Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dog Walking and Boarding Service in Oakland, CA
Tracy's TLC was founded in 2002 by Tracy Timmer, a lifelong animal lover who transitioned from a corporate marketing career to pursue her passion for canine care. Recognizing the lack of formal dog behavior education for walkers, Tracy volunteered at the Oakland Animal Shelter to deepen her understanding of diverse dog personalities. Over two decades, she cultivated a dedicated client base through personalized service, treating each dog as family. The business specializes in off-leash group hikes in the Oakland hills, promoting mental stimulation and socialization.Tracy maintains full operational control, personally handling all services and using trusted substitutes when needed. Her small service area in Oakland and Piedmont ensures efficient trail access, while boarding services are reserved for regular clients. Tracy attributes her 20-year success to consistent focus on dogs' well-being through natural environments and responsible ownership practices.
Services
Off-leash Group Hikes
Dog Walking
Boarding
Socialization Training
Vaccine Compliance
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- Owner-operated service with no employees since 2002
- 20+ years of experience in dog behavior and socialization
- Trusted substitute care from experienced professionals
- Specialized in small-group trail-based exercise programs
- Strict adherence to vaccination and safety protocols
Associations and certifications
- Travelers Insurance
- Oakland business license
- East Bay Regional Park District Dog Walking Permit
Services
Off-leash Group Hikes
Tracy's TLC specializes in small-group hikes for up to 6 dogs in the Oakland hills. These off-leash adventures at East Bay Regional Parks allow dogs to explore natural environments while building social skills with other dogs and humans. Our hikes improve canine confidence through structured outdoor experiences that stimulate all five senses.
Boarding
Overnight boarding available exclusively for regular clients in Tracy's home. Maintains routine for familiar dogs during owner travel while ensuring continued socialization opportunities. Combines comfort of home care with the benefits of professional dog handling experience spanning two decades.
Dog Walking
Customized walking schedules tailored to individual needs with 2-5 day options. Utilizes natural trail settings rather than sidewalks for enhanced mental stimulation. Emphasizes positive reinforcement and behavior management through structured outdoor activities that promote long-term temperament improvements.
Socialization Training
Structured group interactions that help dogs build confidence through controlled exposure to different personalities. Leverages group hikes to teach appropriate social cues and reduce anxiety in multi-dog environments. Focuses on gradual acclimation strategies tailored to each dog's specific temperament.
People
Tracy Timmer
Owner/Operator
Tracy Timmer founded Tracy's TLC in 2002 after transitioning from tech marketing. With over 20 years of experience, she combines formal shelter training with continuous learning through professional dog walking groups. Her 15-year client retention rate reflects commitment to personalized care.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We serve select Oakland neighborhoods (94601, 94602, 94605, 94610, 94611, 94619) and Piedmont, CA - keeping travel time minimal for quicker trail access.
How many dogs join group hikes?
Our off-leash hikes maintain a maximum of 6 dogs per group to ensure individual attention and safe socialization opportunities in natural environments.
What vaccination requirements exist?
Dogs must have current rabies, distemper, bordetella vaccines and flea/tick prevention. Spayed/neutered status required except for puppies under 18 months.
Is boarding available year-round?
Boarding is offered exclusively for regular clients with priority given to established customers. Capacity limited to maintain quality care standards during owner's absence.
Reviews (6)
Heather R.
Mar 09, 2021
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Tracy has been taking our dogs for trail hikes and boarding for over 10 years. She is extremely reliable, flexible in working with her clients and pets needs and unique personalities. We appreciate that Tracy also picks up and drops off our pets which is so helpful for people with long commutes. We can't say enough good things about Tracy's TLC.
Yansa T.
Oct 21, 2020
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My four year old cocker has been going to Tracys TLC since he was nine months old. Tracy and her husband Jim run a top notch business and Prince enjoys his afternoons there.
Katie S.
Feb 28, 2013
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I hired Tracy's TLC because of their glowing Yelp reviews when I moved to Oakland six months ago. I started noticing that my liquor cabinet was becoming especially *light* one might say, so this week I decided to mark the bottle that I suspected would diminish with a sharpie marker before I left for work. To my dismay, when I came home the contents were several inches lower than the mark. Tracy's TLC has not only gone through my cabinets to find the one that stored the liquor, but also consumed enough to kill a small army over the months I've employed them.
I wonder what other places in my house they rifled through, and what else was taken that I am not aware of. Creepy. Beware of this company, they seem very nice but have been stealing from me for months.
I wonder what other places in my house they rifled through, and what else was taken that I am not aware of. Creepy. Beware of this company, they seem very nice but have been stealing from me for months.
Elaine B.
Mar 14, 2012
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Tracy is terrific! And my dog loves going out on her trail walks, so that's the most important thing. But in any case, Tracy is reliable, organized and flexible and, when she's able, has made last-minute changes when we've asked for them if she's able and tries to accommodate our changeable schedule as best she can. I have absolutely no complaints after using her service for six years. Highly recommended!
Cindy O.
Jun 01, 2011
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Honest, reliable, and caring. I like that they deal with my last minute changes and that they offer help when they can with foster pets. True animal lovers.
Michael B.
Feb 18, 2011
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For about 6 years, Tracy has taken care of my two cats whenever I travel, which is a few weeks a year. She also takes care of my plants while I'm gone. I can always tell when I get home that the cats have been well cared for. Tracy is responsible and reliable.
