About Us

Pavla Sim

CO-FOUNDER, CEO + PACK LEADER

My name is Pavla. I have been drawn to dogs ever since I can remember. I started walking dogs in my native Czechoslovakia before I was two years old. 

In 1997, my husband Lenny and I welcomed an Irish terrier puppy named Newton into our home. We started hiking with him in the hills of Marin County on weekends. In 2005, after 20+ years of working in the high tech industry, I was given an opportunity to take some time off and to figure out what to do next. While exploring my options, I started hiking daily, initially only with Newton, and later on with friends’ dogs, too. 

Career counselors had suggested to “do what you love”. So, in order to see what it would be like to walk dogs as a career, I volunteered to fill in for dog walkers on vacation. I enjoyed it! I marveled at the beauty of Marin and the gaiety of dogs fortunate enough to go on hikes with us. I was hooked and "Paws in Motion" was born.

To augment my love of dogs with knowledge and greater competence in handling groups, I enrolled in the dogTEC Dog Walking Academy and graduated as a certified professional dog walker. Later on I earned an advanced dogTEC professional dog walking certification. I also completed a 12-week Canine Behavior Academy offered by the Marin Humane Society's Behavior and Training Dept.

Over the years I  attended multiple training classes in Pet CPR and First Aid. I believe in ongoing learning and self improvement, so I attend professional pet seminars and read dog behavior books to continually update my knowledge.

I am a founding Board Member of the Marin Pet Care Association (MPCA), a not-for-profit local organization founded in 2009. The goal of MPCA is to protect and preserve pet presence in Marin County, and to provide the highest level of responsible, reputable and ethical service, as well as professionalism to our clients. We sponsor and organize periodic Trail Manners classes required by Marin County Open Space District and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area for Commercial Dog Walker permits.

I am professional, responsible, dependable, honest, trustworthy and cautious. I treat each pet guardian client as I would like to be treated. I interact with each dog and other pets with the care and respect that I would want my own dog to receive. Returning each dog home safely is my highest priority.

Lenny Hand

Co-Founder + Pack Leader

Lenny is an animal lover also. He is a legal partner in the business. In addition to walking  dogs  seven days per week, he is responsible for the care of dogs who stay with us overnight or who are here for daycare.  Lenny participates in all the service delivery activities: daily dog walks, care of dogs boarding in our home: feeding, potty walks, individual attention and cuddling. Dogs love him. If it was up to Lenny, all the dogs would sleep on our bed.

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We also employ a limited number of independent contractors who help out with dog walks during busy periods and when we travel. They are trained, carefully screened and covered by our insurance policy and bonding.

Paws In Motion is Licensed, Insured, Bonded and Certified