Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions and we have answers! In the event, you don’t see your question answered here, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Getting Started
Off Leash Adventure Outings
Are you bonded and insured?
What if my dog has never been off-leash before?
We have options and we love to train! We have trainers who can help you and your dog by offering private training sessions focused on recall. Our trainers can help transition your dog, and you, to be in our off leash walks successfully. We have training recall workshops for clients a few times a year that you and your pup can sign up for. Email us for more info!
Do you offer pick up and drop off?
Yes, if you are in our service area for Adventure Outings. Click this link to see if we cover your neighborhood.
What happens if I know I will be out of town for several weeks?
How will I be billed for walks?
What is a doggie ranch?
We have our own private enclosed dog park for just our Top Dog pups! Located right below the city in Pacifica, we head down to our grassy meadow space each day where we romp, socialize, smell, play, chase, fetch galore! Doggie Ranch is a perfect spot for us to allow your dog the freedom and safety to be off leash with other carefully chosen dog friends in a controlled safe environment.
What are your walk times?
Pickups range from 7:45am to 10:30am and drop offs range from 1pm to 3pm depending on group location, dog size and ranch arrival time.
The average out of the house time per day for each dog is approx. 4.5 hours.
What’s with the monthly prepaid walk packages?
Will the same person always walk/visit my pet?
Generally, yes. We will assign a primary walker for your dog. If your dog goes on regularly scheduled walks with us 5x a week we have one walker assigned for your dog. We also have a back-up walker trained to substitute for us if the primary walker is sick or on vacation. We communicate with you any walker changes and give you a heads up!
Do the dogs get dirty on walks?
Our walkers are happy to wipe your dog down with a pre-designated towel on rainy days. But if you have areas of your house you are concerned about getting dirty, please make arrangements with us in advance to keep them confined somewhere where a little dirt won’t hurt. Whether your dog gets dirty depends on where the walker takes the dogs, what the weather’s like that day, and whether your dog enjoys getting dirty/ swimming. Most off-leash trails are dirt and sand roads and therefore prone to getting muddy on rainy days. Sometimes there are streams or ponds in the areas where we walk, and although we try to minimize muddy occasions, we can’t guarantee we can always keep playful pups out of puddles!
Getting Started
Small Dog PlayCare
Are you bonded and insured?
Yes we are! And licensed too. All of our PlayCare Assistants are background checked, and are certified in Pet CPR and First Aid Training. They are also Certified Top Dog SF Dog Walkers.’
What size dogs are allowed at PlayCare?
Our Small Dog PlayCare facility features a specially designed space that cater to the needs and preferences of smaller breeds. We only accept dogs under 25 lbs. into our program. This ensures a stress-free environment where your little one can feel comfortable, safe and secure.
What is a typical day at PlayCare?
Drop off your small dog in the morning, and rest assured they’ll have a day filled with fun, love, enrichment and companionship.
Every dog at PlayCare resceives the following comprehensive care:
- Access to fresh water
- Comfortable resting areas and rest times
- Leashed outdoor walks
- Any necessary feeding or medication administration as per your instructions.
- Supervised play sessions
Receive updates each day on your small dog’s activities and well-being, including photos and notes from our caring team, and an end of the day Report Card.
Pick them up in the afternoon, and they’ll be ready for a cozy evening with you!
Where are you located?
We are located at 2123 Taraval St. between 31st and 32nd Ave, and right next door to Puppy Head Start.
What are the PlayCare hours of operation?
Morning Drop-off is between 7:30am and 9:30am. Afternoon Pick up is between 3pm and 6pm.
The front lobby is closed for staff lunch and quiet time from 11am to 2pm.
How will I be billed for PlayCare sessions?
We work on pre-paid packages. Packages of 10, 15, or 2o sessions can be purchased to use within 2 months of purchase, and we can set you up with scheduled or as needed days. We also have a 5x per week Monthly Membership rate of $1,100, which is pre-billed at the beginning of each month.
For the first day, we require a half day trial, which is usually scheduled in the afternoon, and is $35. After the completion of the half day trial, you can then purchase a package, or opt for the per day rate of $90 if you are not ready to purchase a full package.
Getting Started
Puppy Head Start
What is Puppy Head Start?
Our Puppy Head Start Program is customized to help your puppy take advantage of the critical early developmental phase of these early months through positive reinforcement for a life long benefit.
What are the requirements for attending?
Puppies from 2-4 months are eligible to join the program. Inquire if past 4 months old for eligibility.
Puppy has had a veterinary examination within 7 days prior to beginning the program.
We require the first round of the 3 core vaccinations (DHPP, Canine Influenza & Bordetella) to be completed at least 5 days before your pup’s first day and has had a negative fecal test for Giardia and intestinal parasites within 7 days prior to beginning the Head Start Program. Top Dog SF offers overnight fecal testing services through Canine Lab Testing with no appointment neceesary to incoming and current clients. The cost for the OPG test is $100 and tests for ova, parasites & also Giardia.
Puppy has been at your home for at least 7 full days.
Where are you located?
We are located at 2121 Taraval St. between 31st and 32nd Ave.
What are the Puppy Head Start hours of operation?
All day school hours are from 8:00am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.
Drop off your puppy for morning sessions at our convenient Inner Sunset Location between 8:00am and 9:00am. Pick up is between 3:00pm and 4:00pm.
What are the PlayCare hours of operation?
All day school hours are from 8:00am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.
Drop off your puppy for morning sessions at our convenient Inner Sunset Location between 8:00am and 9:00am. Pick up is between 3:00pm and 4:00pm.
How much does the Puppy Head Start program cost?
We have several packages to choose from, all of which include 4 consecutive weeks. Tuition for all of the programs also include a free Puppy Social with Top Dog SF.
- Five days per week, with a total of 20 sessions, is $1,925.
- Four days per week, with a total of 16 sessions, is $1,650.
- Three days per week, with a total of 12 sessions, is $1,450.
A one day trial is $130, and additional school days after graduation is $130 per day.
Clients
Do you offer overnight care?
Yes, we offer overnight care as a special perk for Top Dog SF Clients:
Pet sitting is available, in our home, for $100/night. This includes a morning walk and an evening walk and feeding. Mid-day walks are additional and will be billed separately. We require advance notice, and special Holiday pricing applies for busy periods as we have limited space.
Is there a way to put my account on hold?
If you would like us to hold and guarantee your dog’s spot in our small sized groups we ask for a monthly retainer while you are away. Changes to the schedule need to be made by the 15th of the current month for the next month to cancel or suspend service.
Are you closed on holidays?
Top Dog SF is closed on major holidays and does not offer Ranch Outings, PlayCare, Puppy School or Walks on days we are closed.
For 2025, we are closed on the following days:
MLK DAY: Monday, January 20th
PRESIDENTS DAY: Monday, February 17th
MEMORIAL DAY: Monday, May 26th
INDEPENDENCE DAY: Friday, July 4th
LABOR DAY: Monday, September 1st
THANKSGIVING BREAK: Thursday, November 27th & Friday, November 28th
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR BREAK: Tuesday, December 23rd through Thursday, January 1st (Walks will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026)
Work for TopDog
I want to work for you as a dog walker. What do I do?
We’re Hiring! Please click here to see what we are looking for and apply.