Our Story.
What’s up! I’m JB, and along with Janet and our dog Sofi, we’re the OGs of Westside Dog Gang.
This all began back in 2018 when Janet and I were living in Downtown LA. I was grinding away in the tech startup scene, Janet was building her career in recruiting, and something just felt off. We both left our family dogs with our parents when we moved to LA, and life without dogs left this undeniable void. To fill the gap, we signed up on a pet sitting app—mainly for our much-needed dog fix and the extra cash didn’t hurt.
Then in 2019, everything changed when we moved to Santa Monica and brought home Sofi, our beloved Sheepadoodle. She wasn’t just a pet; she became the center of our lives.
But caring for her opened our eyes to how broken dog care really was. Sketchy & impersonal apps, lame facilities where they cared more about profits than dogs, and a lack of trust everywhere we turned. Sofi deserved better, and it didn’t take long for us to realize every dog did, too.
The Dream.
Then COVID hit. The world stopped, and so did everything else—including pet sitting. Janet and I found ourselves at a crossroads, reflecting on what we actually cared about and what kind of life we wanted to build. That’s when we dreamt of Westside Dog Gang.
We set a bold goal: in five years, we’d build something entirely new. A modern space designed for dogs to play, learn, and relax—no outdated setups, no cheesy vibes. It had to be in the heart of the city and fit seamlessly into people’s lives, with live updates and class-based care that wasn’t just about “watching dogs” but truly enriching their days.
Building
Westside Dog Gang
By 2021, the world started reopening, and sitting requests poured in. People were heading back to work, traveling again, and trusting us to care for their pandemic pups. By 2022, we’d become Santa Monica’s #1-rated sitter, and that’s when it hit us: this wasn’t just a side hustle anymore—it was the start of something real.
In 2023, we officially launched Westside Dog Gang. From walks and training to daycare and adventures, we expanded into everything we knew dog parents like us needed. By the end of the year, we’d built a team of 10 and cemented ourselves as Santa Monica’s go-to name for modern dog care. Oh, and we got married too—so yeah, I’d say it was a pretty awesome year.
Where we’re
heading
At the start of 2024, I walked away from my tech career for good, and Janet and I began construction on Santa Monica’s first-ever dog clubhouse. It’s a 2,500 sq. ft. space designed with intention: a place where dogs can thrive and people can feel confident in the care. It’s not just daycare—it’s a place for dogs to play, learn, & relax.
We’re opening in February 2025, and this is just the beginning. As we grow, we’re excited to bring dog gangs to neighborhoods across Los Angeles and beyond.
Join the Gang.
Westside Dog Gang isn’t just about dogs—it’s about building trust, love, and something better for dogs and their people. Whether you trust us with your pup, join our community, or follow our story, you’re helping create a new standard for dog care.
Come see what we’re building, and join the gang.
Questions?
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 7am–8pm
Saturday, 9am-8pm
Sunday, Closed
Location:
1530 7th St Santa Monica, CA 90401