Dog Boarding San Rafael
Find a loving dog sitter to watch your dog overnight at your sitter's home.
Over 436 pet parents in San Rafael have booked dog boarding
San Rafael, Find top rated dog boarding
Prices are estimates per night for 1 dog. Pricing may vary based on your search and includes a booking fee of 11%.
“Mila is the perfect sitter! She's sweet and calm and clearly loves dogs. She kept Kenzie busy with walks and exploring her outdoor area and was very accommodating in extending my pickup time. I'm not sure that Kenzie wanted to leave with me. In a close-up photo that Mila sent afterwards, he had never looked happier!”
“Drake had such a wonderful time with Tula. I loved the updates throughout his stay, which gave me comfort knowing he settled in ok and was having a good time. Would definitely recommend her to anyone needing their dog watched, especially since Drake can be reactive to strangers and other dogs. She was very understanding and handled him with a ton of care.”
About: Although I have never owned a dog myself, I have several years of experience caring for family dogs. My sister has had a dog since 2016, and my mom got a dog in 2023. I regularly help care for them when my family is out of town, including feeding them on schedule, providing fresh food and water, taking them on walks, and making sure they are safe and comfortable. While I do not have extensive pet-sitting experience, I genuinely enjoy spending time with dogs and caring for them with patience, love, and responsibility. I would be grateful for the opportunity to care for your furry friend and appreciate the trust you place in me. I am a full-time student during the weekdays and a mom to a 6 six year old girl who also loves dogs. I am available in the evenings to take your dog on a walk. I am also available anytime on the weekend to board your pup or to take them for walks. I make sure dogs are safe and comfortable while in my home and I let them lead their walks. I keep them on a secure leash at all times, pay attention to their surroundings, allow them time to sniff and explore, and make sure they release enough energy without getting them overtired.
“Jaimi took amazing care of our dog, Maizie. She and her loved ones treated Maizie as a member of their family and the frequent photo updates were a delight. Knowing that Maizie was so well cared for made our travel worry-free. We highly recommend Jaimi and have already made arrangements to have Maizie stay with her again.”
About: I have taking of dogs for about to years of all kind. I love them. Neighbors have relied on me to take of there dogs. Hi, I work part time and I go to school over the weekdays.so, I’m free to take care of your dogs over the weekend, and during school breaks. I I live by myself in my apartment of a bedroom and a living room and there is a patio that I could walk with your dog or take him for a walk or just play with him. I really love dogs and I really want to have one, but I can’t at the moment because I don’t make that much money to have one.
“Mary was a great sitter! She provided regular updates & pictures and took our pup on multiple walks throughout his weekend stay. Our dog tends to be more anxious and he seemed at ease in her care :) would highly recommend and we hope to use her services again soon!”
“Kevin was wonderful taking care of our dog Ranger for a long weekend. Easy to communicate with, sent updates while we were away and was not phased at all taking care of our 110 pound dog! Thank you so much!!”
About: I have trained a pit Bull (off leash and crate trained) & Frenchie (puppy pads & leash trained), fostered cats, and cleaned fish aquariums. When in doubt, take your puppy on a walk! I work remotely and am flexible to help out with caring for animals by taking them on a walk/hike or having them over for the night. I have a fenced in front and back yard but would train the dog to poop/pee while going for a walk. I hike Mandeville canyon weekly and would be happy to take your dog with me for exercise.
“Kelly Ann was great with our dog Digby. She went above and beyond to give him great care and love. He's an older diabetic dog and she gave him 2 insulin shots a day and made sure he had plenty of water to drink. She took him on walks and gave him a lot of cuddles. I'd highly recommend Kelly Ann.”
“It was a roller-coaster at first, previous bookie canceled at the last moment so we had to scramble to find another sitter, flight was leaving in 2hrs. She accepted we have never been separated longer than a work day. Anna was/IS great!! She took great care of Aries sent plenty of pix and had us at ease!! Definitely will be booking her again”
“This is the second time we’ve had Ashley take care of our Milou. Her loving care is obvious and we’ve come back home to such a happy dog both times. Her communication is always prompt and she’s been flexible with pickup times when there’s been unforeseen delays. We’ve loved having Ashley take care of Milou and will be continue to be repeat customers. Thank you Ashley!”
