FAQ/FYI

We have a very limited service area for our dog walking operation which includes the Marina, Cow Hollow, Pacific Heights, Lower Pac Heights, Russian Hill, and Laurel Heights neighborhoods. There's a map located at the top of this page.

We're professionals, we have a stellar online reputation, we're insured and bonded, we're customer service pros, we develop relationships with our clients, we COST LESS, and we provide so much more. Be very careful when comparing us against the new app based on demand dog walking and pet sitting services. They claim to provide training for their contractors, but it's essentially a couple hours worth of power point presentation and some introduction to equipment. Ours is months of study in dog behavior, training, husbandry and health geared toward real professionals who are held to the highest standards by a local company your neighbors love. We are held to high standards by having a permanent online presence whereas the individuals you are paired with through apps are kicked off the system if something goes wrong under their care, which means something goes wrong with your dog or your home. Staff here are also held accountable by management, unlike solo operators. We're customer service professionals dedicated to exceeding customer expectations, and we aim to develop meaningful relationships with both your dog and you by thoughtfully focussing on your needs before they're expressed and going above and beyond our duties. And for all this, we cost less and provide more! Our hour long, action packed, off leash, group walks are nearly the price of their half hour on leash walks. And our half hour on leash private walks are the exact same price for higher caliber individuals that are part of a local and wholly accountable organization! If it's convenience you want, consider that our staff is also ready to provide your walks outside our business hours as you need at the same price as them! Only, you'll actually get to know us. What's left to consider?

Step 1: Make sure you live in our service area. Step 2: Pick a plan from our Program Rates page under dog walking. Step 3: Email me with your dog's breed or mix (and I love seeing pictures and video too), age, energy level, and playstyle outside. Don't forget your cross streets and your number to call. Step 4: The next step is to talk on the phone. I'll call you and we can go over how our program works and answer any questions. Step 5: We'll schedule a time to host you in the field M-F during one of our walks if you're able, or arrange another option. Step 6: We send you the paperwork and get 2 copies of your house keys for the walker and coverage walker to cover in case they're absent. Step 7: We will introduce your dog to their new pack slowly and carefully, on leash for at least one week where we'll determine if they're right for this, and if so we'll go from there.

We aren't always taking dogs under 1.5. Please inquire about availability. When we do have a puppy spot, as long as you're comfortable assuming the risk we don't even have an age requirement for puppies to join our group packs.The typical veterinarian recommended age is after their last round of shots, although it's very important to note that the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior does not concur, and the risk of catching something where we go is so very low it's not a requirement for us. In my opinion the risk of under-socialization and missed training opportunity in that crucial learning window far outweighs the risk the vets scare people about. We keep them on leash and super supervised when they're unvaccinated further dwindling any risk. If you're not comfortable sending them out until they're fully vaccinated we can offer private puppy care until they're ready - no problem. During private visits we will focus on potty breaks and training to prepare them for groups. Most dogs start at 10 weeks old with potty visits until they're vaccinated and then they join groups. Before deciding pleae read the link above to the AVSAB's puppy socialization position statement. Also, keep in mind that even for puppies we will keep to our breed restrictions listed under that FAQ.

Yes, and prices are the same or cheaper than app based on demand services! We only can't offer private walks during our normal business hours, except for puppies who will be joining group walking eventually. We can only offer private walks outside of 10 am - 4 pm Monday - Friday. If you'd like something that fits that timing please don't hesitate to ask. Our staff is focused on group walking during our business hours but would love the extra work before or after company hours.

We aim to hit the lowest price point we can. Keep in mind our direct competitors are those who service our service area, go to GGNRA properties, and do off leash group walks. If someone does city parks they're allowed 8 dogs per person to our 6, so they can charge less. If they leash walk city streets there's no numbers limit, of course that's not anything like our outings. Direct competitors are charging $700 - $900! for the same 1 hour. Many providers only charge per day pricing starting at $35-40/hour, translating to $700-$800 a month. App based services are currently charging about $20 for a half hour, $40/hour. Way more per hour than us for way way less! If you find someone charging less than us, let me know.

Group walks are at least one hour each. Other companies offer 30 minute walks, 45 minute walks, or lie and say it will be an hour but don't deliver. So be careful what you're buying. Your dog will be out of the house for roughly 2 hours due to transportation, but each play session is 1 hour. 2 Group dogs go on more than one. Private walks are as long as you need.

