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
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 a daughter! 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
Field Manager, 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 affect. 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.
Kayla earned the Field Manager 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.
Molly Goldman
Team Leader, Culture Keeper
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.
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.
Shannon Greene
Professional Dog Walker
Shannon is as hard working, dependable, charismatic, and caring as they come. Being one of the more senior staffers now, we've loved watching the moments where we've asked him to step up to the plate, where he's consistently hit winning shots. Big players make big plays in big games. He keeps a level head and a stoic fortitude, and he's usually one of the first in motion when someone needs help.
Shannon's a Bay Area native who enjoys working on and driving his Mustang, chalices over ordinary cups, and long fixed gear bike rides. He likes to squeeze the most out of life and make sure those around him do too. I love that when he asks me how I'm doing he always follows up with, "what makes it good?' He isn't as satisfied staying in the shallows and has forged terrific relationships with his dogs, coworkers, and clients.
"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.
Leticia White
Dean of Dogs
Quiet and diligent when she's working hard, and louder and dancier as she's having fun, Leticia is someone who oscillates from gritty to grinning in her work day, as it should be. Known for her clean and organized work vehicle, Leticia is a meticulous and methodical thinker, who strives to understand the why behind everything so that information is quickly well-utilized.
Leticia appreciates the same dedication to hard work and whimsy in others, which connects her well with our company culture, as well as making her a huge foodie. She says she could talk food all day. And that makes sense. To me foodies are people who celebrate craft, exploration, and connections with others, finding joy, beauty, and enrichment through the love and appreciation of something that for some is just sustenance.
"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.
Charlie Hartzer
Dean of Dogs
After passing the LSATs and trying out the legal world, Charlie realized their heart was barking up a different tree. Now, they're enjoying a role that brings joy, nurturance, and a sense of community. Charlie is a lifelong learner, always striving to be the best at whatever they do, and they're excited to live out our company value of progression as a professional in such a specialized space.
Patience is one of Charlie's top strengths. As a former Tenant Counselor for the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, they mastered the art of listening and caring for stressed-out residents, guiding conversations towards solutions with grace and understanding. And when it comes to our four-legged friends, Charlie's well of patience is bottomless. They know that trust between humans and dogs is built on a foundation of patience and understanding, and they're here to nurture bonds with us all.
"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.
Niki Barnes
Dean of Dogs
Niki is a Bay Area Native through and through; she's moved from coast to coast, yet San Francisco is still her home! She's a mom to a senior pup, Marley, who she rescued 15 years ago in New York! Niki is often one of the first people to see a need before it's expressed, and she will take it upon herself to ensure the need is fulfilled! We often hear her witty references to movies and songs that only a well-versed trivia champion can identify (Molly, listed above, is one of the trivia champs who get it), and she's quick to laugh. Niki's background as a chef and a teacher has ensured her role as a strong leader; she is patient, loving, silly, and she will be firm when she needs to be (as any leader should be)!
r
Her commitment to her pack pups, their needs, and the needs of each of her individual clients and her team are all examples of Niki's shining character on and off the field.
"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.
Chris Mundahl
Dean of Dogs
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!).
"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.
Grace Schmitz
Dean of Dogs
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 Taylor Swift 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 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..
Makenna Steele
Dean of Dogs
Makenna worked in a veterinarian office before coming to work with us at Citizen Hound, and we couldn't be happier to offer her the space to continue work with animals in an outdoor space! She loves staying active, and you can find her surfing, camping, and hiking in her free time. She loves engaging with her pack using each dogs' individual motivators, which she applies to her team and clients as well-- she focuses on the individuality of the people around her, and she communicates with specific qualities in mind!
In addition to the constant smile and positivity she has, Makenna is stellar in her professionalism, awareness of her dogs' personalities and behaviors (even before behaviors occur), and the way she remembers the tiny details about her team and her clients.
"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..
Evan Tilson-Stroud
Puppy Professor
Evan moved to San Francisco recently, and we are so lucky he found us here at Citizen Hound! Some of Evan's greatest strengths are his flexibility, his patience, and the way he doggedly hungers to learn! As a skateboarder, he applies the same tenacity required to building his training toolkit, and practicing new training techniques, absorbing knowledge from his peers with exuberance!
Evan is an outgoing person who is a little shy when it comes to compliments and instances where he is in the spotlight, and he's un-ironically thrilled by feedback; he'll take coaching to heart, and he soars because of his genuine drive to do the best he possibly can!
"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.
Isabelle Diller
Dogtoral Candidate
Isabelle moved to the Bay from Kansas, and she is now enrolled in cosmetology school! She currently spends her weekdays getting dirty with her pack dogs and her evenings learning. She loves to dance, and you can find her practicing her moves with Kahu, a Golden-doodle who very much wants to be human.
Alex Montgomery
Dogtoral Candidate
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!
"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.