MEET THE TEAM
WE'RE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BUSINESS
Our relationships are important to us.
Our team
Cohesive. Supporting. High standards. Proactive. Lead by example. Promote fun.
Our packs
Teachers. Rooted in science. Safety. Physical + mental stimulation. Tailored to the individuals.
Our clients
Part of the pack. We act as a supportive bridge. We thoughfully focus on your needs.
Our community
We promote an engaged and connected micro-community created by our company.
"Consistency. I completely understand an owners need to feel consistency with the staff, and while our main priority is grouping the packs perfectly so they have fun, your dog will stay with the same dogs, at the same parks, at the same times, with the same person - day in and day out for as long as we can. Each one of our professional dog walkers is carefully vetted and trained for you by me, someone who would die for my dog! I would trust my boy, and anyone else's dog with any of my awesome teammates. In fact, I very often do.
Our staff is professional, amiable, athletic dog walkers and customer service men and women. We're all hardworking pros who are well trained and adept at taking care of the lucky dogs that come out with us everyday. We are the Best Dog Walkers in San Francisco."
-David Levin
David Levin is one of San Francisco's most recognized dog trainers and owner of Citizen Hound Dog Walking San Francisco where he instructs his staff during their off leash group dog walking outings.
David Levin, professional dog trainer and owner of CH dog walking, San Francisco, CA.
David Levin out on group pack walk in California
David Levin is one of San Francisco's most recognized dog trainers and owner of Citizen Hound Dog Walking San Francisco where he instructs his staff during their off leash group dog walking outings.
David Levin, CPDT-KA, PhDog
Owner
My passion is teaching and providing a business people love. In this industry we all love dogs, but perhaps some walkers forget the need to be great with their humans too. I want you to feel comfortable communicating with us and feel confident about the team of people that cares for your family member while you're away. I'm dedicated to providing the perfect staff, and the perfect company structure to make sure that your dog is the beneficiary of our affection and hard work, and you feel completely connected.
Exercise is the best form of affection, and I thank you for giving your dog the biggest treat you can by looking for a professional dog walker. Your dog craves the physical outlet, the mental stimulation, the socialization, and the fun that we will provide. Each one of our walkers has been trained rigorously in both managing the dogs using positive training approaches, safety, and in customer service.
"My dog is my baby,
and I wouldn't trust my baby to anyone but
David and his team at
Citizen Hound."
- Jessica S.
Kalyn Levin
My Lefthand Lady
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Kalyn's thrilled she made the decision to work for Citizen Hound. We almost didn't get her, but I saw the potential, so I begged and many years later ... we're married, with two daughters! She's currently a therapist in her professional life but although she's not a dog walker she'll undoubtedly
be an integral part of this company forever.
"Did you know that merely petting a dog triggers a hormone called oxytocin to kick into high gear? Oxytocin, which is sometimes dubbed "the cuddle hormone," helps reduce blood pressure and decreases levels of cortisol, a hormone related to stress and anxiety." Yeah, she's smart, and everybody's much higher off oxytocin when she's around!
Kalyn Chomko out on a walk along a Californian beach.
Kalyn walking a 6 dogs on leash at Crissy Field with all her gear.
Kalyn joining owner, David, out on a pack walk at Crissy Beach with a group of dogs.
Kalyn Chomko out on a walk along a Californian beach.
"Upon arriving in SF, we interviewed many of the different services and selected Citizen Hound after being so impressed with David and his great staff."
-Alex M.
Kayla Lane-Obee
Chief Happiness Officer
Kayla's passionate about dogs, about doing a great job, being thorough, learning, and....... really, just passionate about life! Kayla's calling card is an exclamation mark, and their emails, which are full of them, are a literal representation of their effect. Kayla is simply one of a kind - refreshingly open and honest, super upbeat, friendly, and sweet, incredibly intellectual, and just a pleasure to be around.
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Kayla earned the Chief Happiness Officer title in record time, due to a commitment to progression, and a true belief in our Mission Statement and shared Values like integrity and support. They love to learn, and put that learning to action for all of us.
"When Oliver gets back from his walks he passes out for HOURS.
When he's picked up Oliver rushes to the door and doesn't look back."
-Miriam R.
John Murphy​
Field Operations Manager
John is a dog dad to his Australian Shepherd, Sheila, and he is a self-proclaimed (and outwardly obvious) Deadhead! He has been in dog biz for over a decade, having spent many years dog grooming and aiding in the management of Wags Pet Boutique on Polk. Since he joined us at Citizen Hound, he has quickly proven his sincere dedication to his dogs (now all of them vs. just his own pack), our clients and our team. He currently handles in-field management with us, being the target first responder to all the needs of our team. When he isn't hanging out with dogs at work, he's hanging with his number one girl, Sheila! He loves to cycle, and he enjoys music (such as the Grateful Dead, of course), film, books, and his buddies!
