Our Story
What makes Melissa’s Mutt Hutt unique is that we’ve always done 1 on 1 walks since the day we started. As a point of comparison, all other companies have 6-12 dogs on each walk. We’ve always provided private cage and kennel free boarding as well. Our customers have taken notice, and we are extremely grateful for getting to service the Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and have a second office servicing Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert & La Quinta.
*We are currently only accepting new dog walking clients with 3 or more regularly set weekly scheduled walks.
Our Reputation
5 Star online reputation and multi-award winner on Myfoxla’s Hot List and Top Five awards. We’ve also been featured on Discovery channel and Animal Planet! Read reviews
Our TRACK RECORD
Zero claims on our insurance and 60,000 individual pieces of work done. This is unprecedented in pet care where robberies, injuries, deaths often occur. Accidents happen all the time when a walker walks multiple dog on a walk, or even in the car when they leave unattended dogs to pick up another dog. Competitors have had dog deaths and major injuries during pack walks.
PREFERRED VCA PARTNER
VCA partner and relationships with over 160 kennels, vets, groomer, trainers etc. Melissa is an industry expert for both pets and clients. VCA Animal Hospitals operates over 800 clinics throughout North America.
WOMEN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS
We are a female owned and operated business. Melissa Sheehan Clarkson also runs Sheehan Adopt-A-Family Project, a 501(c)(3) charity providing low income families with food, clothes, toys, and access to technology.
Staff
We understand that you are trusting us with a member of your family and a key to your home, which is why we perform background checks on all of our Mutt Hutters. We do random drug testing, wear uniforms, and are all trained in animal first aid. Our large staff have extraordinary animal handling experience and provide the love, attention and skilled care you would expect from a professional. We all share a deep love for animals and are college educated with many of us studying to become vet technicians and groomers. Many of our Mutt Hutters work at least part time at local animal non kill rescues or veterinarian offices.
Melissa Sheehan Clarkson
Melissa is the business owner of Melissa's Mutt Hutt & Cat Shack. We have been in business for over 21 years, and she has apprenticed with The Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan. Her mother ran an animal shelter since she was a teenager, and her specialty is boarding small dogs. Fun fact, she likes to have all the dogs sleep in the bed with her! And she sends hilarious videos of herself singing to the dogs to their owners. She worked for the Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control for many years assessing rescue viability and rehabilitation, with a specialty in vicious animals. She has over 75,000 hours of animal experience. She is a puppy, rescue and breed expert. Melissa's Mutt Hutt has established partnerships with service buildings, veterinarians, and grooming salons all over Los Angeles.
Jackie R.
Hi, My name is Jackie! I work in the MMH office hiring, scheduling services, administrative and providing customer service support. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Oregon State University, and worked at a veterinary hospital in Management, customer relations and triaging animals for 9 years so that they could receive the highest level of care.
Personally, outside of the Vet, I've had several cats, a couple dogs, a few birds, some goldfish, and a couple gerbils that have all been rescued and those with special needs (blind, FIV+, and those with Hyperthyroid) and am highly experienced dog walker and pet sitter located in Palm Springs.
Levon S.
He has 15 + years of dog walking / sitting / boarding experience in both NYC and LA. He has been a pet care provider for dogs of all sizes and breeds. In addition to being an Office Manager for Melissa’s Mutt Hutt, he is also a fashion designer. He is available mainly for pet sits and in home dog boards throughout the South Bay and West LA and lives in Venice.
Sarah D.
She is one of the lead Mutt Hutter walkers and often trains with difficult large dogs and rescues that need some extra practice walking. She trains dogs to walk behind her for both their safety as well as her own. As strict as she is with training, she can be just as fun having a nice easy going walk with the more laid back dog personalities. She loves taking care of cats and large dogs, especially pit bulls! There has never been a dog she couldn't train to walk appropriately. She is available for daily dog walks and overnight pet sits.
allison r.
Hi! My name is Allison and I’ve been with MMH for about a year now (: I absolutely love all of the pups and their owners I’ve met so far... I really enjoy my daily walks with them, and the occasional pet sit as well!