We have two group walk times a day for each walker with start times at 11 am for the first walk, and 2 for the second walk. Both are one hour playgroups, and dogs are out for longer when you account for transportation to and from the parks. With as many logistics as we juggle, we do need a wide arrival window to account for potential fluctuations. That being said, most days the actual arrival times are quite consistent, down to about a 15-30 minute window within the general timeframes below. We can't estimate a realistic timeframe until we have your address and group placement, so we can look at the specific route. General arrival windows: Before 11am walk - 9:30-11 After 11am walk - 12:30-2 Before 2pm walk - 12:30-2 After 2pm walk - 2:30-430 Private walks are arranged with their own timing.

Crissy Beach, Crissy Field, and the Presidio's trails and clearings are our main locations. We will also mix in Ft Mason, Alta Plaza, Lafayette, Francisco Park, and other walking trails near the general service area. Our adventures encompass various locations, including beaches and forests, and in inclement weather, as advertised on our website. Due to the group nature of our program, clients are unable to specify location preferences or exclusions. This ensures consistency for all clients, preventing conflicts arising from divergent expectations regarding our established walking areas. Please be aware that we will make an effort to clean them afterward, but our outdoor activities will get your dog dirty. If you would not like them to go to the beach, or the forest, you should look into a service that does one or the other, as we will frequent all listed.

Short answer: We can teach all kinds of stuff, and all dogs generally become better after walking with us. It really depends on what exactly you need training on. But, the staff are not trainers. They're focused on walks. We do a lot of training while we're out with the dogs. Most parents rightfully consider it school. Our car is the school bus. We have a kindergarten class. At times we feel that half our job is dog training. However, this is group off leash dog walking. Our attention has to be divided amongst all the participants, so it's not exactly an ideal place to teach some things that would require one on one attention. For instance, if your dog needs to learn how to play safely off leash from us we could do it IF your dog has a natural inclination to stay with the pack, has good impulse control, ignores all the distraction in favor of us, and is treat motivated above most other distractions. That fits lots of dogs. All that being said this is certainly not the appropriate setting for many behavior problems. Most are quite obvious. Herding or shepherding is one less obvious behavior we will not tolerate. It's best just to ask an individual question around this.

We screen every dog that comes in. I take a pretty thorough history where I zero in on areas that could be a concern. We do not take certain breeds or mixes and those are listed in a different FAQ questions. We trial every dog on leash and then off leash. I am pretty rigorous. Dogs must meet certain criteria. This is off leash group play, and we often walk with one other group, so 12 are together. Not every dog is the right fit. They all have to be able to do this or have obvious potential to be trained to do it. Each dog that does make it past the trial is subject to a three strike policy. Strikes are given for putting themselves or others in danger, regularly disrupting the normal flow of operations with a behavior, or too often taking more than their share of the attention in a negative way. Safety is our number one priority, friendship second. One way we keep things safe is by prioritizeing group placements over anythign else. With a constantly changing client landscape in this fast paced city we are always very focused on creating groups where dogs have friends, are comfortable, and where the group has a lot of gravity. If the dog is happy, satisfied, and sticks to the group our job is easier. We call this the gravity, and that's how it all works, aiming for the strongest gravity possible through emphasis on perfect pack dynamics.

Anyone that works for me goes through an elaborate training process. The training course curriculum was built by myself and a partner of mine, and it was approved by the ACC to satisfy Professional Dog Walker permitting requirements. It's one of a small number of similar courses that are offered here in SF. After completing the curriculum they must memorize and demonstrate the Citizen Hound protocol. They have to shadow another employee for a month. They have to pass written and verbal testing. They have to become adept at dog training through outside material. It's pretty darn rigorous, and it's not just about dogs either. A lot of it is about you. It's about the best customer service in San Francisco dog walking. That's why we won Best Dog Walker of the year and #1 in the Bay Area so many times, in various publications. I am sure we train our staff harder than any of our competitors.

