

Leading the Pack

4.8 • Oakland, California • Pet Boarding
Woman-owned
Family-operated
Eco-friendly
Kennel-free






About Us
Leading the Pack is a premier, family-owned pet grooming salon and boutique located in the heart of Oakland’s historic Temescal district. The business specializes in high-quality, one-on-one grooming services designed to provide a stress-free experience for both canines and felines, utilizing a kennel-free model to ensure every pet remains calm and comfortable throughout their visit.
In addition to its personalized grooming services, the store features a curated boutique offering a variety of unique pet products. The boutique prioritizes items that are Made in the USA, eco-friendly, and produced by socially responsible craftspeople, providing local pet owners with access to specialized treats and accessories not typically found in large-scale retail chains.

Owned by
Alma Kessee
Joined 2026
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4.8 • 90+ reviews
Mercedes

We love bringing my parents’ dog here—four years later and we still wouldn’t go anywhere else! Benji is always showered with treats and care, and he genuinely trusts the team, which means so much to us since he’s a rescue. Huge thanks to Alma and her amazing team!
Jessica

We love bringing our puppy here! The team is really friendly and clearly love what they do. Alma always takes the time to listen to exactly how we want our dog's fur trimmed, and she does a fantastic job. It’s such a relief knowing she’s in good hands - they take great care of her and make the whole experience stress-free. Highly recommend!
Location & Hours
Leading the Pack
4801 Shattuck Ave, Ste 106, Oakland, CA 94609
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
Temescal, Oakland
The store is situated in the Temescal neighborhood of North Oakland. This area is known for its vibrant, historical character and its reputation as one of Oakland's premier dining and shopping destinations. The district is highly walkable and features a mix of trendy restaurants, small boutiques, and local services, maintaining a strong community-oriented, "shop local" atmosphere.
Pet Parent Economy at a Glance
Pet Households
57.2%

Annual Pet Spend / Household
$1,500

Median Household Income
$106,698

Walk Score®
98/100

Nearest Petco
2.8 miles

Residential & Commerical Buildings
100%

