Logan recently booked dog boarding with Rodney in Ocala
Rodney watched our pitbull mix for almost a week while we were on vacation. He seemed to really enjoy her company and we were relieved to find someone that was able to be with her for the duration of the stay (our dog has high separation anxiety). Thanks!
Every sitter on Rover has passed a background check
What is dog boarding with Rover?
Dog boarding with Rover is an alternative to traditional overnight dog care in a kennel. Rover allows you to search thousands of local five star dog sitters who provide overnight dog boarding in their homes. Now instead of dog boarding in a kennel you can give your pup the personal attention it deserves from a background checked dog sitter.
Features pet owners love about dog boarding on Rover
High quality pet care
Rover has the largest network of five star sitters providing dog boarding services. Rover sitters are background checked and reviews help give confidence that sitters are trusted by other dog owners. Enjoy the peace of mind that your sitter will treat your dog like their own during your dog boarding stay.Communication is just a touch or call away
During your dog boarding stay you can keep in contact with your sitter via the Rover App, text message, email, or a phone call with your sitter.Photo updates during your dog boarding stay
Rover sitters love to take photos of your dog during their dog boarding stay. Enjoy getting updates of your dog enjoying their stay while you are away. If you receive 5 or more photo updates during your dog boarding stay we will put together a slideshow with the highlights of your dog’s stay.Unmatched support
Every dog boarding stay booked on Rover is covered by 24/7 customer support, the Rover Guarantee and Reservation Protection.FAQ
Where will your dog stay during their visit?
Rover sitters provide dog boarding in houses, apartments, townhomes, condos, and more. Instead of your dog being stuck in a small kennel, like traditional dog boarding, they can enjoy the comfort of staying in a sitter’s home. If your dog enjoys going outside you can find a sitter with a yard or access to local parks where they can take your dog for a walk. To learn more about the amenities dog boarding sitters offer, check their profile page or contact them directly.
Is Rover dog boarding right for my dog?
Rover provides dog boarding to dogs of all sizes, ages, and needs. This includes puppies, older dogs, disabled dogs, dogs that require medication, dogs with separation anxiety, and more. If your dog has special needs that you want to ensure your dog boarding sitter offers, check their profile page or contact them directly.
Preview local sitters providing dog boarding in Ocala
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See what owners are saying about dog boarding in Ocala
Ocala dog sitters were rated 5 out of 5 stars from 124+ reviews
Andie's review on Aug 30, 2019
I appreciated Seth and Danielle helping me out on a short notice! They did so great with Drogo, and I will use their services any time I have to leave my kitty!
Cal's review on Aug 27, 2019
Clyde loved his stay and was wore out playing with the other dogs! Barbara sent pics throughput the day and kept me informed. Highly recommended!
Chandra's review on Jul 29, 2019
Krystal did a excellent job with our fur baby...she showed up to the home at times scheduled..When I returned the dog seemed relaxed and calm.. we definently request her again if she is available..
Top Dog Parks in Ocala
In the eastern part of Ocala, you will find a lovely city park called Jervey Gantt Park. With over four miles of paved walking trails spanning the entirety of the park, it’s a perfect place for dog sitters and dog owners to take a nice walk with their pup. There are also ample amounts of green space for walking or running, and for the super hot days, a splash park for the kids. If you’re into tennis or basketball, they have tennis courts and basketball areas, as well as volleyball courts. There truly is something for everyone at this celebrated and popular neighborhood park.
If you’re looking for an off-leash park to take your dog to in Ocala, check out Letty Towles Dog Park. Found inside Jervey Gantt Park, this is truly paradise for small, medium, and large dogs. There are two areas—one for small dogs, and another for large ones—so your pup will have fun and be safe. With 4.5 acres to explore, your dog will love the concrete tunnels, splash pad, and green space to explore. When you’re done walking and need a place to relax, sit on any of the pavilion benches or cool off under one of the many oak trees in the park. Make sure you visit on a Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday: the park is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
As Ocala’s oldest and largest city-owned park, Tuscawilla Park has something for everyone, including dog owners, dog sitters, and dogs. North of downtown Ocala, people can walk, fish, and even attend events there. The pond is stocked with catfish twice a year for catch-and-release fishing and the areas around the pond are great for leisurely dog walking. Large mossy oak trees are spread out nicely to keep you and your dog shaded while you’re there. There are even bird-watching nature walks available through the Marion County Audubon Society for bird lovers. Various events, like concerts, art shows, and more are also frequently held at Tuscawilla Park.
Come and experience some of Central Florida’s beautiful flora, fauna, and wildlife at Silver Springs State Park. Established in the Silver Springs area, Silver Springs State Park sits above one of the world’s largest artesian natural springs. Visitors can tour the park in a glass bottom boat, where they can see the natural aquatic wildlife living in the spring through the bottom of the boat. The park is great for dog walking, as it has 15 miles of trails to explore as well as access to the Silver River. If you want to camp at Silver Springs State Park, you can do that too: they have 10 luxury cabins for “glamping” and 59 sites for traditional tent camping.
Ocala's Bark Score
How Ocala got their Bark Score
We love crunching numbers almost as much as we love caring for dogs, which is why we came up with the Bark Score. It's all about how dog-friendly a city is, and is determined using census statistics, local business information, and our own data. Ocala received a 52 out of 100 in vet availability, which includes the number of emergency veterinarians, regular vets, specialists, and the average premium for pet insurance in the area. For pet services—like groomers available, number of dog trainers, and count of Rover sitters—this city earned a 74. For the parks and fun category, Ocala received a 68 for its number of dog parks, sunny days, and dog-friendly restaurants and hotels. And last but not least, for quality of dog life which includes overall dog population, average yard size, and number of dog-friendly property rentals, this city earned a 67.
