Business Details
14 Years
experience
Expert Small Dog Walking & Daycare in San Francisco
Founded in 2012, The Art of Dog specializes in small dog walking and daycare services tailored to canines under 25 lbs. Our team, certified in canine behavior, pet CPR, and first aid, prioritizes safety, structured play, and positive reinforcement training. We operate exclusively in San Francisco, offering off-leash adventures in low-traffic locations and customized daycare itineraries. Our founders, Cynthia Evans and Miquel Sanchez, bring expertise from dog training academies and hands-on experience managing behavioral challenges. We emphasize transparency through daily walk reports and social media updates, ensuring clients stay informed about their pets' activities. Our commitment to continuous education and humane training methods aligns with endorsements from leading veterinary and training organizations.By focusing solely on small dogs, we address unique safety concerns and socialization needs, fostering confidence in shy dogs and managing high-energy breeds. Our Pacifica-based daycare center provides a secure, home-like environment with both indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxation and play. Client testimonials highlight our ability to improve dogs' behavior and reduce anxiety through consistent exercise and personalized care. We pride ourselves on building trust through reliability, expertise, and a genuine passion for enhancing the lives of small dogs and their owners.
Services
Small Dog Walking
Small Dog Daycare
Off-Leash Hikes
Structured Play Activities
Positive Reinforcement Training
Overnight Boarding
Behavioral Training
Customized Itineraries
Enrichment Activities
Dog Socialization
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Certified in canine behavior and pet CPR for expert care.
- Specializing exclusively in dogs under 25 lbs. for tailored attention.
- Structured playgroups matched by personality and energy levels.
- Positive reinforcement training endorsed by veterinary professionals.
- Transparent communication with daily walk reports and photo updates.
Associations and certifications
- APDT
- Pet Tech
- Dog*Tecs Dog Walking Academy
What people say
Best dog walkers
Knowledgeable and loving
Improved separation anxiety
Top-notch service
Passionate about care
Services
Small Dog Walking
Our small dog walking service offers hour-long, supervised off-leash adventures in low-traffic San Francisco locations. Groups are limited to six dogs matched by energy levels, ensuring safety and socialization. Daily hikes and structured play promote physical health and reduce behavioral issues at home.
Small Dog Daycare
Our home-based daycare in Pacifica provides customized itineraries for small dogs, including enrichment activities, non-competitive agility, and quiet time. Secure outdoor spaces and constant supervision ensure a safe, stimulating environment tailored to each dog's personality and energy level.
Positive Reinforcement Training
We use science-based positive reinforcement techniques to teach basic obedience and address behavioral challenges. Our methods, endorsed by veterinary schools and animal welfare organizations, focus on rewards like treats and praise to encourage lasting, stress-free learning outcomes.
People
Cynthia Evans
Co-Founder
Cynthia co-founded The Art of Dog after a 17-year career in casino gaming. Certified by Dog*Tecs and Pet Tech, she specializes in small dog behavior and pack management. Her background includes volunteering at animal shelters and outdoor adventures like rafting and snowboarding.
Miquel Sanchez
Co-Founder
Miquel co-founded The Art of Dog, drawing on culinary industry experience to approach dog care as an art form. Certified in canine behavior and first aid, he focuses on training and socialization. He enjoys hiking, winery visits, and caring for his three small dogs.
Questions
What areas do you serve for dog walking?
We serve Bernal Heights, Noe Valley, Glen Park, Diamond Heights, Castro, and Mission neighborhoods in San Francisco.
Are your staff certified in pet safety?
Yes, our team holds certifications in canine CPR, first aid, and behavior from Dog*Tecs and Pet Tech.
Do you offer services for anxious or shy dogs?
Yes, our daycare provides safe spaces for shy dogs to build confidence through structured, low-pressure socialization.
What training methods do you use?
We exclusively use positive reinforcement techniques, avoiding punishment-based methods to ensure stress-free learning.
Can I view my dog's daily activities?
Yes, we post daily adventure photos on Facebook and provide regular walk reports for client updates.
