NOTE: These are my old California prices. I havent updated this yet, sorry! But I am available...please contact me with any requests. ---- Caring, certified professional here with a lifetime of dog care experience! Hi, I'm Joce! (Pronounced "jaw-see.") --- MY DOG CARE EXPERIENCE: Roughly summer 2014-winter 2016, I walked 1-2 groups of about 6 dogs at once almost every weekday, mostly off-leash. Since 2010, I also sat or boarded over 17 dogs, 4 of them homeless rescue dogs. Growing up, my family always had at least one dog, usually 3. One of our dogs even had puppies which was amazing to see! As an adult, 4 of my housemates have had dogs which I helped with. Plus there are countless other dogs I've hung out with or observed on my frequent dog park adventures. In addition to learning from all that doggie experience (and helping with many other pet types too, 6+ of them cats), I got certified through School for Dog Walkers at Pawsitive Tails in San Francisco. This excellent intro to group dog walking involved instruction in dog body language, pack management, training styles, first aid and more, led by an excellent dog trainer/walker. It was more thorough than Dog*Tec's popular Dog Walking Academy. Out on the trails, I've met over 30 dog walkers, some of them many times, at least 10 of whom taught me tricks of the trade hands-on for at least an hour. Plus for 3 weeks various coworkers trained me. Animals have always been deeply dear to me. Dogs most of all! I've even been vegan over 4 years out of respect to animals (except I feed meat to carnivores like dogs). Every single encounter with an animal gives us precious gifts and lessons. It's a mutually beneficial friendship! Big or small, old or young, rowdy or mellow, polite or a bit feisty... any dog within reason is considered for my services - though due to various factors not everyone qualifies. With each wonderful canine I draw on my well of experience and enjoy the simple pleasures and interesting challenges of our time together. --- DOG/CAT SERVICES: I offer walks, boarding and sitting. Details below. DOG WALKING: * One-hour weekday daytime dog walk with compatible dog group on unfenced trail (off-leash if recall strong enough) for one month: $25/walk 5 days/week (M-F), $27/walk 3 days/week (M/W/F), $28/walk 2 days/week (T/TH). Add $10/walk for second dog, same home. FREE: pick-up/driving/drop-off, cleaning off very excessive grime, gear (healthy treats, toys, poop bags, leashes...). But please provide harness and towel. * Visit for dog walk in your neighborhood (or at park walking distance away) and/or dog/cat cuddle/play/food/clean-up time - just your pet(s) and usually my dog: $35/visit 30 minutes, $45/visit 60 minutes. Within 15 miles of my home only. Add $3/visit for second pet, same home. * Sitting/boarding includes some walking (see below) IN-HOME DOG CARE SERVICES: * Boarding dogs in my apartment (El Cerrito, CA): $40/night. Add $10/night for second dog. * Sitting dogs in your home (NOTES): choose "night" (13 hours, 7pm-8am) or "day" (1-11 hours between 8am-7pm). During any sit, pet(s) won't be left alone over 5 consecutive hours unless we arrange otherwise, like say if you have a very secure yard with private door or doggie door to it. * Sitting dogs in your home (RATES): $45/day or $45/night within 15 miles of my home, $70/day or $70/night 16-36 miles from my home. Add $5/day or $5/night for second dog. FREE: the daytime hours between if I sit multiple nights in a row. * Mostly I don't sit homes with cats, but if so it's $3/night or $3/day extra each cat. I never board cats in my home. * Over 2 dogs, home with no pets, or over 36 miles away: let's discuss. * NOTE: my dog joins almost every board, sit and walk. INCLUDED FREE WITH IN-HOME SERVICES: * At times safe friends and guests - and strangers - may interact with your pets a bit, but I'm the supervisor and the only one who walks, drives, feeds, medicates them. * Responsible, kind care! Clear communication, responsiveness, updates, photos. * Dog potty breaks about every 4-6 hours. Either I walk them out, or (if you approved) I just leave door to your yard open. * 10 minutes a day of dog social outdoor exercise (neighborhood, trails, parks) - at least. At times more for free. (For extra cost they can get a definite 30 minutes a day of social outdoor exercise or can join my hour-long weekday group walks. * Plenty of drinking water. Fed per your directions (you provide food). * I give healthy treats out liberally to maintain trust and behavior. (Please provide treats if you require your brand.) * Much petting, cuddling and massage! (I was in massage therapy 2 years and love building friendship and trust with touch.) * Cozy, peaceful home atmosphere. And allowed in bed with me and on furniture. * Play, light wrestling, my own toys. Only provide toys if it's okay if they get lost (I probably won't lose them). * Some brushing, eye goop soaked off...if they cooperate. Extra messy dogs cleaned before entering home (rain, mud, poo, foxtails, poison oak spray/wipe). Bath is extra unless it was really necessary. * Optional: mail brought in, trash can to curb, yard poop pick-up, very light and specific plant care, closing blinds, signing for a delievery, washing sheets/towels. * Your home treated respectfully and left tidy (dishes done, counter wiped, etc.). * Light healthcare such as wound rinse or oral pills if pet cooperates. No injections. * Emergencies handled best I can (crisis control and calling vet, 911, you, emergency contacts). MORE NOTES: * Let's discuss any other pet/home care requests you have! I'll clearly tell you if they're free, a cost, or unavailable. Buying groceries or pet store supplies costs extra. * I do not offer intense, repetitive training sessions! Yet I keep dogs safe and reasonably polite by reinforcing "good" behavior (come, sit, etc.) and avoiding "bad" behavior (pushy greetings, aggression, stealing food, etc.) with treats/praise/touch/rewards and attentive, confident leadership. No shock, prong or choke collars or violence. * I carry poo bags and use them! * I prefer no cages but will use it (minimally) if you provide and require it. OTHER PET CARE SERVICES SOMETIMES AVAILABLE: * Driving dogs/cats to/from appointments (groomer, vet, etc.) * 30-minute cat visits in your home (food, water, cleaning litter box...) * Usually not for other animals as I'm not as thoroughly trained on them --- MY VEHICLE & PHONE: A very safe, reliable, maintained 2009 Subaru Forester with quality battery and quality brake pads. I have great car insurance, a good driving record, extended bumper-to-bumper warranty, emergency roadside assistance, and a valid California driver's license. (Dog insurance is separate, provided by Rover.) My smartphone has good reception, GPS navigation, email, good chargers and unlimited texting/calls. --- MY DOG HELPS: In April 2015, I began fostering a small Silky Terrior named Beanie. We fell in love so I adopted him - the first dog I myself have owned. He'll usually help me take care of your fur-baby. Like many dogs, Beanie's a success story proving the power of a secure and loving home, companionship, exercise, socialization and a little training. (Watching a nervous foster dog gradually relax into feeling at home is particularly special.) --- (The reason I sadly don't have more reviews despite having served over 37 households, most as repeat clients, is like 95% of my clients were for employers. So I signed typical contracts saying I wouldn't ask those clients for reviews for a year or so.) --- Interested? Let's start with a chat then a free meet-n-greet :)