Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pet Care Experts in Oakland
Established in 2005, Doggy Lama Pet Care has become a trusted name in East Bay pet care, serving Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Alameda. Our team combines decades of collective experience with a commitment to continuing education in animal behavior and positive reinforcement techniques. We maintain rigorous safety protocols, including licensing, insurance, and bonding, while holding permits for East Bay Regional Park District trails. Our staff includes certified professionals with backgrounds in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and specialized training programs.We prioritize community responsibility through initiatives like paying Shuumi land tax to support Indigenous land restoration. With multiple industry awards recognizing our excellence, we offer comprehensive services including group hikes, private walks, boarding, and specialized training programs for dogs and cats.
Services
Dog Walking
Pet Sitting
Dog Boarding
Puppy Training
Cat Care
Group Hikes
Private Walks
Buddy Walks
Puppy Playgroup
Drop-In Visits
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We prioritize continuing education in animal behavior and positive reinforcement techniques
- Our team maintains constant communication and backup support during all services
- We use proven positive reinforcement training methods for all pet interactions
- Licensed, insured, and bonded with EBRPD trail permits since 2005
- Middle-range pricing among licensed and insured pet care providers in the region
What people say
Trusted
Compassionate
Safe
Beloved by dogs
Professional expertise
Services
Group Trail Hikes
Our group trail hikes provide off-leash adventures in Oakland's best parks. Dogs enjoy minimum one-hour hikes with experienced walkers who reinforce positive trail behavior. We maintain strict safety protocols with EBRPD permits and require up-to-date vaccinations. Packages available for 2-6 dogs weekly schedules.
Private On-Leash Walks
Tailored one-on-one walks for special needs dogs including seniors, reactive pets, and puppies. Walkers provide enrichment activities and follow training protocols. Available in 30 or 60-minute options with evening/weekend surcharges. Requires regular weekly scheduling.
Puppy Play Group
Structured socialization sessions for puppies with professional monitoring. Includes desensitization training, body handling practice, and rest breaks. Maximum seven puppies per session with two handlers. Requires minimum twice-weekly attendance for optimal development.
Kitty Drop-In Visits
In-home cat care with physical and mental enrichment. Services include feeding, litter maintenance, plant watering, and home security checks. Available in 30 or 60-minute visits with meet-and-greet options. Special attention to senior cat needs.
In-Home Dog Boarding
Home-based boarding with daily hikes and personalized attention. Accepts small and senior dogs only. Includes trial night assessment. Special care available for dogs with medical needs at additional cost. Holiday rates apply.
People
Molly Kenefick
Owner
Founder of Doggy Lama Pet Care with 18 years of experience. Previously worked in corporate environments before transitioning to pet care. Holds permits for East Bay Regional Park District trails. Named business after her late husky mix, Dakota.
Vero
Training Manager
IAABC-certified positive reinforcement trainer with 13 years running dog training business in Mexico. Specializes in aggression, anxiety, and reactivity issues. Joined Doggy Lama in 2022 after relocating to Bay Area with wife and animals.
Kendrae
Operations Manager
Former Chicago dog walker with architecture background. Handles employee recruitment and dog-walker matching. Moved to Portland in 2020 while continuing remote operations management. Holds graphic design experience and enjoys outdoor activities.
Barb
Cat Care Specialist
Former elder and child caretaker with 15 years in feral cat TNR programs. Manages special needs cats at home. Joined Doggy Lama to expand into dog care. Certified in cat behavior and senior pet care.
Daryl
Dog Walker
Former corporate professional who transitioned to pet care after moving to Bay Area. Completed dog daycare training in large group socialization. Prioritizes safety and positive experiences for all dogs during walks and hikes.
Questions
What areas do you serve for pet care services?
We provide services in Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Alameda. Our trail hikes utilize East Bay Regional Park District locations with proper permits.
Are your dog walkers licensed and insured?