“I left my dog with Yvette and John for two weeks this time. From the first time he stayed there, it was clear he just adores them. They are so super sweet with him. Their calm energy settles his anxious tendencies. I'm with my dog a lot at home and we sleep in the same room, so I was a little nervous about their setup. But it all worked out great! They took him for a lot of walks in different places and tired him out. He always looked so calm and content - they sent me pics daily! He was in no hurry to leave when I picked him up. It was just the best feeling to go on vacation and not worry about him for a second. I'm so glad I found them to take care of my sensitive pup.”
“Our Bernedoodle Wilbur had a wonderful time staying the night with Marisa and her sweet family. Marisa was loving and kind with Wilbur, giving me updates on how he was doing and his eating. We will definitely ask Marisa again to care for Wilbur. We highly recommend!”
“Carla took such great care of our pup Pippa! She made sure there was plenty of activity each day and we received many updates. Pippa had so much fun and we felt at ease our pup was in good hands. We will definitely use Carla again in the future!”
“We are SO grateful we found Luna! Our usual dog care fell through right before a long out-of-state trip, and we were genuinely considering postponing because our senior dog, Indi, has recently been diagnosed with IBD and needs a specialized diet, daily meds, and a calm, attentive environment. She can get stressed easily in new places, which has previously led to tummy issues and even skin flare-ups — so we were very nervous about leaving her with someone new. From the very first message, Luna was incredibly warm, proactive, and thoughtful. She even offered to set up a meet-and-greet right away before we could ask, which immediately put us at ease. Once we dropped Indi off, it was clear Luna treats animals like family. Her own dog, Jim, also has IBD, so she had first-hand experience and comfort caring for a pup with similar needs. Throughout the two weeks, Luna provided detailed updates every single day — including meals, meds, walks, and yes, digestion reports (very appreciated 😂). She took so many adorable photos and videos that we could see how happy and relaxed Indi was. Our dog walker also commented on how noticeably happier and healthier Indi seemed while staying at Luna’s — her stools even improved (a true win for IBD dog parents!). Communication was flawless, kind, and reassuring the whole time. We felt completely at ease, which is priceless. We would absolutely book with Luna again and recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a sitter who is caring, attentive, and truly exceptional. Indi came home happy, calm, and healthy — we couldn’t ask for more. 💛🐾”
“Siena is a wonderful host, with a warm and comfortable home. On a quiet street with a large yard. Without pets of her own, and only taking one family at a time, our two dogs were showered with attention and affection.”
“Our bulldog Roxy stayed with Isabel for 2 nights and spent the days with a fabulous crew of new dog friends - walking, playing and exploring. We won’t hesitate to go to Isabel again for dog sitting or walking!”
About: I have always grown up with pets in the house! I’ve also sat a variety of animals, breeds and temperaments. Always been a big animal lover! I currently have a very flexible and open schedule. I love being active and outdoors and always love to have a pet companion for that! I’d like to make the client as comfortable as possible, adhering to what they want for their pet and their environment. Obviously welcome animals into my home with lots of love and care.
About: I grew up with dogs and know firsthand how much they become part of the family. Our beloved dogs, Bonbon and Bambii, were like siblings to me, and I loved spending time with them on walks, hikes, and playtime adventures. Although I don't currently have pets of my own, I miss that special connection and would love the opportunity to care for and spend time with your furry companions. I also have experience looking after my sister's dog, Toast, and always enjoy giving pets the attention, exercise, and affection they deserve. I will treat your pets with the same love and care I would give my own. Pet care fits naturally into my daily routine because I genuinely enjoy spending time outdoors and being around animals. I love starting my mornings with a walk, hike, or run, and I'm available between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM for dogs who need exercise, fresh air, and attention before the day begins. In the evenings, I enjoy going on walks after work, usually from 7:00 PM onward. This gives me dedicated time to focus on your pet, whether that means a relaxing walk, playtime, or simply keeping them company. Having grown up with dogs and caring for my sister's dog, Toast, I understand that pets thrive on consistency, affection, and quality time. Caring for pets doesn't feel like a chore to me, it's something I genuinely look forward to and enjoy incorporating into my weekly routine.🐶🤍 When caring for pets in a client's home, I prioritize keeping them comfortable by maintaining their usual routine as closely as possible. I follow all instructions carefully, including feeding schedules, walks, playtime, medications (if needed), and any special preferences. I make sure pets receive plenty of attention, affection, and exercise while also respecting their individual personalities and needs. I believe communication is important, so I am happy to provide updates, photos, and messages to give pet parents peace of mind while they are away. My goal is to create a safe, calm, and loving environment where pets feel secure and cared for in their familiar surroundings.