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Molly​
Team Leader, Culture Keeper
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Molly is a Bay Area native and a self proclaimed karaoke enthusiast, dog lover, cat mom, and friend to all furry creatures. Molly came to us with no previous professional dog care experience after many years in the startup space, but her enthusiasm, professionalism, and drive for learning quickly made her a key contributor to this company. She shot up to the top of our ranks so nimbly we had to expand our pipeline to create more levels.
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Molly's as gregarious as they come. Her clients say she's like family, our staff all call her our friend, she is the leader of her pack, no doubt about it. You'll hear from Molly on our Instagram, and as the leader of our scheduling team Molly's often one of the first to bid you good morning!
"One of the best decisions
we've made since moving
to the Bay Area from
the East Coast last year was to have Citizen Hound walk our dog, Brady!!"
-Shannon P.
Chris
Team Leader
Chris is someone who, at first glance, seems stoic and calm. While he is calm, as he's a very "go with the flow" kind of guy, he is warm and kind to not only his dogs but everyone he comes into contact with. He has worn many hats in his life: lead singer in a reggae band, farmer, construction worker, and now professional dog walker! His ability to change direction, pivot when needed, and stay calm has been a blessing to the team as he models a steady mind and self assurance.​ Chris' energy has a positive impact on his pack, his clients, and his team; his reliability is a constant reminder that we all have each other's backs and our packs (of dogs, of course!).
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"Citizen Hound takes care of our dogs as well as
we could ever hope!
They go above and beyond.
I know they are extremely loved and have the best time with all of the walkers!"
-Shalini H.
Tyler​
Team Leader
​
Tyler relocated to San Francisco from Nevada City in Northern California for a taste of Bay life! His transition into working with us, our packs, and our clients has been so effortlessly seamless due to his easy-going nature, his drive for success, and his overall love for the work he gets to do on a daily basis! When he isn't with us holding his small pack pups or playing fetch, he's in the gym hitting reps as bodily health and nutrition is important to him. His goal is to stay in shape and healthy so he can be a firefighter in his future! The level of dedication Tyler displays on and off the clock is what makes him such a fit for our culture!
"The team has been an absolute joy to work with! They have so much fun, and my dog is happier - I can truly tell!"
-Ellie P.
Grace​
Chancellor of Canines
Grace is who you would imagine a ray of sunshine is like as a person! She is someone who finds ways to connect with each pup and person immediately and intentionally; she is energetic, goofy, and undoubtedly sweet! She speaks to everyone as if she's been your best friend for ages, and this is exactly why she is such a cultural fit for Citizen Hound! She'll gush about shared interests, especially Ariana Grande related because she's a mega-fan, and she's eager to continue learning about all the things that her pack, her team, and her clients find joy in.​ Grace is the epitome of the fact that life is what we make it: when its raining, choose to be the sun for yourself and others and you'll be happier for it! She definitely is!
"David runs this business with tons of passion and takes the care of the dogs seriously. His team is outstanding, Eva loves her walker (Shirl) and squeals with excitement every time she gets picked up."
-Pablo G.
Alex​
Chancellor of Canines
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Alex and her four-legged son, Lucifer (Luci for short), have joined us at Citizen Hound after working in pup care prior, and she was seeking a position that allows her more time outside and more freedom than a boarding hotel. She's a committed learner, unafraid of a challenge, and an astrology enthusiast! You can find Alex listening to Harry Styles and Lady Gaga, coordinating her outfits by theme and activity, and accepting all the kisses from her pack pups. Alex's friendly and open demeanor is her staple, and the relationships she builds are long-lasting and as vibrant as she is!
"David is very easy to get in contact with and is also flexible and understanding when situations arise. Finding someone to trust with your pet is stressful but I'm always confident Mochi is in good hands with
Citizen Hound."
-Kelly L.
Wes​
Chancellor of Canines​
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Wes is a hardworking and reliable pack leader, always ready for anything that comes their way! Having a background education in business and experience with teaching the youth, they have been transmuting that knowledge to working with dogs, our clients, and within our company and community! Wes came to us without prior professional dog handling experience, and they have proven that a nose-to-the-grindstone sort of grit can propel you anywhere; Wes completed our training in record time, and their commitment to learning for their benefit as well as the benefit to their pack pups and clients is a testament to the impact they have with us and those around them.
"David and our staffer go above and beyond and genuinely love and treat my dog better than I could have imagined. They go to the beach, on hikes in the woods, have sleepovers, have obedience training, and get kisses and cuddles all day long.
-Kate B..
Clayton​
Dean of Dogs
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Clayton came to us as a recent graduate from the University of Puget Sound with a degree in Economics and a minor in Math. He’s passionate about data, strategy, and building smart systems; he brings a great mix of curiosity, precision, and team spirit! In his free time, he sings a cappella and enjoys playing complex strategy games; he also enjoys game nights with his pals playing Magic: The Gathering which even helped him build a friendship with our other teammate, Asger! One of his former managers called him one of the best hires she ever had—someone who could consistently perform above his level and gave her real peace of mind when he was on the schedule. He is intentional, thoughtful, and enjoys a good laugh!
