Dog Walking in Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA

“Gregory is awesome. His calming personality is exactly what Vader needs, and Vader really connects with him. Gregory is punctual and communicative. We will be booking in the future!”

Yolanda & Mike S.

“Esteban is awesome! He takes good care of Sunny, my terrier puppy. And sends me lots of detailed updates and wonderful photos. Sunny seems very relaxed and happy after walks/hangs with Esteban. Thank you so very much for all that you do!”

Ahna S.

About: Friends and family call me their go-to dog walker and pet sitter, whether it be a quick walk down the block, or a 2-week overnight stay. My experience includes volunteering at the humane society, walking pups with harnesses or gentle leaders, administering oral medication, and training with lots of affection and treats! Usually, pet sitting happens in the pet’s home where they feel most comfortable and secure. I have cared for puppies, kittens, and senior pets - some with dementia 🙃. I have flexible availability during the weekdays when your pet needs some extra attention 😊. I’m hoping to build a consistent schedule with the same pets. Generally, pet sitting includes feeding, walking, pet cleanup, play time and chill time. I feel most pets like routine and stability, so it’s beneficial to see what the pet’s typical daily schedule looks like.

“Jennifer was lovely, attentive, and a great communicator. We just adopted our dog and he has little bursts of aggression and Jennifer was kind enough to come by before their first walk to test the waters. Everything turned out great and Jennifer sent updates and pictures throughout his walks. We will definitely work with her again.”

Tiffany W.

“Stephanie has been so great with my dog Maya. After starting a new job and moving to a new city, I didn’t have any support to help with my dog. Stephanie has been so helpful with all these changes. Maya can be a bit nervous around new people but she warmed up to Stephanie really fast and gets so excited to see her! Stephanie is so great- she is a very reliable person, trustworthy, a great communicator and great with dogs. I’m so happy I found her and that Maya really enjoys her company!”

Samantha P.

“Christine was great with our dog and cat. She was reliable, patient and a good communicator. We will definitely have her look after our fur babies again!”

Robyn

“Erin is fantastic and takes really good care of my dog, Sansa, when I’m away. She is punctual, reliable, provides regular updates and is someone I trust to be with Sansa and makes sure she is cared for!”

Creighton D.

“Micah did great with my dog who can be a little anxious at first!”

Alexandra P.

About: Everyone thinks they have the best dog in the world, and everyone is right! Undergrad student, animal lover, photographer and creative. (I can take the most beautiful portraits of your love!) I’ve grown up with a Doberman, Dachschund, Shih Tzu and currently stay with my baby German Shepherd, Teddy. Whether it’s a big dogs with gentle attitudes or small dogs with fierce ones, I have the heart for it. I’m from the Philippines, where I’ve worked to rescue street dogs and ensure a shelter where they’re properly fed. When I’m in, I read, watch a movie, work on my cameras or paintings. When I’m out, I love to hike, run, or simply mindfully walk - and there’s no harm doing all of that with a buddy.

About: I’ve dog sat for friends and family in the past 2 years and I’ve loved the experience. Happy to provide references and chat more about my experience. My best friend lives on my floor and we take walks with his dog every morning and evening so it’s very well incorporated in my schedule I make my place conducive for pets since I have one visit often. No cords laying around, vacuumed floors and room temperature thermostat. This also applies to client apartments

“Jacqueline was so fantastic with Rufus! She was comfortable with my giant puppy, was helpful in reinforcing training with him, and was very easy to communicate with. She was a wonderful dog walker. I would ABSOLUTELY hire her over and over!”

Nathalie D.

