Even before Theresa began her professional career in pet care, her passion for animals was evident. She started pet-sitting for neighbors at just 8 years old and, by the age of 12, was volunteering at the local municipal shelter almost every weekend. She continued this dedication throughout high school and college.
After graduating from college with a BFA in 2010, Theresa moved to California and made the Bay Area her home. Within the year, she was working as an independent contractor with a dog-walking company in San Francisco. In 2013, she was among the first dog walkers in the city to obtain the newly mandated dog walker permit for San Francisco city parks.
By 2016, Theresa was ready to turn her extensive experience into a business, laying the groundwork for what would become Hang Around Hound. In the summer of 2017, she launched the company, and a year later, moved it from her home to a commercial space at 2350 Jerrold Ave. In 2019, she was certified from San Francisco Animal Care and Control to teach a dog walkers permit class. In the summer of 2024, she proudly completed a Master of Professional Science in Animal Science and Behavior.
James
James's connection with nature and animals began early in life, and his passion only grew over the years. In 1995, he reached a major milestone by earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement within the Scouts of America. That same year, he took a significant step toward his future career, graduating second in his class from the Cincinnati Zoo Animal Academy.
Following graduation, James secured a position at the Cincinnati Zoo. Over the next two years, he developed his skills and deepened his knowledge, forming a strong foundation in animal husbandry and management. However, in 1997 after completing a coarse with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) James felt the pull of new opportunities and made the decision to move to Colorado.
In 1999, James accepted a role in the commissary at the Denver Zoo. This critical position involved managing and preparing specialized diets for the zoo's diverse animal population. James also began working at the Dumb Friends League, a local animal shelter, and, in addition to his work hours, accumulated over 10,000 hours of volunteer foster care for animals in need. This work allowed him to connect with animals in need of rehabilitation and rehoming, strengthening his commitment to animal welfare and rescue.
By 2013, James felt it was time for another shift. Drawn to California's vibrant, progressive animal care community, he relocated to the Bay Area. In 2015, he joined San Francisco Animal Care and Control. His expertise and dedication were recognized in 2018 when he was awarded the Certificate of Honor from the City of San Francisco. This honor celebrated his instrumental role in the emergency management of a state-certified pop-up animal care facility that provided essential recovery and support for animals impacted by the devastating Paradise fires.
In 2022 after providing years of support, James officially joined the Hang Around Hound team, where his unwavering dedication to animal welfare, and adaptability in the face of new challenges has become a stable pillar of the company.
• Bordetella
We strongly advise dogs to also have the following vaccinations, but they are not required for attendance.
• Leptospirosis
• Canine Influenza
All dogs should be neutered or spayed by 12 months of age. Some exemptions will be considered for breeder restrictions or health reasons, but all dogs MUST be altered by 24 months of age. If behavior-related issues start to occur, we may request a dog take a break from daycare until a neuter or spay can be performed.
All dogs are required to be on a flea or tick-repellent regimen.
We have no breed or size restrictions at this time.
• Please use your full name for your account username and a regularly checked email address.
• Fill out the profile for yourself
• Click the "Pets" tab in the navigation bar to add a pet.
• Fill out one profile per pet.
• Request a Meet and Greet. These can be made online, and a confirmation email should arrive within 24 hours. If we are unable to accommodate the chosen meet and greet time or date, we will call or email you to reschedule.
• If you would like to have a pre-Meet and Greet conversation, please feel free to give us a call.
For the confort and consideration of clients currently inhabiting our daycare we limit meet and greets to one a day.
•Medications: Include all current medications and detailed instructions for administration, including times of day.
•Treats(Optional): Feel free to pack treats for your dog, especially if they have allergies or specialized diets.
Please note that, due to safety concerns, we do not allow dogs to chew rawhide products in daycare.
We have a refrigerator and freezer for perishable items.
We kindly ask that you leave all other personal items at home, including toys, beds, blankets, and regular bowls. Because our environment is communal, we cannot guarantee that other dogs won't have access to your dog's belongings, and we aim to prevent any possessive behavior.
• Play Spaces: For dogs who are uncomfortable with kenneling but need to be separated from others at night, we offer the option to sleep in one of our designated play areas on a lifted cot with blankets.
•Cage-Free Group Setting: Dogs that have been thoroughly vetted for temperament and compatibility may sleep in a cage-free, group setting, allowing them to rest comfortably alongside their furry friends. They are each provided their own cot and blankets as well.
•Apartment Above the Daycare: Smaller dogs with separation anxiety or those who need close human companionship can stay with us in our on-site apartment above daycare.
We prioritize your dog's safety and emotional well-being and are regularly adjusting to your dog's current needs as their sleeping preferences may change from one stay to the next.
•Morning Potty Break: All dogs are let out onto the play floor for their first potty break and to stretch their legs. This is a time for them to start the day with some social interaction and light play.
•Breakfast & Medications: After the morning potty break, dogs are separated into individual spaces for breakfast and any necessary medications. This ensures each dog gets the right food and care they need.
•Digest & Group Play: Once breakfast has had time to settle, we organize the dogs into curated playgroups. These groups are tailored based on the dogs attending that day and are adjusted regularly to create the most positive and enjoyable interactions.
•Daytime Activities: Throughout the day, your dog will enjoy supervised play sessions, rest periods, and opportunities for enrichment. Whether it's a romp with friends, time with our staff, or relaxing in their preferred space, we aim to keep your dog happy and engaged.
•4:30 PM – Afternoon Wind-Down: As the afternoon winds down, some dogs may be kenneled or moved to quieter areas to help mitigate overall energy levels in the daycare as clients begin arriving for pick-ups.
•6:00 PM – Dinner & Medications: Dinner is served, and medications are administered if needed. Each dog is given time to eat in peace, ensuring they feel calm and secure during mealtime.
•Evening Play & Final Potty Break: After dinner and a brief rest, the dogs head back onto the play floor for one last round of play and their evening potty break. This final romp helps them expend any remaining energy before settling down for the night.
•9:00 – Bedtime: We prepare the dogs for bed with fresh blankets and ensure each dog is comfortable in their designated sleeping space. Whether it's a kennel, play area, group setting, or our apartment, your dog will be cozy and ready for a restful night. Our goal is to make each day at Hang Around Hound enjoyable, engaging, and stress-free for your dog while keeping them safe and cared for.