Meet Ken North | Dog Walker & Pet Sitter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ken North and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ken, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From a young age, dogs have always been a central part of my life. I’ve volunteered at shelters, worked in dog grooming, and even managed a veterinary hospital. My thought process was simple: I wanted to merge my passion for dogs with my love for adventure. Los Angeles, being the coolest city in the world, provided the perfect backdrop. I envisioned a sustainable platform where my trusted team and I could bring out the best in our clients’ pets while exploring this vibrant city together. It’s about creating joyful experiences for both the dogs and their owners, and I’m thrilled to see that vision come to life every day.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Ken Walks Dogs, our mission is to make pet care accessible and enriching for everyone. We offer a wide range of services seven days a week, from quick walks around the block to around-the-clock overnight care in our homes. Our services include swimming lessons, pool parties, beach days, whale-watching expeditions, and more! I’m particularly proud that our dogs get to live a full and exciting life with us. They deserve to be tourists in their own town, too!

Nothing brings me greater joy than watching a dog succeed at something for the first time. Building a solid foundation of trust with a dog from day one and seeing them overcome reactivity, learn to swim, practice calming and self-soothing, and find new ways to stay active is equally enriching for both the human and the dog.

I started my company in 2018 and began by hiring my most trusted colleagues and friends in the pet industry. From the beginning, we offered free services to new pet parents—something we continue to do today! Scaling a business with such a personal focus wasn’t easy, but I’d do anything for the dogs in our pack, so nothing feels like a sacrifice. It’s a privilege and an honor to invest in these pets and their families. The reward is priceless.

One important lesson I’ve learned along the way is that boundaries are beneficial for everyone, even when setting them feels uncomfortable. This applies to working with humans and guiding dogs into public life as good canine citizens.

Regarding my company, everyone on my team is a dedicated pet care professional whose life is already immersed in dog culture. Each team member is bonded, insured, and earns a fair wage. We’ve created dozens of sustainable jobs, and I’m incredibly proud of that!

We also developed our own app, Ken Walks Dogs, which allows our customers to schedule adventures for their dogs in advance or even on-demand for last-minute pet care needs. Our on-call staff will come to your house and care for your pets for as long as you need, while keeping you updated with photos, videos, maps, and more along the way!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here’s how I’d plan an action-packed, dog-friendly day in Los Angeles:

Morning:

Echo Park Lake Walk and Swan Rides: Start the day with a refreshing 2-mile walk around Echo Park Lake. After the walk, cool down with a dog-friendly swan ride on the lake. It’s a unique and fun experience for both humans and dogs!
Mid-Morning:

Huntington Dog Beach: Head to Huntington Dog Beach where the dogs can run and play in the surf. The wide-open space and dog-friendly vibe make it a perfect spot for some seaside fun.
Lunch:

Rosie’s Dog Beach Picnic: Pack a picnic and head over to Rosie’s Dog Beach for a relaxed lunch by the sea. Enjoy some quality beach time with the dogs running free.
Afternoon:

Private Pool Rental: Rent a private pool for our furry friends to swim, cool off, and run free off-leash. We’ll capture their adventures with GoPros and send them home with epic videos of their trip! This is a great way for the dogs to have some off-leash fun in a secured yard.
Late Afternoon:

Centinela Feed: Visit Centinela Feed for baths and treats to pamper our dogs after a fun-filled day. It’s a perfect stop to ensure our dogs are clean and happy after all the activities.
Evening:

Dinner at The Dog Café: Wrap up the day with dinner at The Dog Café, where we can enjoy a meal while our furry friends socialize and relax. It’s a cozy spot to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Throughout the day, we’d make sure to take plenty of photos and videos to capture these special moments. Los Angeles offers a fantastic variety of dog-friendly spots that make for an unforgettable visit!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My incredible team in Austin has been with me since day one, working tirelessly to build a community of over 500 dogs who explore the city with us regularly. Their dedication and passion have been instrumental in our success. And even now, as we expand to Los Angeles, that same team travels to support our growth and ensure we maintain the same high standards. It truly takes a village, and I’m immensely grateful for every pet care pro by my side who’s brought our mission to life! Their unwavering support and hard work have made Ken Walks Dogs what it is today.

Website: https://kenwalksdogs.com

Instagram: https://kenwalks.la

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenaniah-north-677114214

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kenwalksdogs