Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Dog Walking and Boarding Services in East Bay Area
Woofwalkscom Excursions was founded in 2000 with a mission to create a safe, fun, and loving environment for dogs through structured outdoor activities. Our unique approach integrates basic manners and obedience training into every hike, ensuring dogs develop essential socialization skills while receiving physical exercise. We offer in-home boarding services in a cozy, structured home environment where daily exercise is included, and our clients benefit from preferred status and discounts. Legally permitted by the East Bay Regional Parks District since inception, we maintain rigorous professional standards through insurance coverage with Pet Sitters Associates, LLC, and memberships in the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Canine Professionals.Our team of certified professionals prioritizes individualized attention, evidenced by our decade-long client relationships and consistent recognition as Best of Oakland & the East Bay. We emphasize transparency in operations, providing digital reports on each pet's daily activities, and maintain a commitment to continuous improvement in canine care practices.
Services
Walks/Hikes
In-Home Boarding
Basic Manners Training
Socialization
Exercise Programs
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Owner-operated since 2000 with East Bay Regional Parks District permits
- Insured through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC
- Certified dog walking academy graduates on staff
- Recognized as Best of Oakland & the East Bay multiple times
- Digital reporting system for pet activity transparency
Associations and certifications
- Pet Sitters Associates, LLC
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
- International Association of Canine Professionals
What people say
Loves Gerry
Happy and exhausted
Amazing for my dog
Trustworthy and reliable
Transformed from city dog
Services
Walks/Hikes
Structured off-leash trail hikes integrate obedience training with physical exercise. Dogs receive minimum one-hour sessions featuring heeling, recall practice, and socialization in shaded parks. Digital reports track daily activities, including pick-up/drop-off times and health observations. Service operates Monday-Friday with duration ranging from 1.25 to 3 hours per session.
In-Home Boarding
Cozy home environment boarding includes daily exercise and structured routines. Dogs enjoy private backyard access, scheduled playtimes, and evening relaxation periods. Rates include basic care with client-provided food, while holiday periods require prepayment. Capacity limited to 4-6 dogs based on temperament assessment.
Basic Manners Training
Integrated training during walks focuses on heeling, down-stays, and recall commands. Professional handlers use positive reinforcement techniques to improve leash behavior and group interaction. Training adapts to individual dog needs while maintaining pack structure during group excursions.
People
Kate Wolfson
Owner
Current owner operating since 2023, committed to walker stability through employee benefits. Transformed business structure to provide sick pay, workers' comp, and mileage reimbursement while maintaining service quality.
Gerry
Dog Walker
Certified Dog Walker Academy graduate with over a decade of trail hiking experience. Specializes in off-leash pack management and maintains first aid certification for canine emergencies.
Jessica
Dog Walker
Professional dog trainer with 15+ years' experience reading canine behavior. Ensures safe, enjoyable trail experiences while implementing structured socialization techniques during group hikes.
Kimber
Dog Handler
Skilled handler since 2023 with expertise in nature-based dog activities. Combines photography skills with daily documentation of pet experiences while maintaining trail safety protocols.
Stacey Wiley
Founder
Established Woofwalkscom Excursions in 2000 with initial pack of personal dogs. Built foundational relationships with East Bay clients before transitioning ownership in 2023 while maintaining operational influence.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We service most Oakland and San Leandro areas. Contact us to confirm your specific location availability.
What's included in boarding?
Boarding includes daily exercise, structured routines, and private backyard access in a home environment.
How are payments processed?
Payments accepted via check, PayPal (with .50 fee), or credit card through our secure invoicing system.
Do you offer holiday services?
Holiday boarding available with advance approval and $10/night surcharge during peak periods.
What training methods are used?
Positive reinforcement techniques focus on heeling, recall, and socialization during structured trail hikes.
How are dogs supervised?
Handlers maintain constant visual contact during hikes with maximum six dogs per guide for safety.
Reviews (7)
Thao L.
Jul 10, 2019
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Athena loves Gerry and so does her friends. Woofwalks provides canine-friendly off-leash dog hikes but in my case, Athena friendly and Athena specific adventures. My dog loves to romp and explore off-beaten paths on her own while checking in with the pack. Everyone including the owner knows my dog and I so well. We adore the level of attention to detail and customer service. These reviews are genuine and these people love dogs!
Robin P.
Nov 07, 2018
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Our dog Sharky comes home happy, satisfied, and exhausted from walking with her dog walker, Gerry 3-4 times per week in the off leash pack. Easy and stress-free communication via their handy scheduling app which emails me every time she is dropped off with a cute note about her walk from her perspective, which is so fun to read! I really can't recommend Woofwalks and Gerry enough. They walk a few dogs in our building and I've never heard a single complaint. Sharky and I are very happy to be part of the Woofwalks clan!
Lian S.
May 31, 2018
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Woofwalks has been amazing for my dog, Tux. I had a lot of anxiety about finding the right fit for Tux after a couple of tries elsewhere. From the moment we had a meet and greet with Jarred, I could tell that he truly loves dogs and that his energy is perfect for them. Tux has been hiking with Jarred for about a year now, and he's always super happy and tired when I come home. Thanks :
Nahla L.
Apr 05, 2018
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Woofwalk is the best! I have worked with different walkers in the past but Gerry is something else! He is AMAZING! He is very kind and communicative and the most important is that the dogs absolutely love him. Kate has also been very understanding and responsive the times I had to make changes to the dogs' walking schedule! Thank you all!
Jamie M.
Aug 03, 2017
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Woofwalks has been great. They responded to my original inquiry very quickly and have been helpful and responsive since. Our walker, Noelle has done a great job of 'training walks' with our pup. She is helping her learn recall so well that she will soon be able to romp off leash with the rest of the pack. She come home calm, happy and exhausted every time.
Gina T.
Feb 17, 2017
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I cannot emphasize how much I adore Kate (the scheduler) and Sofia (my walker)! I interviewed many dogwalkers before going with woofwalks. I need someone who understood my dog and the fact that he can be a little bit of a punk when off leash. Sofia is so great with him, and I can tell that he's had a great time because he literally doesn't move for hours after he gets back because he's so tired! I am really grateful to have found this team!
Bob Kelley
Jun 28, 2016
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Stacey is not only very easy and personable with her canine clients, but was awesome to work with one on one when training my two year old Mastiff/Rhodesian mix, when other classes/trainers had failed. Part of the reason I wasn't able to get my pooch to cooperate turned out to have a lot to do with my ease in understanding, following and not being intimidated by the personality of the person who I went to to help me! Stacey was very specific and patient and even in our initial meeting, was able to give me several valuable and easily applicable changes which are still the easiest to follow controlling, my pup, whio is now fourteen. Thanks, Stacey!