About: I’ve lived around dogs and cats my entire life and have been the sole caretaker of my rescue Husky, Nyx, for the past two years now. I know firsthand the stresses of behavior issues, medications, and dietary restrictions. The stress when that routine that youve been cultivating for the past 3 months just isn’t working like its supposed to. As a sitter I recognize the importance of consistent small acts of love, play and enrichment to help regulate a furry friend’s nervous system. Whether that means an extra 10 minutes to smell the daisies, food based puzzles, incorporating treats into medication administration or playing fetch in a field, rest assured theyre in good hands. I’m currently working part-time in the evenings so I have availability during weekends, and the afternoons after 1pm. Overnight stays are an option for most weekend days and the beginning of the week. I will be balancing caring for my own pup with yours, but I do not plan on mixing the two. Your furry friend’s time is theirs and theirs alone. First impressions are big with humans, and theyre even bigger with animals. I know the value of sitting with them for a while and giving them the opportunity to smell and get a feel for the person theyre spending time with, especially when entering their home. During walks and activities I like to utilize treats and training cues to help maintain good communication on both sides of the leash. It’s very necessary in highly stimulating environments like the city of Oakland. Making sure they feel safe is my top priority!

“Very nice and personable. Will use again”

Tandra G.

About: Hello, thank you for considering my profile. I have taken a lot of responsibility caring for dogs since I was 13. What distinguishes me is that I genuinely care about pets’ mental and social development. For example, for my own dog, I give him a lot of time to sniff when we go on walks and snuffle mats to use because I know that they are good for his stimulation. I am very loving with pets. I hope that I can be there to give you a piece of mind that your pets are doing well while you’re on vacation. I am able to petsit both cats and dogs if you have both. I’m more than happy to send lots of photos! Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. I can provide services in the Oakland Adam’s Point area. Please feel free to send me a message to let me know what you’re looking for! I follow instructions well and can make sure that your pet is as comfortable as possible with me in your home. I will communicate with you whenever there is any issue so that you can be updated. I am not currently taking any pets into my home (boarding).

About: I’ve been caring for and training dogs for years, and I love helping them feel safe, happy, and understood. One of my earliest challenges was with my parents’ high-energy dog — I successfully trained him not to bolt out the door when it opened 🚪🐕 (no small feat!). That experience taught me the power of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. 🐶 My Rescue Story I was the sole caregiver for my own rescue dog, who came to me fearful of strangers and unsure around other dogs. Over time, I: • Helped her grow comfortable meeting new people & pups 🤝 • Taught her not to jump on visitors 🙅‍♀️ • Trained her to “check in” with me before leaving for walks 🚶‍♀️ • Built her confidence to stay calm when home alone 💤 💛 Why Dogs Love Me Beyond training, I’m experienced with daily walks, feeding, grooming, playtime, and creating a safe, loving environment. I’m skilled at reading dog body language 🐕‍🦺 so I can keep pups comfortable and stress-free. I’m available on weekends, as well as Mondays and Fridays. I’m also happy to stay over on Monday nights, as long as you don’t need me to stay past 8am the following morning. When I care for pets in your home, I follow your instructions closely to keep their routine consistent. I make sure they have fresh water, regular meals, and plenty of exercise and playtime. I pay close attention to their body language and comfort level, so I can adapt my approach to their needs. I also give lots of affection (if they enjoy it!) and keep their environment clean and safe. You’ll get updates with photos so you know they’re happy and cared for while you’re away.

About: I’ve always loved animals- growing up I had both cats and dogs, and currently have a senior cat of my own. I also foster dogs of all breeds, personalities, and needs through a local shelter. I’ve pet-sat both in my home, and in others’ homes, throughout my life, and have experience caring for animals post-op, with semi-complex medical needs, and basic training techniques, using positive reinforcement and praise. With your pets in my care, I can assure you that they will get all the love and attention that they deserve, everything that they need, and from day 1 they will be cared for as if they were my own. I am available for overnight care in your home, drop-in walks/ play-time/ potty breaks, and daycare in your home. Unfortunately, am not available for boarding or daycare in my home. However, I’m more than happy to take your pet on a day-long outing out in nature, or around the city. I am available for recurring walks, drop-ins, house sits, and one-off bookings on an as-needed basis, with a minimum of 48 hours notice ahead of time. My goal is to always fit seamlessly into your and your pet’s life, but due to pre-existing commitments, I can’t accommodate on-demand services. Every pet I take on, I care for as if they are my own. I strive to provide consistent communication about how they’re doing, what activities we engaged in during our time together, and am mindful to tailor my communication to your needs, so frequency of communication that meets your specific needs will be discussed at our meet and greet. Any concerns that I may have about your pet will be communicated promptly.

