We were so glad that we got connected with Tom! We needed dog boarding for our four year old dog,…read morePiper, while we are on vacation and we felt that our Piper got his own vacation. Tom sent us updates about how Piper is doing, and we can see how happy he was based on the photos. Piper got to hang out and play with other dogs and went on multiple hikes/walks throughout the week. We cannot recommend this place more!

I did not board my dog. But I got wonderful information from Tom on a variety of things canine. I…read morewrote him because he worked with a partner in the Berkeley Hills who boarded my first German Shepherd. I have a 2 week trip planned in April 2024 and Tom will be my first choice for boarding if I can't find someone to house and dog sit for that length of time. He is just a really nice, informed, knowledgeable guy.

Care from Doggy Mama Pet Care Services is about the nicest thing you can do for an…read moreotherwise-housebound furry family member. Ours has been spoiled by an unbroken string of excellent dog walkers (see my other reviews) and so our standards were high when we approached Deb about her services. Of course, the dog knew right away... and over time we came to appreciate & depend on the same indispensable qualities that other reviewers have noted: trustworthy, reliable, committed, attentive, flexible, and kind. Had we not moved out of the area, we'd still be using Doggy Mama Pet Care Services today. But don't take all the glowing reviews for it: give Deb a call and arrange an introduction -- then let your dog make the decision.

We LOVE Deborah! She's been walking our girl for at least 5-6 years (I've lost count!), and she…read moretakes such good care of her. I feel like we hit the jackpot when we found Deborah because she's caring, trustworthy and reliable. Our girl gets so excited to see her and always happily tired after her walks. And the group excursions have really helped to socialize our dog. Deb has been a life saver as our family has grown and our human babies have taken some attention away from our our furry ones. Plus, she always so good at keeping an eye out for foxtails. We highly recommend her!

Marc is an experienced, serious dog walker that does amazing off-leash pack walks that my dog loves…read more- the packs are made up of all kinds of dogs and Marc does a good job of being a strong pack leader. I appreciate Marc and trust him with my dog completely - I especially like that he helps reinforce obedience / training commands during the walks which is super helpful. My dog likes him so much she howls when he comes and picks her up. Highly recommend!

Marc Kellond, dog walker, is sorely needed in the East Bay area of El Sobrante, Hercules and…read morePinole. He charges $30 for a 60-minute pack walk and goes to local dog parks to give the dogs the socialization they need. Website walkingmansbestfriend.com. Phone 510-685-0390; .walkingman17@icloud.com For $30, he will pick up your dog from your house, go to a local park (Pt. Pinole, Sobrante Ridge, Wildcat, etc.) walk for 60 minutes, and then return your dog to your house. The first walk/screening interview is free. Has been through the training program with Cause and Effect dog training, is licensed, insured, bonded, pet first aid certified, and a member of pet sitters international. Has experience with difficult dogs; or should we say, difficult owners who need training to know how to control their dogs.

Michelle took care of my 1 year old rescue Evie and she was amazing. She took Evie out with a group…read moreand they went hiking and exploring for many hours. Evie always came home so happy and exhausted. I recently moved out of Berkeley and was so sad to lose her services, so if you are looking for a dog walker in the Berkeley area Michelle is your best bet!!

I used Animal Karma this summer to board/pet sit my dog. My dog has a lot of fears (bad history…read morebefore I adopted her) and does not like to be separated from me for long periods of time. Usually when I return from a trip my dog frantically paws and claws at me. However, after staying with Michelle, my dog was very happy to see me. She seemed content and not frantic when I returned. Also, Michelle kept me updated on her progress while I was away. I couldn't ask for more!

So happy we found this place. It's a great place for dogs her buddy really enjoys it and it has…read morebeen a good experience for social time and also looking forward to boarding when travel, great staff and location moderate prices.

I am writing a negative review about Metro Dog. I initially reached out to them for boarding…read morebecause I am traveling for vacation week. About two or three weeks ago, they scheduled me for an initial assessment, where they would assess my dog and figure out the best place to put him. I told them my dog is very vocal but that is normal for his breed (hes a husky). The assessment went great, my dog did very well, and he stayed there for half a day. Additionally, I was told to get him the canine influenza vaccine, which I did. The week after, I scheduled him for doggy daycare to get him used to it. The visit went well. They told me that my dog did great. He was vocal at the beginning, but he settled in. I said great. Nothing else was said to the contrary. The week of my vacation, I check the portal. It said my dog was still on the boarding waitlist. I called to confirm that he would be boarded and checked to see if they saw his updated vaccine record. They placed me on hold for a while until the man who did the initial assessment came on. He informed me, much to my surprise, that since my dog is still anxious (he barks, which is his normal), they would not be able to board him until he has a few more visits. I am very disappointed at Metro Dog. I feel like my time and money were utterly wasted. I followed their protocol and got my dog used to this place, and they declined my boarding request at the last minute. I now have to scramble and see if I can find another boarder for vacation. I am also very disappointed at the lack of communication. If I had not called them to check, I would not have known that he was declined. I received no indication that he would not be able to board by Metro Dog. I wanted to love this place but I am so good on Metro Dog. I hope this review can help others and push this place to be more communicative, honest, and upfront with fellow clients and their fur babies.