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"They go above and beyond to help you and your dog and every staff member I encountered was very patient and loving towards my dog with medical issues."
-Rachel B..
​Asger
Dean of Dogs
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Asger completed his B.S. in Marine Biology at UC Santa Cruz and has a deep love for the natural world, particularly the ocean, a passion passed down from his parents! His favorite animal is a Blue Whale. In a year or two, he plans to continue his studies in Denmark, where he hopes to pursue a Master’s in Marine Biology or a related discipline. Outside of working with Citizen Hound, Asger volunteers at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, and he plays Magic: The Gathering with Clayton and his friends. He’s also no stranger to hard work, having held physically demanding roles like production associate and driver for Revolution Craft Ice (think Sven from Frozen). Asger is a dedicated go-getter who adores his pack and his team!
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"The entire team feels like a part of the family because we trust them so much with our dog. Citizen Hound is the BEST!"
-Andria G.
Lizzy​​
Dean of Dogs
​
Lizzy brings a ton of warmth, thoughtfulness, and positivity to the table. She describes herself as someone who loves to engage with her coworkers and create trust, so that everyone knows they can count on her. She’s also eager to be the kind of teammate who helps turn a rough day around with her positivity and (in her own words, which I loved) a little sense of whimsy. Lizzy has already spent a few years dog sitting while attending USF and earning a degree in design, which she plans to continue in the future. She’s cared for pups of all ages, sizes, and personalities, including her own deaf and visually impaired senior Bull Terrier. She’s experienced with dogs who need a little extra patience and understanding, and she approaches that with a mix of empathy and creativity. Outside of Citizen Hound, Lizzy is into birdwatching, making art, sewing, playing games with friends, travel, and discovering hidden trails.
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"My dog is my baby,
and I wouldn't trust my baby to anyone but
David and his team at
Citizen Hound."
- Jessica S.
Walter​
Puppy Professor
​
Walter has a B.A in Music, and he's spent years teaching piano, which means he’s used to patient care, building trust, communicating clearly, and taking responsibility. In addition to his skill with the piano, he does sound design for video games as a side gig, and he enjoys making original compositions! In his previous work and in the work he does with us here at Citizen Hound, he emphasized individualized attention and accountability for results. One of the main things he expresses wanting is to be part of a team working toward something together, which is exactly the environment we maintain here! Not only is Walter an uber professional in what he does in his work-life, he dabbles in many hobbies: graphic design, breakdancing, tennis, chess, Tetris, psychology and meditation!​
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"Upon arriving in SF, we interviewed many of the different services and selected Citizen Hound after being so impressed with David and his great staff."
-Alex M.
Cole​​
Puppy Professor
​
Cole comes to Citizen Hound following some high performance years in a sales role, as well as outdoor work guiding and leading youth wilderness canoe trips. That experience requires a great deal of responsibility, judgment, and care for groups in dynamic environments, which translates very naturally to the type of work we do with our dog packs. He's extremely well-spoken, professional, and super savvy when it comes to tech and digital info! He still enjoys the strategy of trading in his free time, as well as hanging out with his personal pup, Bear!
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"When Oliver gets back from his walks he passes out for HOURS.
When he's picked up Oliver rushes to the door and doesn't look back."
-Miriam R.
Jordon
Dogtoral Candidate
​
Jordon comes into Citizen Hound with real dog exposure. His mom managed a rescue and his dad managed a dog day care, and Jordon has already gained experience working for a dog day care on Divis. He moved to San Francisco because it's his favorite place! His passions are skateboarding, photography and videography, exploring new places, and spending time writing and reading. Jordon's love for his pack shines every day, and you can find him training 1:1 with his pack dogs regularly to practice their good behaviors, teach them new tricks, and channeling their energy with some structured learning!
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"One of the best decisions
we've made since moving
to the Bay Area from
the East Coast last year was to have Citizen Hound walk our dog, Brady!!"
-Shannon P.
Hunter​​
Dogtoral Candidate
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Before moving to San Francisco and joining us here at Citizen Hound, Hunter worked in environmental conservation in Arizona. He's spent time working with avian raptors, winning the hearts of spicy Hawks, aiding in a tortoise adoption program, and surveying natural environments to collect data! Some of his main hobbies are hiking, fishing and video games (the hard ones like Dark Souls, lol)! If you ever see him out and about, look for a tall guy with little dogs that come up to his ankles (he's known to have the Doxie crew among us).
"We highly recommend David and his team - they are so much for more than dog walkers - they are trainers, teachers, and above all a dog's best friend."
-Kiley N.
"We know Penny loves the Citizen Hound team because of the way she runs to the door when they come to get her and the happy, tired puppy we see at the end of the day."
"David and his team are amazing. They are caring, attentive, super fun, and I can tell my dog is always enthusiastic to see them."
-Shirley F.
-Adam N.