“Jay is the best with my two pups! super accommodating with my odd schedule, communicative and gets the best photos of them having a good time. Having jay has been a life saver for when I have to be in the office!”

Jessica B.

About: Hi Paw-rents! Thanks so much for stopping by! I know how personal it is to choose someone to care for your beloved pet—and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. My goal is simple: to make sure your furry family member feels safe, relaxed, and loved while you’re away, and that you feel completely at ease knowing they’re in great hands. I bring a calm, grounded presence to pet care, shaped by my background in social work and trauma-informed support. I understand how to meet each pet exactly where they are—whether they’re shy, high-energy, older, or need a little extra patience. I move at their pace, tune into their cues, and make sure they feel secure every step of the way. In my free time you’ll find me outdoors hiking, exploring national parks, or walking my sweet dog Zuri and exploring dog heaven at Fort Funston Beach. Zuri is incredibly gentle, and we love hosting dog friends at our peaceful, pet-friendly home. You can count on me for: Thoughtful, loving, and responsible care Clear, consistent communication A calm, structured environment your pet can settle into If you're looking for someone dependable, compassionate, and genuinely invested in your pet’s well-being—I’d love to connect. Can’t wait to meet you and your furry family! I'm currently working part-time, which means I have plenty of time and flexibility to give your pet the attention they deserve. I’m available for boarding, daycare, and drop-ins—mornings and afternoons or evenings Wednesday through Sunday. Whether your pup needs a playful day or a cozy overnight stay, I’ve got you covered! A Typical Day with Me I love spending time outdoors, so your pup and I will enjoy walks exploring the neighborhood and sniffing new scents. With your approval, I’ll offer healthy treats to keep things fun. We might visit the dog park for some social time, then relax with sunbathing or quiet rest. At home, your dog can play with my gentle pup Zuri—or I’m happy to keep them separate if needed. Since I work part-time, I have plenty of time to be fully present and give your pet all the love and attention they deserve. I truly enjoy building bonds with every dog I care for—it’s one of my favorite parts of this work!

“Wes and Margot had a lovely evening walk with Charlii. Thanks so much!!”

Rachel S.

About: I have a special intuition or talent for understanding all animals. I have had many pets including dogs and cats. I am a farrier and horse trainer and have received an award of recognition for helping save wild horses in New Mexico. I live near Lake Merritt and enjoy meeting other folks with dogs when I’m out walking our chihuahuas. I have cared for pets and other animals in California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, and Oklahoma. I have references and I’m an older person who is sober, dependable, and trustworthy. Most of all, I have a love for animals and a unique ability to understand their needs and the nonverbal cues they give us to communicate their needs. I would be happy to care for your pets anytime. I am free any day of the week and have a very flexible schedule. I love working with animals and want to continue caring for pets. I have been a homeowner and understand how important your home and privacy are so I will respect your space well. I have been entrusted with people’s homes and properties and take that seriously. Of course, your pet’s well-being, comfort, and happiness is my priority and I know how to gain their trust and treat them with love. I am gentle with pets and have two tiny chihuahuas that are somewhat delicate but I have had big dogs including golden retrievers, a standard poodle, cow dogs, and a lab-pit mix, so I also know how to play with dogs that need more fun. Also, I have always had cats and I’m used to having them sleep on me and play with me. I have traveled with cats and doctored sick cats. I have had house cats we kept inside and cats that went outside. I have saved cats at barns and even from dumpsters. I understand how to interact with cats in a gentle quiet manner that helps them feel safe.