Hour-long, off-leash, group dog walks - Dog Walkers - Walnut Creek, CA

Member since Jan 2020

Since 2013, Matt Heikkila has been a trusted name among pet parents in Contra Costa County, offering invigorating hour-long, off-leash group dog walks that are sure to delight your furry friends. With a background in Exotic Animal Training and Management from Moorpark College, Matt combines his expertise with a deep passion for animal behavior, honed through hands-on experience with a wide variety of animals, including tigers. This distinctive background ensures that your pet is not only getting exercise but also being cared for by a professional who understands how to communicate and engage with them effectively.

Safety and transparency are paramount in Matt’s approach. As a fully bonded and insured service, pet parents can trust that their dogs are in capable hands. Throughout the hike, each dog’s adventure is documented with photos, notes, and GPS tracking, allowing you to see exactly where your pet has been and enjoy their journey alongside them. This professional leads groups of up to six dogs, creating a friendly and social environment where pets can explore and play under careful supervision. Matt's team is experienced and dedicated, ensuring that your pet’s safety is always the top priority.

Matt’s service excels in flexibility and personal attention, offering a 20% discount for Petworks members on their first hike. With a well-rounded understanding of animal behavior, Matt advises pet parents to be deliberate in their interactions, rewarding good behavior and allowing pets to calm down before responding to negative actions. If you’re ready to give your dog a thrilling hiking experience with a certified expert, book through Petworks today and let your furry friend enjoy an adventure like no other!

  • Bonded
  • Insured

Pricing Packages

Starting Price
$ 30.00 Per Visit

How do you serve precious pets?

  • In Home Pet Sitting

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Bonded and Insured

  • Bonded
  • Insured

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Without pet parents, Petworks wouldn't exist. What discount do you offer our dedicated members? (e.g. 20% off their first session, etc.)

20% off the first hike.

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Contra Costa County

What year did you begin serving pets?

2013

How did you hone your craft?

I attended Americas Teaching zoo and then worked hands on with tigers before moving to dogs.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Be deliberate. They’re paying attention so if you give them attention when they act badly, you’re reinforcing it. Ignore them. Let them calm down. Reward them for good behavior.
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matt heikkila

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BASED IN: Walnut Creek, CA
SERVICE AREA: Any distance, including Contra Costa County

How do you serve precious pets?

  • In Home Pet Sitting

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Bonded and Insured

  • Bonded
  • Insured

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Without pet parents, Petworks wouldn't exist. What discount do you offer our dedicated members? (e.g. 20% off their first session, etc.)

20% off the first hike.

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Contra Costa County

What year did you begin serving pets?

2013

How did you hone your craft?

I attended Americas Teaching zoo and then worked hands on with tigers before moving to dogs.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Be deliberate. They’re paying attention so if you give them attention when they act badly, you’re reinforcing it. Ignore them. Let them calm down. Reward them for good behavior.

🌟 Matt Heikkila: Your Premier In-Home Pet Sitting Expert in Walnut Creek


❤️ In-Home Care


Matt Heikkila provides specialized in-home pet sitting and care throughout Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, and surrounding areas including Concord, Berkeley, Oakland, Antioch, Richmond, Vallejo, Pittsburg, San Ramon, San Leandro, Fairfield. By bringing professional care directly to your front door, Matt ensures your pets stay in their safest, most familiar environment while you are away.


🌿 Benefits of In-Home Care


Zero Travel Stress: Your pet avoids the anxiety of car rides and the sensory overload of a boarding facility.
Health & Safety: In-home pet sitting eliminates exposure to kennel cough and other communal pet illnesses.
Customized Home Visits: One-on-one attention from Matt tailored to your pet’s specific home routine.
Home Security: Regular visits to your California residence provide an added layer of security and a lived-in appearance.
Medication Management: Professional administration of supplements or medications in the comfort of your pet’s own bed.


🩺 In-Home Service Types


Daily Check-Ins: Scheduled in-home pet sitting visits for feeding, walking, and play.
Overnight Stays: Comprehensive overnight care within your Walnut Creek home for maximum comfort and companionship.
Cat & Small Animal Care: Specialized in-home visits designed for the unique needs of feline and exotic companions.


📌 In-Home Quick Tips


✅ Home Access: Ensure Matt has tested key or keypad access before your trip.
✅ Supply Staging: Keep all food, leashes, and cleaning supplies in one visible “In-Home Care Station.”
✅ Emergency Contact: Leave a list of local Contra Costa County emergency contacts and your preferred veterinarian on the counter.


Experience the difference of professional in-home pet sitting with Matt Heikkila in Walnut Creek, CA, and throughout Concord, Berkeley, Oakland, Antioch, Richmond, Vallejo, Pittsburg, San Ramon, San Leandro, Fairfield. Book Matt today for the gold standard in localized, stress-free pet sitting care.

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