For groups the walker that leads your dog's pack stays consistent. One of the best ways to limit any safety concerns is to put the same dogs with the same walker at the same places day in and day out. We are especially consistent with nervous or shy dogs. Our walkers are trained to "Know their dogs" as a cardinal rule. We know what our dogs will do before they know they're going to do it. We are one step ahead. We often select a walker based on the dog's personality and group dynamics. That walker is your walker, and if they call in sick we cover them. The team does know everyone else's dogs so we are always available to back each other up if need be and we will do that. We also have meetups every few months where you'll be able to get to know me, your walker, and everyone else on the team, and eventually most people are comfortable with all of us.The meetups are not only great for getting to know us but also your neighbors and your dogs' friends! These get togethers seem to be pretty unique to Citizen Hound! That all being said, eventually we may ask to move a dog due to the company landscape having changed with clients coming and going. So while we can keep it consistent day to day over the length of many months, many clients are with us for years and there will be changes to groupmates as they move, or walkers as we move things to fit what's present. One trade off to being a larger company is that I cannot guarantee your walker will stay the same forever. However, please keep in mind that the manager and I work very VERY hard to ensure your dog is grouped well. It is our primary concern, above walker consistency. As a professional I understand when certain dogs need one person only, but most dogs need friends they're comfortable with AND work well with in a group setting, so that is a constant focus for us. If you just want one person forever you need to be looking into a single operator type company. There are downsides to it, for instance nobody to cover when they're sick or go on vacation, and you don't have the flexible breadth of services we offer, or the community we've built, or the price. But it can be the model for you.

Our workforce adheres to stipulated employee time-off regulations, encompassing both protected sick leave and allocated vacation time. Absences may occur unexpectedly and occasionally extend for prolonged durations due to illness or travel commitments. It is imperative to underscore our unwavering endorsement of these requirements, emphasizing our steadfast commitment to fostering a harmonious work-life equilibrium for our employees. Each dog is designated to a primary group, accompanied by an additional backup group and walker to step in during the absence of the main walker. It is highly probable that you will become acquainted with the assigned backup walker. This individual is trained to familiarize themselves with both your dog and your specific preferences, ensuring continuity and consistency in care even in the absence of the main walker. However, under certain circumstances, such as multiple employee absences in a day or urgent client demands, it may not always be feasible to assign each dog to their designated backup staff member. Consequently, all staff members undergo training to acquaint themselves with every dog under our care. In such situations, dogs will be temporarily entrusted to a backup staff member in a group that is appropriate for their needs and dynamics. We all walk together regularly to ensure dogs are familiar no matter where they are in our organization. Should the prospect of walkers or pack switches due to our operational requirements pose a concern for you or your dog, we kindly advise considering an alternative service provider. Nonetheless, for those with more adaptable dogs and confidence in our system, rest assured that coverage is systemized. As a result of worker protections and the intricate nature of communication management, notifications regarding walker absences are not frequently disseminated. However, in the event of your main walker's absence, you can anticipate receiving communication from your designated backup walker within the first hour of our operational window, typically between 10 AM to 11 AM, irrespective of your scheduled walk time.

For private walks, no. For groups, yes. We cannot take certain breeds under a certain age, with anything less than a mellow energy, and with a high level of training, and I'm very sorry about that. Though there are lots of other service professionals around that do not have the same restrictions and love working with these breeds, we prefer to refer. We will not take Pitbulls, Dobermans, Boxers, Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Malinois, Border Collies, Samoyeds, Huskies, or American Labs (as opposed to the squatter English variety). Also we can't take sheperds or herding dogs if the they have a tendency to herd, or are extremely energetic or high intensity. Again, if yours are a bit older, mellower than most and have a high level of training please seek an exception. We are working with groups of dogs off leash 6 dogs to 1 walker and the amount of energy many of these dogs have is just too much. If yours has a super low energy, very high socialization, and a higher than average level of professional training that is apparent you may still contact us to consider it.

Of course! We can feed them lunch at pickup, at dropoff, or out on the road. We can administer medications. We can take them to the groomer when you can't and have them home clean. We can take them to the vet if you need. We can do so many things. Just ask me.

Unlike the majority of dog walking companies we never leave you without the coverage you pay for. We're only closed on major holidays or their observed dates. We do not have to close when someone from the team gets sick, or for vacation. We have the people to cover it. Many dog walkers close for two weeks a year leaving their clients to fend for themselves to find coverage. You can count on us being there. We are closed on the following federal holidays or their observed dates; President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. On MLK Day and Veteran's Day we remain open and accept volunteer cancellations to lessen numbers where you can. Closed in 2026: Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day; Friday, July 3 for Independence Day (federal observance); Monday, Sept 7 for Labor Day; Thursday and Friday, Nov 26-27 for Thanksgiving and Black Friday; Thursday and Friday, Dec 24-25 for Christmas Eve and Christmas; Thursday and Friday, Dec 31, 2026 - Jan 1, 2027 for NYE and NYD. Soft Closures in 2026: Monday, Jan 19 for MLK Day; Wednesday, Nov 11 for Veterans Day (We ask all clients that can cancel to please do so, but remain open) *** Team Development Day (Closed to Clients, Pet Sitting Open, All Staff Required to Attend): Monday, Feb 16 for Presidents Day ***