All of my previous work experience has been working with children (preschool teacher, nanny, instructional aide etc). Now that I have children of my own, all of the extra love, attention and care giving translates to my time with the doggos!
ISABELLE O.
A seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in pet care, her specialties include senior and special needs animals. Known for her affectionate nature and unwavering reliability, Isabelle approaches her work with a genuine dedication to treating your pets as cherished members of her own family. Her wealth of experience instills confidence in her ability to provide tailored care and attention to the unique needs of each furry family member in her care. Isabelle has also worked extensively in small animal rescue for over 15 years. In Isabelle's capable hands, your small pets will find a compassionate guardian who treats them with the love and respect they deserve, ensuring both their well-being and your peace of mind.
PAUL G.
Paul is a huge animal lover and has a lot of experience with a wide variety of animals. He has always had a home with a companion including dogs and reptiles. At MMH, he helps with dog walks and dog boarding and will always make sure to give the best care and a wonderful home. He is available to walk both small and large dogs, his past training makes it very comfortable with some of the more challenging walks and unique animals!
ELISE G.
Elise is a longtime pet lover that is available for pet sitting and dog boarding and also handles weekend scheduling for our pet parents. Both cats and dogs alike all end up becoming her “barnacles” and love to stay attached to her side day and night for endless cuddles, pets and playtime. As a former husky and tabby cat owner she is very experienced in the needs of both active pets and those that like a more leisurely lifestyle.
Daralynn D.
Daralynn is a long time dog and cat lover as well as reptiles! She understands clients may be worried about their furry children while away and does everything she can to provide peace of mind that their pet is in caring and capable hands.
SARAH M.
She is a huge animal lover and has a lot of experience with a wide variety of animals. She has a home full of rescue animals including cats, birds, and reptiles. She will confidently love your pets like her own. She is available to walk both small and large dogs, visit any type of pet and is completely comfortable with some of the more challenging walks and unique animals!
KAIA S.
Kaia loves animals and taking care of dogs and cats. She opened up her home and wants all the puppies that board at her house to enjoy their vacations while their owners are away. Dogs boarding at her house run freely inside and in the yard.and get tons of love, pets, and playtime from Kaia and her family.
MIKAELA W.
Mikaela has been with MMH for 6yrs and does small dog boarding and is a kitty rescue expert. She rescues terminally ill cats and gives them a loving environment in their final days. She predominantly serves our West LA clients and is recognized by dogs, cats and clients alike as the nicest,softie pet lover we have.
laura H.
Laura has long been a friend to MMH, joining our manager Sarah on walks before joining our team. She walks predominately in the South Bay Monday through Friday and occasionally dog sits. A long time dog lover, Laura walks many of our regular pup clients weekly and loves all the time she gets to spend with her furry friends.
Facilities
Our office is located in Manhattan Beach, however our services extend much further to the pet-safe homes of our Mutt Hutters throughout the South Bay. We do not have a Doggie Daycare or Dog Boarding facility. For 20 years, we have offered small dog boarding in our staff's loving pet safe homes for potty trained, non-aggressive dogs, small dogs under 35 pounds, with some limited large dog boarding and puppy boarding with a certified Mutt Hutter. We pick up your dog, bedding, food and treats, bring them to our pet-safe homes, and return them to you at the end of the boarding. Your hours can be customized to your schedule. Never again will you feel guilty leaving your pet at a place with hordes of dogs when you need to work! Our clients have 100% peace of mind, knowing their beloved dog is a welcome guest in the private, loving home of a trusted and certified dog lover, who truly cares for the welfare and happiness of your pet. We also offer clients "in home" Pet Sitting, where we stay in your home and replicate your daily routine for your pets. We do not board cats, but offer both Pet Sitting and 1 hour Cat visits. Melisssa's Mutt Hutt & Cat Shack serves: El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance. Our 2nd office is based in Palm Springs, and offers the same services in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and La Quinta.