SERVICES

Adventure Pack Hikes | Boarding & Daycare | Dog Training

At Dog Aunt, we offer Petaluma a range of personalized, enrichment-based services designed to support your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From adventurous pack hikes and private training to in-home boarding that feels like family, every service is built around trust, structure, and fun. Whether your dog needs more exercise, improved manners, or a safe place to stay while you’re away, we’re here to help them thrive.

ADVENTURE PACK HIKES

Trail hikes $55 each\\ Beach hikes $60 each

Our pack hikes offer a fun and enriching experience that goes far beyond a typical dog walk. On these guided trail adventures, your dog will enjoy plenty of exercise, learn trail etiquette, and engage in positive socialization with other dogs—building confidence and friendships along the way.

Each hike covers 4 to 8 miles over 2 to 3.5 hours (with an average duration of 3 hours), and we rotate between six beautiful local trails to keep things fresh and exciting. We hike rain or shine, giving your dog a consistent outlet for physical and mental stimulation, no matter the weather.



Pack hikes are ideal for healthy dogs of all sizes and are recommended at least once a week to support a balanced, active lifestyle. Pickup and drop-off are included in both Petaluma and Novato, and muddy-day cleanups are provided for Petaluma pups.

Beach Hikes
For dogs that have completed at least one adventure pack hike, we also offer beach hikes at beautiful Dillon Beach. These 2-hour, 4-mile outings provide a chance for dogs to enjoy the ocean air, splash in the surf, and learn how to be well-mannered beach companions. Fresh water is always provided during the hike, and every dog receives a full blow-out afterward to remove beach sand and salt from their coat—so they return home fresh and clean.

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BOARDING & DAYCARE

$80 per day, $70 for pack-members

*long-term stay discount available

Our in-home boarding and daycare services are designed to give your dog a safe, enriching, and loving environment while you’re away. Dogs in our care are treated like family—joining pack hikes on weekdays, enjoying plenty of outdoor time, and, when suited, accompanying us on daily outings and even camping adventures. For longer stays, grooming is provided as needed to keep your dog comfortable and clean.

With a registered nurse  and a Professional dog trainer with a certification in emergency pet first aid from Marin Humane in-house, you can rest easy knowing your dog is in experienced, capable hands. We can administer medications and provide attentive, personalized care tailored to your dog’s needs. Extended stays are welcome, and we aim to make each dog feel right at home.

Pickup and drop-off are included on hike days, and can be arranged for non-hike days for an additional charge.

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DOG TRAINING

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Our private, tailored dog training sessions are designed specifically for you and your dog, with a focus on strengthening your relationship and improving communication. Whether you’re working on basic manners, recall, or off-leash reliability, we create a customized plan to fit your dog’s age, temperament, and needs—from playful puppies to adult dogs. Training may also include house manners, bike joring, and urban mushing for more active lifestyles.

We believe that great training is as much about teaching the owner as it is the dog. Our approach is direct, hands-on, supportive, and full of fun, practical techniques that help you build a happier, more balanced life together. Whether you’re addressing everyday behavior or more complex challenges, our goal is lasting results and a stronger bond between you and your dog.

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FOR ALL SERVICES

All dogs must complete an evaluation before joining any of our services. We welcome intact males and females, as long as they are a good fit for the group.

Dogs must be current on their core vaccines: Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Rabies. We follow your vet’s guidance on boosters or titer tests. For adventure pack hikes, boarding, and training, dogs must also be on monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. Additional required vaccines include Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and Parainfluenza. The rattlesnake vaccine is highly recommended for all dogs joining us on outdoor adventures.

Please let us know about any health conditions or allergies so we can keep your dog safe and comfortable.

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SERVICES FAQ

What days do you offer hikes?

Adventure Pack Hikes are available Monday through Friday. Once a week, one of these hikes will be a beach hike.

We offer pick-up before the hike (between 8:00am-9:30am) and drop-off after the hike (between 1:00pm – 3:00pm) for your dog in Petaluma and Novato. For dogs in Petaluma, we also provide a cleanup on muddy days.

These hikes are suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds, as long as they are healthy. We focus on learning trail etiquette and ensuring your dog gets the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. We recommend booking a hike at least once a week for the best results.

For new dogs, we start with an introductory walk where we assess their energy level and reactions to the world around them. If the intro walk goes well, the dog is welcome to join the pack hike. On hikes, new dogs are separated in the car from the other dogs but can still see and smell each other. The new dog will be the last to exit the car and will start the hike slowly, allowing all the dogs to greet them briefly as we begin. Initially, new dogs will stay on a leash, and depending on their age, training, and breed, we will gradually introduce them to off-leash hiking. This process will be explained in more detail during our introductory meeting and walk.

Yes! We begin with an introductory walk to assess your dog’s comfort and behavior. All new dogs start out on-leash. If your dog isn’t off-leash trained, we’ll work with long leashes to gradually build their skills. If you prefer your dog to remain on-leash, we offer that option during Adventure Pack Hikes as well.

Yes! For anxious or sensitive dogs, we may start with several one-on-one walks before transitioning to group hikes. We move at your dog’s pace to help them feel safe and build confidence. Over time, they’ll learn from the other dogs that the world isn’t so scary. After a fulfilling adventure, your pup will be ready for a well-deserved, relaxing nap.

Yes, for the safety and health of all pack members, dogs must be up-to-date on Rabies, DHPP (or DLPP), and Bordetella vaccinations. We also recommend speaking with your vet about the rattlesnake vaccine.

We recommend all dogs be on oral tick and flea prevention medication. In addition, we apply a tick and flea repellent spray to each dog before every hike. The spray is safe for dogs who are not neutered or spayed.

On hot days, we take extra precautions: we carry plenty of water, take frequent shade breaks, and adjust our routes to avoid overheating. Best of all, we often end our hikes with a refreshing swim in the creek—and once a week, we have a fun beach day!

We prioritize your dog’s well-being during every hike. Some dogs wear backpacks equipped with water bladders for hydration breaks, and we always carry a First Aid Kit on each hike. Additionally, our team is certified in emergency response for pets through Marin Humane.