Services - Doggie Business

Payment Policy

Payment Methods

Payment accepted: Check or cash only. Make checks payable to Doggie Business. Cash apps like Venmo and Zelle are not accepted.

Billing & Due Dates

Clients are billed once a month during the last week of the month for services provided within that month. Balances must be paid in full by check or cash.

Payment must be received within the first 5 days of the month. If you need more time to pay, please contact me in advance to arrange an alternative payment schedule. Late payments without prior arrangement will incur a $20 fee. Repeated late payments may result in removal from the program.

Holidays & Schedule

All holidays are observed - no services available. There may be additional cancelled walks added to the holiday schedule. Expect to be flexible at times with your dog's walk schedule. It would be good to have back up care available, such as a family member to let your dog out for a bathroom break in the backyard.

You will be notified of the schedule via text before the month begins.

Dog Requirements

Training Requirements

♥ Dogs must be trained and obedient with basic commands: sit, stay, come, wait, and no

♥ Strong recall skills required for off-leash group walks

♥ Prior experience in off-leash park settings

♥ Compatible with both dogs and humans

♥ Not reactive to skateboards, bikes, scooters, or roller skates

♥ No digging for gophers on parklands

Age Requirements

♥ Minimum 6 months of age to join group walks

♥ Dogs must be spayed or neutered by 9 months of age to continue in group walks

Health Requirements

♥ Current DHLPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccinations

♥ Active flea and tick control program (prescribed by veterinarian)

♥ Good physical health and fitness for trail hiking

Not a Good Fit

Nothing personal - not all dogs fit in for a variety of reasons. Dogs who are aggressive, highly reactive, require constant management, or have significant behavioral challenges are not appropriate for this service. The group dynamic depends on every dog being compatible.

Frequent Questions

In which San Francisco neighborhoods do you provide services?

Forest Hill
Golden Gate Heights
Inner Parkside
Inner Sunset
Merced Manor
Monterey Heights
Parkmerced
St. Francis Wood
West Portal

Do you always walk at Stern Grove?

While Stern Grove is our primary location, we occasionally visit other exceptional parks for variety including the Presidio, Glen Canyon, and Fort Funston. These destination walks provide new experiences and keep things exciting for the dogs. Please note that travel time will be longer on these days to reach these wonderful locations, but the adventure is worth it!

What size dogs do you accept?

Large and medium sized dogs, typically 30-70 lbs, work out best for this service. At all locations—including Stern Grove—wildlife and predators are a safety concern. I typically turn away small, fluffy dogs that resemble rabbits or prey animals (Maltese, Yorkies, and similar toy breeds). However, some smaller dogs may be accepted based on their personality traits, sturdiness, and tendency to stay close. With limited space available, I need to ensure every dog can safely participate.

Do you offer boarding?

No. Doggie Business specializes exclusively in daily group walks Monday through Thursday. I do not offer boarding, overnight care, or weekend services. This focused approach allows me to maintain the highest quality experience and sustain a healthy work-life balance after 19 years in business.

Do you offer pet sitting in clients' homes?

No. I do not offer pet sitting services in your home. My service is focused exclusively on daily group walks.

Do you offer weekend walks?

No. Walks are offered Monday through Thursday only. I do not provide Friday, Saturday, or Sunday services.

Do you accept part-time clients?

No. Due to limited space and the consistent group dynamic required for successful off-leash work, I only accept full-time clients (Monday–Thursday). Part-time arrangements are not available.

Do you offer potty break walks or shorter mid-day visits?

No. Doggie Business specializes exclusively in full off-leash trail adventures. I do not offer quick potty breaks, shorter walks, or drop-in visits.

What should I do if I need to cancel a dog walk?

The full walk rate will be charged if your dog is not at home at pick-up time unless I am notified in advance. Your pick-up time has a three-hour window (typically pickups are between 11 am and 2 pm, drop-offs are between 3 pm and 6 pm). Occasionally, pick-up time may vary due to weather constraints or number of dogs scheduled.

Your cancellation message must occur before I arrive at your house or you will be charged in full for the walk, regardless of whether or not I wind up walking the dog.

To avoid a cancellation fee, your cancellation must be for a valid reason such as a last-minute vet appointment or trip out of town (not "it's raining today", "I forgot to tell you", or "I am staying home from work today").

Scheduling vet or grooming appointments on Fridays or holidays is appreciated.

Excessive cancellations will either entail extra fees or your dog may be dropped from the program.

What if my dog isn't ready for off-leash trail work?

Some dogs and puppies may not have all the required skills initially, however they may demonstrate potential and can be brought up to speed with private training sessions. I'll be honest during the trial process about whether your dog is a good fit for the group, but undesirable behaviors can crop up long after the trial period has ended and your dog may not work out depending on the behavior.

Doggie Business

Schedule

Pricing