A collar with tags is it for most clients. We have all our own gear like leashes, poop bags, and treats. If your dog pulls on leash we may require a harness that fits well, if that works. We also use our own Gentle Leader head harnesses on big pullers or dogs that need more control. If you need to send your dog out with specific treats for dietary reasons that can be arranged as well.

As an off leash group dog walker we cannot be financially responsible for all the dogs we take out. If we were taking out your cars we could! But dogs are their own beings, they make decisions which sometimes may not be the best ones, and they are taking part in high energy fun and horse play with others. I liken this to being the coach of a soccer team. The game is on and kids are running around with cleats flying. Accidents will happen. The coach is never financially responsible for the action on the field of play. In fact, this is sports camp. Not only do we have “soccer,” but wrestling matches, swimming, backcountry hikes, games of tag, keep away, capture the stick, etc. Citizen Hound agrees to provide services in a reliable, caring, and trustworthy manner. We are professionals. We will do everything in our power to make sure that particular rules, training, reporting, and rigorous initial and continuous screening of dogs involved create as safe an environment as possible. All that being said, please read and keep the following in mind: We ask that each of our clients has undergone a typical 101 level professional training course or private professional instruction. Each owner is responsible for their dog and their dog’s actions! Citizen Hound shall assume no liability for any illness or injury caused by your pet, or by other pets, to your pet or to other persons, pets or property. Each Client gives CH the authority to name a financially responsible party if one is apparent. By signing you agree to pay damages if we deem necessary. Our responsibility will be to give as many details as we can on any incident that takes place and do our best to explain any fault. If your dog is injured by another and we cannot name fault, it is still not our fault unless we injured the dog or directly lead to them being injured, and we can never use our insurance to pay for anything we did not cause. By signing this paperwork you are stating that your pet is safe enough to participate in these activities, considering all the inherent dangers, considering how their behavior might come into play during the types of high distraction high energy group outings we provide, and you acknowledge responsibility for your pet while they are in our care for behaviors and accidents. In consideration of these terms and as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against CH except those arising from negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the care giver. For highly active dogs or dogs with low impulse control you may want to consider getting dog insurance! We recommend Nationwide, unless your local vet offers a plan for their office. We can use our 2 million dollar liability policy if any injury is the result of our bad decisions, or negligence or willful misconduct. Citizen Hound WAIVER/RELEASE FORM I, _______________________, in consideration of my dog, ____________________, being allowed to participate in any way in Citizen Hound’s programs and activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that: The risk of injury to my dog from the activities involved in these programs is significant, including the potential for permanent disability and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and, 1) FOR MYSELF, SPOUSE, AND DOG, I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of the participant dog, or spectators, and assume full responsibility for my dog, and their actions, financially as well as any other way; and 2) I willingly agree to comply with the program’s stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If I observe or hear any unusual significant cause for concern for participation and/or in the program itself I will remove my dog from the participation and bring such attention to the company immediately; otherwise, 3) I myself, my spouse, my dog, and on behalf of my/our heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY INDEMNIFY, RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Citizen Hound, it’s directors, officers, employees, agents, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the activity, WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES, INCIDENTS, INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, except for those arriving from clear negligent or willful misconduct on the walkers behalf, to the fullest extent permitted by law. I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT. I understand the seriousness of the risks involved in participating in this program, my personal responsibilities for possible financial recoupment, and accept them.

There is no long term contract. You're simply signing an agremeent to keep to our company rules. We do require 30 days notice to suspend or discontinue services when you leave. If you give notice you're simply charged for those last days. If you do not give 30 days notice you will be charged a fee. If you're going to take a break from services or leave services there will be a gap in our income, and if you let us know with enough time we will be able to fill it before it comes. If you account for that notice period you'll be able to utilize those walks you're purchasing.

Besides policies and procedures being outlined and agreed to initially when starting service, you'll always have access to all current policies online at this link.

