say hello to your
DOG ADVENTURE TEAM
on the Monterey Peninsula
Certified dog care and training
We are American Red Cross Pet First Aid Certified, proud members of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and Fear Free® Certified.
Training is led by credentialed professionals, including Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and Karen Pryor Academy–certified trainers (KPA-CTP). Our team stays current with evidence-based, Fear Free training practices to deliver compassionate, effective care tailored to each dog.
Meet the Monterey Dog Team
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Leah Mendonca
Founder & Creative Director
Founded by Leah in 2024, Monterey Dog has become the most sought-after dog walking and adventure service on the Monterey Peninsula. With a background rooted in conservation, rescues and shelters, Monterey Dog is driven by a deep commitment to animal welfare and well-being.
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Dakota Eby
Office Manager & Dog Adventure Guide
Dakota brings a lifetime of animal care and community service to Monterey Dog, combining her experience as a veterinary technician and U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer with her love of dogs and adventure to create safe, enriching outings, while managing daily operations for Monterey Dog.
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Katie Willis
Manager, Dog Training
Specializing in positive-reinforcement, real-world dog training, Katie brings extensive expertise and advanced certifications to Monterey Dog, working with dogs of all ages on obedience, behavior, confidence building, and dog sports.
CPDT-KA, AKC Canine Good Citizen & Trick Dog Evaluator, Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)
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Jillian Raffin
Dog Adventure Guide
Jillian brings a strong foundation in animal companionship, environmental stewardship, and community care to Monterey Dog, combining her studies in Environmental Studies at CSU Monterey Bay with hands-on experience volunteering with shelter dogs to create safe, thoughtful, and enriching adventures for every companion.
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Jo Krajeski
Dog Adventure Guide
With over 15 years of experience, Jo brings calm, compassionate, and reliable care to every pet, drawing on her background running a trusted Los Angeles pet-sitting business serving animals with medical and behavioral needs. She brings that same steady confidence to every walk and visit, building trust and creating positive experiences for each companion.
The only dog walking company with Fear Free Certified team members on the Monterey Peninsula
Monterey Dog focuses on your companion’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being, working with pet parents to create personalized care plans that build trust and nurture a strong bond with your pet backed by Fear Free methodologies from our certified team members.
Giving back to dogs in need
with Peace of Mind Dog Rescue
Monterey Dog is proud to support Peace of Mind Dog Rescue (POMDR) in Pacific Grove, California, assisting incredible dogs find loving, forever homes through taking them on adventurous outings. These outings offer new experiences, social exposure, and valuable behavioral insights while showcasing their wonderful personalities on social media, helping them find the loving homes they deserve.
