Hidden Gems: Meet JB & Janet Hill, of Westside Dog Gang

Today we’d like to introduce you to JB & Janet Hill,

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We began our journey seven years ago by watching dogs for friends and family. Over time, we organically developed our brand in Santa Monica, offering daycare and dog boarding services. Our goal was to build a dog community in Santa Monica where people could access resources, dog care services, and help their dogs build confidence within a dog pack. We dreamed of creating a safe and loving environment for dogs in our community.

Through our dedication and passion, we have built a loyal network of clients who trust and depend on us for their dog care needs. As our business grew, we expanded our team and developed our own app to streamline boarding, day care, and walking needs. Our mission is to provide a modern and convenient solution to the challenges faced by dog parents in Santa Monica. Recognizing the limitations of traditional local options and the unreliability of the “ubers’ and marketplaces of dog care, we set out to create something different.

We partner with local dog businesses such as veterinarians, dog groomers, and dog food brands to ensure comprehensive care for our clients. Additionally, we host monthly social dog walks to bring the community together.

We are proud to announce that we will be opening our first location, our clubhouse, this fall! Our Clubhouse will not only offer exceptional daycare and activities but also provide a range of amenities to cater to every dog’s needs.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting this business has been one of the most rewarding endeavors we’ve undertaken, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Learning to deal with obstacles and day-to-day challenges while working full-time jobs was a significant hurdle in the beginning. Throughout our journey, we’ve encountered a diverse array of dogs and dog parents, each with unique personalities, needs, and preferred ways of communicating. One of our biggest challenges was learning how to say no. Our primary goal is to provide a safe, fun, and responsible space for all dogs, including our own. This requires a careful assessment of whether a new dog will be a good fit for our gang, ensuring the safety and harmony of the group while adding value to the potential new member.

Overcoming these obstacles has helped us grow into knowledgeable, trusted professionals. With that success, we seized the opportunity to elevate our business by opening a brick-and-mortar location. Our Clubhouse has become our latest challenge, an exciting journey filled with learning experiences. From finding the right location and securing investments to navigating the permitting process, every step has been a new adventure for us.

Nonetheless, we are thrilled about the future and the growth of our brand.

We’ve been impressed with Westside Dog Gang, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At The Westside Dog Gang (WSDG), we’re passionate about providing a modern and convenient solution to the challenges faced by dog parents in Santa Monica. Our journey began with a simple goal: to offer personalized, high-quality care that aligns with the lifestyles of today’s busy dog owners.

With WSDG, we’ve reimagined the dog care experience, blending convenience, trust, and innovation. Our core values revolve around making life easier for both dogs and their owners. That’s why we offer curbside drop-off and pick-up, real-time updates via text and photos, and a hassle-free, no-appointment daycare model. Whether you need care for just an hour or a full day, we’re here to accommodate your schedule with extended hours and flexible membership options.
Central to our mission is the safety and well-being of every dog in our care. Our staff members are not only trained professionals but also certified in Pet CPR & First Aid. We believe in building trust with our clients through transparency and reliability, ensuring that every interaction with WSDG is a positive one.

Our vision extends beyond just providing daycare services. We’re committed to creating a community hub for dog lovers, offering training sessions and self-service baths in addition to daycare. By bringing together like-minded individuals and their dogs, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and support in the Santa Monica area.

At the heart of our business is a dedication to innovation and growth. We’re constantly exploring new ways to enhance the dog care experience, from implementing cutting-edge technology to collaborating with property owners and developers to create unique amenities. Our goal is not only to meet the needs of our current clients but also to exceed their expectations and expand our reach to serve even more dog parents in the future.

In summary, WSDG is more than just a dog care service – it’s a lifestyle choice. Join us in redefining dog care in Santa Monica and discover the modern, loving, and exceptional experience that awaits you and your pup at The Westside Dog Gang.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
We have learned so much along the way. One of the most important lessons has been the significant improvement in our communication. Learning to balance our roles as a couple, business partners, and co-workers has strengthened our partnership, and we can’t imagine doing this with anyone else.

Another crucial lesson has been to trust our instincts and pursue what truly makes us happy. The Westside Dog Gang (WSDG) started as a hobby and has transitioned into a thriving business. Our advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to take action. Stay true to your goals and dreams, and don’t let a good opportunity pass you by. There is always a reason not to do something, but you learn so much by taking chances.

By embracing these lessons, we’ve grown both personally and professionally, and we’re excited about what the future holds for WSDG.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://westsidedoggang.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westside.doggang/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/westside-dog-gang-santa-monica
• Other: https://westsidedoggang.com/blogs/the-dogtown-journal