Say hello to your dog’s adventure guide
Certified dog care trusted by people like you
Monterey Dog LLC is certified in Pet First Aid by the American Red Cross and fully insured and bonded by Pet Sitters Associates LLC. As the only Fear Free certified company on the Monterey Peninsula, you can trust that all services are offered with your companion’s health and safety at top of mind.
The Only Fear Free Certified Company
serving the Monterey Peninsula
As a Fear Free certified company, 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.
Founded in 2016, Fear Free is an educational initiative designed to improve the emotional well-being of pets. It offers expert-developed courses for veterinary professionals, pet owners, and animal care communities, focusing on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress. By promoting enrichment and compassionate care, Fear Free equips pet professionals with tools to provide a positive experience for both pets and their humans, setting a new standard in animal welfare.
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Leah
Founder
Monterey Dog was founded by Leah Mendonca in 2024 and has since become the most popular dog walking and adventure service on the Monterey Peninsula, gaining a following of people who want more for their companions.
Before starting Monterey Dog, Leah built a career working with rescues and animal shelters. This formed her passion for animal care and influences every aspect of Monterey Dog’s services. Leah prides herself on focusing on animal well-being during all activities, going beyond basic services provided by other dog walkers to give your companion the attention and enrichment they need to live happy, healthy lives.
Leah currently lives in Monterey, California with her husband and two dogs, Bernie the Bernese Mountain dog and Malibu the Siberian Husky.
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Dakota
Manager & Dog Adventure Guide
Dakota has spent most of her life caring for animals and serving her community. Before joining Monterey Dog, Dakota worked as a veterinary technician, where she gained hands-on experience with dogs of all ages, breeds, and personalities. She also served five years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy and continues to serve in the Navy Reserves today.
With Monterey Dog, Dakota gets to combine her love for dogs with her passion for adventure, with a focus on making every outing a safe, fun, and enriching adventure for your companion - whether it’s a walk, hike, or something more!Dakota currently lives in Monterey, California with her dog, Millie the Australian Shepherd.
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Hayden
Dog Adventure Guide
Hayden is an avid outdoorsperson with a passion for dogs and adventure. After graduating from UCSC with a degree in Politics, Hayden moved to Monterey from their hometown of San Luis Obispo. A dedicated rock climber and lover of the outdoors, Hayden enjoys spending time in nature, soaking up the sun, and embracing every adventure that comes their way.
Growing up with Italian Greyhounds inspired Hayden’s lifelong love for animals, though big dogs have always been a favorite. As a Dog Adventure Guide with Monterey Dog, Hayden combines a love for the outdoors with a commitment to enrichment, creating safe, fun, and engaging experiences on every trail. Hayden knows an outing has been a success when the dogs return home happy, tired, and ready for their next adventure!
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Jo
Dog Adventure Guide
With over 15 years of experience caring for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and other companions, Jo brings calm, reliable, and compassionate care to every pet she meets. Before joining Monterey Dog, Jo ran a successful and a trusted pet-sitting business in Los Angeles, serving hundreds of families and specializing in animals with medical or behavioral needs. Jo brings that same seasoned care and steady confidence to every walk and visit. Every walk and visit is a chance to build trust, share joy, and make tails wag.
Jo lives in Marina, California, with her Amazon parrot, Kook — and loves helping pets feel as happy and secure as he does at home.
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Jillian
Dog Adventure Guide
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Bernie
Bernie is Monterey Dog’s incredible mentor dog, a lovable, handsome gentleman who helps new dogs ease into group walks. He’s our go-to companion for social walks, offering support to dogs who prefer a buddy over a crowd. Dedicated to his role, Bernie also handles all snack taste-testing for quality control and is always ready for another stroll. Leah is Bernie’s dog mom.
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.
