perfect sunny days. I know which trails are safe, which areas to avoid, and where the best off-leash experiences can be found. I have relationships with local vets, groomers, and other pet professionals. This network of knowledge and experience is something I bring to every single walk.

My Approach: Quality Over Quantity

Over 19 years, I've deliberately kept my business small. While other dog walking companies have grown into large operations with dozens of employees, I've maintained a hands-on approach. I personally walk every dog in my care. I limit my groups to 5-6 compatible dogs maximum, ensuring each one gets individual attention and supervision.

This isn't the most profitable business model, but it's the right one. My clients stay with me for years—many for over a decade—because they know their dogs are receiving the highest level of care. That kind of loyalty and trust can't be bought; it has to be earned, one walk at a time, over many years.

What Sets Me Apart

• dog*tec Certified: Professional training in canine behavior and safety
• SFSPCA Trained: San Francisco-specific animal care expertise
• Pet First Aid Certified: Ready for any emergency
• Bonded and Insured: Full liability coverage for your peace of mind
• Individual Crate Transportation: Each dog has their own secure, comfortable space
• Small, Selective Groups: Maximum 5-6 compatible dogs for optimal safety and fun
• Rubber Balls Only: Tennis balls wear down teeth—I use only tooth-safe rubber balls
• Year-End Photo Books: Professional photo books for every client at year's end
• Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of San Francisco's best dog-friendly locations

The Dogs Who Changed My Life

I could tell you about hundreds of dogs who've left pawprints on my heart over the years. The nervous rescue who finally learned to play. The senior dog who got to experience one last amazing year of beach runs. The boisterous puppy who became a calm, confident adult. Each one has been a privilege to care for.

What keeps me going isn't the business—it's the relationships. It's seeing a dog's face light up when I arrive. It's the trust in their eyes when they look to me for guidance. It's knowing that I'm making a real difference in their lives and providing peace of mind for their families.

Looking Forward

After all this time, I'm still as passionate about this work as I was on day one. I still get excited about discovering new trails. I still laugh at the silly things dogs do. I still feel honored that families trust me with their beloved companions.

I'm not the biggest dog walking service in San Francisco, and I never will be. But I am committed to being one of the best—where every dog gets individualized attention, expert care, and genuine love.

What You Can Expect

When you choose Doggie Business, you're not just hiring a dog walker—you're gaining a experienced partner in your dog's care. You can expect:

• The same experienced walker every time (me!)
• Small, carefully managed groups of compatible dogs
• Safe, enriching experiences at San Francisco's best locations
• Careful attention to your dog's individual needs and personality
• Open communication about your dog's day
• Professional handling of any situation that may arise
• A commitment to your dog's safety, happiness, and wellbeing

Ready to Meet?

If you're looking for experienced, professional dog walking in San Francisco—the kind that comes from nearly two decades of dedicated service—I'd love to meet you and your dog. I'll come to your home, talk about your dog's needs, and see if we're a good fit.

After all these years, I still believe that the best way to start a new client relationship is the old-fashioned way: face to face, getting to know each other, and making sure your dog is comfortable with me before we hit the trails together.

Here's to many more years of happy dogs, beautiful San Francisco days, and the privilege of doing work that I truly love.