If you want someone who cares as much about your dogs as you, you've found the right crew!…read more Junko and her crew have been walking my dogs for 6 years. I can't say enough good things about how much they have helped my dogs stay exercised, socialized, and balanced. I am very grateful for Junko's dedication and care of my dogs. All of my dogs have absolutely loved going out with the pack. After my two dogs passed away, we added our newest puppy during the shut-down and I was worried about how to socialize her properly. Junko helped by starting my 14 week-old on neighborhood walks with her own dogs and then progressed her to walking with the pack. My insecure, fearful puppy is now a confident, friendly, and social dog. And her recall is really coming along (thanks Junko, Antonio and Stephanie!) Junko has also helped with consultations and resources on all sorts of doggie-related issues.

Words cannot properly convey what The Complete Pack means to me and my pup. Junko and her team have…read morebecome an extended family to us. On walk days, they are without a doubt, the highlight of my dog's day. My dog was not an easygoing social animal by any means. Skittish, afraid, and reactive. Over the years being in this pack has been nothing short of miraculous as I've seen her grow into a confident and communicative canine. When I travel for work, my dog gets to stay at "Aunt Junko's." It can't even count as dog boarding, as it's basically a vacation where she gets to hang out with her bf Bero. Junko's love for her pack and her passion for caring for dogs is tangible. As a protective owner who knows my dog isn't the type where I can just have a friend easily look after, I trust fully and unequivocally Junko and her team. We are forever and truly grateful to have The Complete Pack in our lives.

We've been with El Perrito for 8 years and couldn't have asked for a more loving and healing…read moreenvironment for our sweet rescue pup. In Kat's care, she has blossomed into a much more playful girl in the pup community. Kat is reliable and great to work with! Couldn't recommend El Perrito more!

Life got hectic…read more.. We love our dogs and try to get out with them as much as we can. Regulars in the neighborhood and frequent Point Isabelle along with some weekend adventures a couple times a month. We started to fall a little behind for reasons I think we could all relate. El Perrito Dog Walks provided a great solution. We've tried other walkers that offered far less for the similar price. We had an introduction meeting and Melissa, who took the time to discuss practices with our pups and her approach. Our hound and puppy ridgie have plenty of idiosyncrasies and Melissa was very understanding. They use an app (can do it old school of you prefer) that makes it really easy. Put your info in and pick your times. Super straight forward. After an introductory walk we joined the pack! Today we came home after our second walk and not too long after the usual excitable greeting, barky bark and the spunky bunch were toast. Thanks Melissa! WE are most appreciative. Definitely recommend.

Kathy is a phenomenal at training people and their dogs. She's helped us with in-home training,…read moreoff-leash practice, and everything that's come up in between. She also hosts monthly classes that are free for clients who work with her regularly and has put in lots of additional time inviting dogs (and their people) to tag along on pack walks. It's clear that she does this work because it's her passion and she cares about dogs being happy and well cared for. "Balanced" dog training includes tons of treats, lots of play, and the safety needed to make sure no one gets hurt. We weren't sure what to expect from training with Kathy, but it's been a wonderful balance of true fun, silliness, joy, and clear and firm boundaries. We're so grateful to have her in our lives.

I cannot recommend Kathy at Cause and Effect Dog Training enough! When we first reached out, our…read moreSpringer Spaniel, Checkers, was fearful, anxious, and often growled at my spouse and sometimes even at our kids. We had already tried multiple trainers, different techniques, and even followed our vet's suggestion to try antidepressants--but nothing was helping (in fact, the medication only made things worse). The moment I spoke to Kathy on the phone, I felt confident she truly understood the problem and could guide us in the right direction. And she absolutely has. Over the past year, Checkers has made tremendous progress thanks to Kathy's knowledge, patience, and the clear guidance she gave us. We followed her suggestions carefully--even switching vets based on her recommendation--and the results have been life-changing. Earlier this year, we had to travel out of the country and trusted Kathy to board Checkers. During that time, he developed a beautiful bond with her partner Dan. This was nothing short of amazing, as Checkers has always been fearful of men. Watching their relationship grow has been such a gift. With Kathy's help (and the influence of her own two balanced dogs), Checkers has learned how to be a dog--something I once thought might never happen. He now participates in pack walks and can even run off-leash in the fields, something I couldn't have imagined a year ago. If you're struggling with your dog's behavior and feel like nothing is working, do yourself and your dog a favor and call Kathy. She and Dan have changed our lives, and I am endlessly grateful for the care and dedication they've shown to Checkers and to us.