Daily Dog Adventures in San Francisco
About John Balma and SF StowAways
I’m John Balma, and after 35 years in the entertainment industry, my career has gone to the dogs - woof woof! I was a stage actor in San Francisco in the 80s and 90s, then a TV/Film actor in Hollywood for 22 years. I returned to San Francisco in 2019 with my handsome best friend, George Cluny, two-time Sexiest Dog Alive, and together we opened SF StowAways, a service for small and medium dogs.*
I am a Certified Commercial Dog Walker through ProshPets LLC and licensed by the City of San Francisco. My services are bonded and insured, and I am certified in Pet CPR & First Aid. I am an active member of Pet Sitters International and The Guild of Professional Dog Walkers in San Francisco.
I keep my packs small so that I can develop a strong relationship with each pet in my care. I build trust through positive reinforcements, praise, and rewards.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions at JohnB@sfstowaways.com
*For larger dogs, I am happy to make referrals to walkers I trust.
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Services
A.M. ACTION PACK
For small and medium dogs who are highly active, the A.M. ACTION PACK is an early morning pack that plays at Crissy Field Beach. Pick up service is available in the following neighborhoods: Castro, Upper & Lower Haight, Duboce Triangle, NOPA, Pacific Heights, and Inner Richmond.
Pick ups begin as early as 7:45 am.
AFTERNOON PEE WEE PACK
For smaller dogs of all activity levels, the PeeWee Pack is an early afternoon pack that plays in enclosed parks in San Francisco. Pick up service is available in Castro, Upper & Lower Haight, NOPA, Inner Richmond, Twin Peaks, Diamond Heights,.
Pick ups begin at 11 am.
BOARDING/DAYCARE
Available to established clients only.
Please scroll down for Pricing
Pricing
Walks range from $31 - $34 each depending on location and frequency.
A.M. Action Pack - BEACH Afternoon Pee Wee Pack - PARKS
2 walks per week = $285 monthly 2 walks per week = $265 monthly
3 walks per week = $425 monthly 3 walks per week = $390 monthly
4 walks per week = $565 monthly 4 walks per week = $515 monthly
5 walks per week = $685 monthly 5 walks per week = $625 monthly
“I completely trust John to take care of Sophie. My little suffers from seizures and as John's own dog experiences those as well, I am not worried if she was to have one while under his supervision. It’s so obvious that John cares about those dogs under his care. I am so very happy that John takes care of my little one.”
Deb - Duboce Triangle
“John has been an angel caring for my 2 rascals Lucy & Beau while I'm working. Lucy loves to cuddle John, and Beau (who is very shy) feels safe and loves John, too. I trust John with my most precious family members!”
Mike - Ashbury Heights
“Our pup, Mojo, was a little timid adjusting to a new pack and walker, but John's gentleness and patience, as well as his understanding of pack behavior, helped her make a good transition. He is very attentive and nurturing.”
Diane - NOPA
“John is on time, dependable, friendly, flexible, constructive, confident, and our Bedlington loves him. We are VERY comfortable trusting our puppy in John's care.”
Michael - Corona Heights
“My guy has more energy than he knows what to do with. He’s a handful, so I wouldn’t send him with just anyone. Jack loves playing ball in a dog park and running at the beach. I trust John completely and appreciate his steady, calm approach.”
Patti - Pacific Heights
COVID-19
As required by the City of San Francisco, I follow the prescribed safety measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. I use my own leashes, which are disinfected after each dog’s use, I wear a mask during pick-up and drop-off, and I disinfect my vehicle following each group. I am happy to discuss any further precautions you might wish for mutual comfort and safety.