Yes, we are fully licensed, insured, and bonded. We maintain permits for East Bay Regional Park District trails and follow all local regulations.
What training methods do you use for dog behavior?
We exclusively use positive reinforcement techniques. Our training manager is IAABC-certified and specializes in addressing reactivity, anxiety, and socialization issues.
Can you accommodate special needs pets?
Yes, we provide specialized care for senior pets, reactive dogs, and pets with medical needs. Our staff has experience handling special dietary requirements and medication administration.
What are your cancellation policies for scheduled services?
We require 24-hour notice for cancellations. No credits are issued for missed appointments without proper notice. All services operate on monthly auto-pay billing.
Do you offer emergency pet care services?
While we don't provide 24/7 emergency services, we can accommodate urgent care requests during regular business hours and offer flexible scheduling for unexpected needs.
Reviews (7)
Tamara Bricker
May 12, 2022
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I am an Oakland based dog trainer and I feel very confident recommending Doggy Lama to my clients. The staff has proven to be passionate about the care of dogs and their family. With this passion they seek knowledge and experience in dog behavior and care. They communicate with one another to make sure everyone is safe out on the trails and supported. They offer private walks, adventure hikes, and small group hikes.
Many of my clients need experienced dog handlers with patience and lots of compassion not only for the dog but for the family. The human aspect of dog care is just as important in my view. I also love how they are willing to work with me as a team. Sometimes it takes a village to care for a pet and a team who communicates well is very important to support the family. Doggy Lama Pet Care is a wonderful company and I highly recommend their services.
Many of my clients need experienced dog handlers with patience and lots of compassion not only for the dog but for the family. The human aspect of dog care is just as important in my view. I also love how they are willing to work with me as a team. Sometimes it takes a village to care for a pet and a team who communicates well is very important to support the family. Doggy Lama Pet Care is a wonderful company and I highly recommend their services.
Gesshin G.
Feb 22, 2022
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Emily is great with our shy, reactive puppy Loki. The first day they met, Loki wouldn't even leave the house to say hello, but just barked and ran away. But Emily was very patient with him, giving him treats and letting him warm up to her. Now they go on short walks around the neighborhood, and we are looking to get Loki more socialized and confident in the future.
Dene Carter
Feb 20, 2022
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Doggy Lama have been responsible, reliable and kind during even the most difficult moments of the Covid Pandemic. I don't know what Ronin would do without Jeysi, his walker, and the gang to keep him entertained and socialized. Could not ask for a better service.
D. B.
Feb 19, 2022
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My dog, Maddy, a skittish and insecure street dog rescue, alerts me with enthusiastic wiggles when Davida turns the corner onto our street and it's time for her pack walk. Her joy at seeing Davida is truly remarkable. I also appreciate how everyone at Doggy Lama is sensitive to shy dogs like Maddy and works to ensure a good experience and harmony between the dogs in the pack. I'm so glad to have found Doggy Lama!
Karen B.
Feb 14, 2022
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My sweet but high energy Margaux has been in Vanessa's care for about two years - especially during the pandemic, Vanessa and Doggy Lama have been a godsend, providing structure, fun, adventure and connection (all the things we humans miss!) for Margaux and her trail buddies. This helps keep her social, super well-behaved and good & tired when she gets home from her party.er hike, so I can get some work done. Vanessa is a super communicator and a fantastic photographer to boot, so I get great updates on all the fun while I am at my desk. Makes me envious!
Roxanne G.
Feb 14, 2022
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So grateful that I found Doggy Lama last year when I needed to add walking capacity for my new pup! Brad has been coming for a few months now. He takes both of my dogs for on-leash walks in my neighborhood several times a week while I'm working. They're always thrilled to see him when he arrives.and ready to nap when he brings them home, which is the best!
Jacqueline C.
Feb 13, 2022
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Jeysi has been our walker for the last several months and she's great! Our dog loves her and she sends us pictures after every walk! Doggylama continues to be one of the things that we can depend on these last couple of years.
