MEET THE OWNER OF LUKAS K9 TRI-VALLEY DOG SITTING

A smiling man sitting outdoors holding a small, scruffy dog with large ears.

I’m Ben Lukas, the proud owner of LUKAS K9 Tri‑Valley Dog Sitting. I was raised in Pleasanton by my wonderful grandparents, whose guidance shaped who I am today. Now in my late 30s, I’m excited to help care for the dogs in my community.

My dog Cosmo is my pride and joy. I understand firsthand that dogs are more than pets, they are truly family members. That value guides how I care for every pup I meet.

Beyond LUKAS K9, I enjoy being outdoors, working with my hands, and spending time with my family. I love hiking with my grandpa and being an uncle, and these days I’m embracing a quieter, more balanced life filled with lots of family time, Cosmo walks and cuddles, and exploring new interests.

Ben Lukas, owner of LUKAS K9 Tri-Valley Dog Sitting is smiling and hugging his partner near the ocean on a sunny day, with Ben wearing sunglasses and a black shirt, and the woman with blond hair and a nose ring.

Why I Started My Own Dog Walking / Dog Sitter Business

I started working professionally at 14, and by 17 I graduated high school early and stepped into my family’s drilling business full‑time. For nearly a decade I expected to take over the company, but by my mid‑20s I realized that path wasn’t right for me. Unsure of my next step and having missed the chance to explore other interests as a teenager, I worked a variety of jobs but struggled to find fulfillment.

During this time I met my partner Lauren. Her experience living with a chronic illness had already reshaped her own life, and she encouraged me to rethink my potential. Like many, I lost my job during the pandemic and at the same time Lauren’s health worsened. This forced me to step into a caregiver role much earlier than either of us expected. When restrictions lifted, her unpredictable needs made it difficult to find flexible work, leaving me unsure of what to do next.

Eventually, I turned to my lifelong love of dogs. I’ve always loved being around dogs and they have always seemed to be naturally drawn to me, so with Lauren’s encouragement I signed up for a well‑known pet sitting platform. What began as an attempt to fill in the gaps in income quickly grew into a steady stream of work, and before long I had built a loyal clientele. But more importantly, I found a renewed sense of direction.

However, over time I realized the platform wasn’t the right fit for me.

Many clients disliked the platform’s rising fees and preferred to pay me directly. The high costs—most of which didn’t support the people doing the work—often pushed them to bypass the app, putting my profile at risk of removal.

After being attacked on the job, I learned firsthand that the platform didn’t support its providers when it mattered most. Paired with my own unexpected health challenges, that experience pushed me to rethink how I could continue a career in dog sitting. With time to reflect—and Lauren’s encouragement—I took a leap of faith and, once I’d regained my health and confidence, launched LUKAS K9 Tri‑Valley Dog Sitting.

Though I’m new to running my own business, my commitment to my clients hasn’t changed: I provide the same level of care I’d want for my own dog. I’m proud to support my Tri‑Valley neighbors, and I’m grateful for every family who trusts me with their home and their four‑legged family members. I’m excited for what’s ahead as the LUKAS K9 family continues to grow.

A man in a white t-shirt smiling while lying on a bed with a large, fluffy white dog on its back, petting the dog.
A man squats outdoors on green grass, hugging a white puppy that is licking his face. The man has short brown hair and a slight beard, and is wearing a gray T-shirt and sneakers. There are bushes and a wooden fence in the background.
A man smiling outdoors holding a black dog with thick fur against a blue sky with some clouds and greenery in the background.
A young man with short dark hair and a gray striped shirt holding a fluffy black and white dog with curly fur, sitting on a leather couch in a cozy home interior.
A man lying on a couch with a black puppy on his chest, smiling as the puppy nuzzles him.
A young man with short hair and a slight smile, wearing a white shirt and green jacket, holding a small black and gray dog with curly fur inside a room with a ceiling light.
Ben, owner of LUKAS K9 Tri-Valley dog sitting, is lying on a sofa, smiling, holding a white dog with light brown patches and floppy ears, in a cozy living room with a warm lamp in the background.
A man sitting on a black leather couch holding a black and white dog with a white stripe on its nose, in a room with white walls and a closed white door.
A person walking a small dog on a leash along a winding paved path through a green wooded park.
A black dog lying on a gray cushioned mat in a corner next to a wall and a wooden dining room chair.
A smiling man sitting on a couch with a brown, curly-haired dog next to him in a living room.
A man sitting on a brown leather couch with a light-colored dog, both looking to the right, in a living room with framed pictures on the wall.
A man sitting on a sofa holding two puppies in his lap, smiling at the camera.
A black dog wearing a harness on a leash, walking on a sidewalk next to a grassy area with shrubs.
A man with short dark hair and a beard, wearing a gray shirt, is holding and gently kissing a brown puppy on the face. The man is sitting on a bed with white and red patterned bedding in a cozy room.
A young man smiling while holding a small, curly-haired white dog indoors.
A white dog lying on a sunlit outdoor patio with beige brick flooring, surrounded by patio chairs, a small wooden table, and a black outdoor heater.
A black and tan dog with a leash standing on a sidewalk near a parking lot with several parked cars.