Citizen Hound
Dog Walking:
How It Works
Dog
Walking
Beginnings
Citizen Hound dog walking took off nearly 15 years ago under new ownership and has since become one of the most lauded professional dog walker services in the Bay Area, all for our dedication to and execution of outstanding customer service. If you like what you see here and want to begin with us or ask any questions feel free to contact me or check out our FAQs where I aim to answer everything.
Service area
We service the Marina, Cow Hollow, Pacific Heights, Lower Pac Heights, Russian Hill, Presidio Heights, and Laurel Heights neighborhoods, and our boundaries are defined on
Rates: Within this area our prices can't be beat for what we do. We watch competitors and strive to outpace them at every step.
Parks + Beaches
Crissy Beach, Crissy Field, Presidio's Ecology Trails, Mountain Lake, Baker Beach, Alta Plaza, & Lafayette Park. All of these beautiful, unfenced areas are designated off-leash spaces where your dog can enjoy playtime with us while you're busy. These outings help your pup become well-socialized, balanced, and ready for any adventure by your side. Groups head out Monday through Friday, for hour-long play sessions.
The Presidio's Ecology Trails offer miles of unpopulated backcountry feel in the middle of a densely populated urban area, perfect for off leash group play for your dogs daily care.
Crissy Field is a dog's paradise, and the perfect place for professional dog walker services to take dogs off leash to exercise and socialize each day.
The Presidio features hiking trails and hidden clearings that allow our professional dog walking operation to let your dogs experience an escape from city life.
Glorious views for frolicking and splashing with friends. A dog walking mecca.
Groups
Grouping is based on each dog’s temperament, age, and size, ensuring your dog finds the right friends. Cavaliers together, Frenchies together, laid-back dogs in one group, sporty dogs in another. Operating as a team allows us to do what smaller operations cannot.The result is cohesive packs where dogs can relax and be themselves. We follow the six-dog legal limit and walk with no more than one other teammate. When you email us, please include your dog’s age, breed, energy level, play style, and a photo.
Safety
All staff are First Aid trained, permitted, and graduates of an SFACC-approved course, one of only a dozen in San Francisco. We are licensed, insured, and bonded. We use walkie-talkies for rapid communication, enforce breed and behavior standards, and continuously screen every dog. Some clients also use tracking devices for added peace of mind.
Safety is built into everything we do.
Guilt free
Don’t worry about leaving your dog at home. They’ll be having more fun than you. After one walk, they’ll nap until you return. With two, they’ll get all the exercise they need. Work late. Make plans. Go out after work. And if plans change, just ask. We offer after-hours walks and pet sitting when you need it.
Even if you work from home, those bored and begging eyes - not necessary! We provide peace of mind and a calmer, happier home for both of you.
Exercise
They run, wrestle, hike, chase, bark, and play for a full hour. Or if they're more into sniffing flowers than butts they can do that too! The leash is off. The wind in their hair. Our dogs are literally some of the luckiest in the world. Our professional dog walkers stay on the move as well because a tired dog makes a happy owner. Well-exercised, socialized dogs are calmer, better behaved, and more enjoyable to live with. There is no substitute for good exercise and socialization in ensuring your dog is the best they can be.
Training
Your dog’s behavior improves through daily structure, socialization, and positive reinforcement. Many clients think of this as school. We’re the teachers, fitness instructors, lifeguards, and friends. We wear many hats. Sometimes they get eaten. Daily physical and mental stimulation helps prevent issues like whining, chewing, anxiety, and pestering, caused by excess energy. Our goal is to help you raise a calm, confident dog others admire and that’s ready to go anywhere with you.
Socialization
Dog-to-dog socialization is just as important to your dog’s well-being as human connection is to ours. When it’s difficult, people often push through for themselves but give up too quickly for their dogs. With consistent packmates and familiar parks, dogs grow more confident, form real friendships, and build a community of their own. Daily outings help them stay comfortable in all environments. Group dog walking provides this in a way private walks simply cannot.
Part of the pack
Photos and videos. You will always know what your dogs' days look like because we aim to provide tons of photos from our dog walking adventures. Whether that's through our constantly updated Instagram page, or through texts from your dog walker. Bridging the gap between your work day and their play day is part of our mission.
Timing
Your dog will have a full hour at the park and they'll be out longer to account for transportation to and fro in our outfitted SUVs, vans and trucks. Be careful, some competitors charge similar prices for less time actually playing at the park. Our staff does not skimp on your full hour unless there's inclement weather. We aim for walk times at 11-12, and again from 2-3. Pickup and drop off is within the hour before and after those times.
Superiority
There are so many advantages to having a team that amount to our superiority over other dog walkers. Just check out our Yelp page. Benefits include tailored group placements, lower prices, greater availability, reliability, flexibility, responsiveness, additional and often last minute services like after hours walks, dog sitting, groomer or vet runs, and better organization. Unlike many single walker companies, we don't close for sick days or vacations. Clients can count on us.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you pickup in my neighborhood?
How old does my puppy have to be to start with your company?
Do you do training while you're out with the dogs?
How do you know all the dogs will get along?
How do you keep everything safe?
What kind of training does your staff have?
My dog has behavioral issues and I'm not sure they'd be able to do this. Can they join?
Can you feed my dog or administer medicines?
Is the walker consistent or will there be a mix of people walking my dog?
Do you have any breed restrictions?
And more! Please check out our FAQs if you have any questions. I've aimed to fill it with all info.