Top Dog Neighborhoods in Ocala
Downtown Ocala Historic District
In the center of Ocala you’ll find the neighborhood known as Historic Downtown Ocala—designated in 1984 and the place to go for food, fun, and adventure. Check out local food and crafts at the Ocala Downtown Market, at the corner of SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue and overseen by the Ocala/Marion Chamber and Economic Partnership. Grab your dog and take a walk through the vendors on Saturdays. In to spooky things? The Ocala Ghost Walks and Historical Tours are a treat for those who enjoy a spine-tingling good time! Try out the coffee and crepes at Symmetry Coffee and Crepes on Magnolia Ave, and then head over to the Mural Trail and enjoy looking at beautiful, hand-painted murals from local artists.
Ocala Historic District
As the name implies, the Ocala Historic District is an historic neighborhood southeast of downtown Ocala. It was officially developed as a neighborhood in Ocala between 1880 and 1930, and is 172.5 acres of historic houses and buildings. The earliest development began along Fort King Street, and the Queen Anne Revival residences that were built in 1910 are still there for viewing today. While you’re walking your dog around and taking in the historic architecture (220 historic buildings), the vast Live Oak trees that line the streets will keep you shaded. It’s a picturesque area that truly showcases the history of Ocala with an intimate community feel.
West Ocala
Just west of downtown Ocala, you’ll find the neighborhood of West Ocala. Its rich history and modern-day offerings make it a great place to live. West Ocala was officially recognized as a neighborhood in the late 1800s, and some of Ocala’s most prominent African-American residents lived there. Today, West Ocala has something for everyone. The Ocala Senior Activity Center is in West Ocala, and has plenty of fun things offered for seniors to do. The City of Ocala Hampton Aquatic Center is also nearby for anyone who enjoys swimming. Lillian Bryant Park is a short drive away, and has a one-mile trail that’s perfect for short dog walks.
Maricamp
In the southeast part of Ocala, the Maricamp neighborhood offers dog owners and sitters everything they’re looking for and more. For the best dog walks, check out Jervey Gantt Park. There are walking paths, green space, and even a 4.5 acre off-leash area named the Letty Towles Dog Park. If you want to take a walk around the neighborhoods in Maricamp, the Live Oaks that line the streets will give you ample shade while you stroll through and admire the scenery. Get your shopping done at the Publix Super Market at Park View Commons, off of Highway 464, or check out the Cedar Shores Plaza down the road from Publix for more diverse options.
Why do dog owners love Ocala?
Ocala has so many things to see and do, from adrenaline-inducing adventures with Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours to picnics and interpretive trails at Fort King National Historic Park. If you’re into flora and fauna, check out Sholom Park, a privately owned, 44-acre botanical garden. With its lighted tennis courts and placid lake, Ocala Tuscawilla Park is another local hotspot. Nicknamed the “horse capital of the world,” Ocala is a veritable oasis of all things equestrian. Farm Tours of Ocala will take you to three different horse farms to learn about the history of the farms, the area, and why it’s a great place to raise horses. Meanwhile,Discovery Kayak Tours will take you on a guided tour of Ocala’s various waterways and show you Florida in a whole new way. For art lovers, the Appleton Museum of Art is a great art museum with a wide array of exhibits, from modern to traditional and everything in between. Don’t forget a visit to historic Fort King, built in 1827 and named after Colonel William King. The historic site is a great place to visit with children and on-leash dogs. Whether it’s dog boarding or sitting in Ocala, eating is equally as important. Thankfully, Ocala has great restaurants to suit everyone’s appetites. BBQ lovers: Big Lee’s - Serious About Barbeque is the place to check out if you’re into deliciously and perfectly cooked meats. La Cuisine French Restaurant provides a lovely taste of Paris without all the of the travel.Craving Latin food? Latinos Y Mas will hit the spot, with a wide array of Mexican and Latin-inspired dishes. If you’re looking for a breakfast or lunch spot, Molly Maguire’s of Ocala has breakfast food, sandwiches, salads, and more. Braised Onion Restaurant is perfect for large crowds, and has traditional American food options like prime rib and chicken pot pie. For a taste of the Mediterranean, check out Feta Mediterranean Cuisine in Historic Downtown Ocala. Greek salads, freshly prepared hummus, and spanakopita are just a few of the traditional Greek dishes they serve. Ocala has a pretty extensive history, dating back to 6500 B.C. Archaeologists were able to discover that the area was probably inhabited by different tribes of indigenous peoples during that time frame. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Creek people and other Native Americans, as well as African Americans, began to settle in Florida and formed the Seminole people. Built in Ocala in 1827, the 36-acre Fort King, a military fort, served as a buffer between white settlers and the Seminole tribe. The modern city of Ocala was formed in 1849 and was initially developed around the fort site. In 1883, much of Ocala was burned to the ground in a fire. After that, they rebuilt everything using bricks, and became known as “The Brick City”. Ocala earned its other nickname—“The Horse Capital of the World”—in 1943, when the first Thoroughbred horse farm was established there. The last decades of the 20th century say tremendous growth for Ocala, with a population growth from 100,000 in 1975 to 250,000 in 2000.