Before the pandemic most of our clients worked at the office, and we regularly picked up and dropped dogs with nobody home. After the pandemic plenty of people work from home or do hybrid remote. For some we say hello, for others we act like ghosts. Whether you're home or not, it's regular for us, and we'll work it out with you.

No, your first month is the only month we prorate. This allows you to start any date you want. Similarly if you give 30 days notice to suspend services and come back you are welcome to have your first month prorated.

We only sell package rates, but there is some flexibility if you keep the following in mind: We only prorate the very first month of services. Package rates are like rent on your spot and will not be reduced as a result of any missed or cancelled walks during the month, unless a client wishes to proactively switch to the Ad Hoc Walk rate listed on our website for any month (ie: for planned travel, surgeries) we require clients EXPRESSLY state that desire BEFORE the month begins. You must mention "ad hoc" or "switch plans" or something to the effect to make sure we notice it and flag it! Once the month begins you are locked into whichever rate is chosen, where the monthly flat rate plan is the default. The Ad Hoc Walk rate can not be used for consecutive billed months regardless of circumstances. If you need to suspend services because of an extended absence that would require 30 days notice. To give an analogy that explains our pricing structure, we operate like a gym membership, or a child's daycare. At a gym there is a drop in rate that is going to be more expensive, but you can't simply switch to it when you're a memeber and you missed a lot of days. Members need to give 30 days notice. At a child's daycare, these are just tuition, not a per day price. Because of this structure we can price out competition, but we do need customers to understand we specialize in selling in bulk. This is the place to shop if you regularly buy in bulk, and even though sometimes you don't need walks, your discounted membership would not be a waste.

So that you can utilize the flexibility it is very important to understand the answer to this question. First, know that you can't switch between the monthly and per day pricing in consecutive months. Accordingly, if you need to forego more than 1 month at a time you may want to consider giving 30 days notice to end services and just restarting later. Second, if you're considering the per day pricing of Ad Hoc Walks for the month, figure out how many days you WILL be on the schedule in that month and multiply by the current Ad Hoc Walk prices on our pricing page. If the total is more than your flat monthly rate, don't switch. Compare the following price structures to know which is best for you: $36/day for the month- 1 Group Ad Hoc Walk (used when dropping from monthly plan) $68/day for the month- 2 Group Ad Hoc Walk (used when dropping from monthly plan) (~5% discount) $650/month - 1 Group Plan monthly flat rate (~10% discount) $1180/month - 2 Group Plan monthly flat rate (~20% discount) If you'd like to switch you have to notify us before the 1st of the month, otherwise you'll be locked into your monthly plan dues. There is no option to switch retroactively.

Yes, there are two ways to extend your day after joining group walks; another "Outside Hours" walk, or a "walk day extension." If you'd like to add an additional walk for your dog after hours we start at $20 for half hour visits and $35 for full hour visits. For your convenience, we offer the option to bring your dog to our home after group dog walks, subject to availability. Our sitters will confirm their availability upfront. Service Details: Duration: Up to 2+ hours as needed. Pickup: For this particular service owners must collect their dog from our house; drop-off isn't typically available and may incur extra charges. Cost: $20 covers the initial 2-hour period. Extension: An additional $20 for each subsequent 2-hour block, if our sitter is available, starting from one minute past the initial 2-hour mark. If our sitter can't extend the care session, to be communicated initially, an overnight fee applies after 2 hours. If the overnight extends into the weekend, drop fees may apply if needed. Overnight Fee: Applies automatically if the dog stays over 4 hours. In the event that our sitter is unavailable to extend the care session, an overnight fee will automatically be charged following the initial 2-hour mark.. If the dog's stay exceeds 4 hours, an automatic overnight fee will apply. If the sitter were to stay at your house instead of their own, the cost is $35 for the 2-hour window, and an automatic overnight fee after that.

Your consistent, dedicated walker will begin their day around 9:30-10am, and start by picking dogs up who are scheduled for the first outing at 11am. They'll drive in their van starting on the south end of our service area and heading down toward the north, or east end heading west, stopping at each client's home and retrieving the dogs from inside. After picking up each dog scheduled they'll head to one of a few locations listed in another FAQ, primarily Crissy Field or the Presidio for their large open off leash space access. They'll run an hour long adventure, clean the dogs up a bit, and begin a drop route. They'll repeat the same process for the second group which begins at 2pm. Another FAQ also addresses arrival windows. Folks on 2 Group programs join both walks, riding along for the midday routes during the break between walks. Let us know if you have any other questions.