The median cost per night for dog boarding in San Rafael is $75
Dog parents share their Rover experiences - San Rafael
Annelies & Marcos are amazing! You'd be very lucky to have your pup stay with them. Annelies was easy to coordinate with, for connecting on details and drop off. They understand how stressful it can be to leave your dog behind on vacation, and were so communicative and shared lots of photos, so I felt well updated and could relax, knowing everything was going well. They ensured my pup had lots of outdoor time, walks and even a day at the beach, followed by a bath! If they are available, run, don't walk to book with them. You will be relieved and your dog will be well taken care of and loved like their own.
Deborah took such good care of our senior pup. He has a lot of specific needs and she took them on without any issues. It's challenging to find a sitter willing to do that. He did great in her care and we will be absolutely booking with her again the next time we go out of town.
Our little Kodi is a rescue dog who can be anxious in new situations, needing lots of reassurance and a tender-hearted caregiver, which is exactly who Ashley is. She made a safe haven for our anxious pup and he was in heaven, being pampered with complete and utter attention at all times. She also was in constant touch with us, supplying multiple updates and photos every day during the boarding, which gave us peace of mind while we were away. We cannot recommend Ashley enough, and we are thrilled to have found her for our little Kodi and are honored to recommend her pet sitting services!
Sophie is amazing! She took care of our dog Lola Faith while we were out of the country for two weeks. Lola is a little skittish in nature but quickly felt comfortable with Sophie and thoroughly enjoyed her stay. We received daily updates with photos of Lola on her daily walks and frisbee time. It was so nice to see Lola in great care while we were away. We're definitely reaching out to Sophie again the next time we travel!
Book with peace of mind
- Screened pet sitters have passed a third-party background check and show verified reviews from other pet parents, like you.
- Every booking is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to $25,000 reimbursement for eligible vet care. Learn more
- 24/7 support from the Rover team–here to help if you ever need someone to talk to.
Why Choose Rover?
Cashless payments
Book and pay through Rover’s secured platform—no cash or checks required.
Reservation protection
It doesn’t happen often, but if your sitter has to cancel, we’ll work with you to find a new sitter.
World-class support
We’re friendly, knowledgable, and total pet fanatics. You can get in touch with us anytime.
How to book dog boarding
1. Search
Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer dog boarding.
2. Meet In Person
Schedule a free in-person Meet & Greet to find the perfect fit.
3. Book & Pay
It's that easy! All payments are processed through Rover's secured platform.
Popular requests for dog boarding - San Rafael
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering dog boarding.Sitters in San Rafael average 10 repeat dog boarding clients
FAQs for Dog Boarding - San Rafael
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of Dog Boarding in San Rafael is $60 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $42 and $100 per night. On Rover, sitters set their own rates based on factors such as their experience, the length of care, the number of pets, and your pet’s specific needs. As long as your booking dates and pet profiles are accurate, the price shown before you confirm is the total, including any booking fee.
As of October 2026, there are 4,608 sitters on Rover offering Dog Boarding across San Rafael. Enter your ZIP code to see which available sitters are closest to your home.
Every sitter on Rover has their own routine. Depending on the arrangements you agree on before the stay, a sitter can follow your dog’s regular feeding schedule, provide a comfortable place to sleep, offer companionship, and support their usual exercise and play needs.
94% of sitters in San Rafael can provide daily exercise during dog boarding stays. Depending on the sitter, their home environment, and your dog’s needs, this may include walks, outdoor play, indoor enrichment activities, or supervised play with compatible dogs. These activities are not automatically included with every booking, so ask the sitter what a typical day looks like.
During the Meet & Greet, discuss your dog’s usual exercise and play routine, whether they can safely interact with other dogs, and any activities or restrictions the sitter should follow. You can also ask the sitter to send photo and message updates during the stay so you can see how your dog is spending their time.
Preparing for drop-off is easy when you have a checklist! To help your dog settle into their San Rafael home-away-from-home, packing:
- Health and safety essentials such as their ID tags, vaccination records, medication, and emergency vet or secondary caregiver contacts.
- Food and gear such as harnesses, collars, food (portioned by day), and an item that smells like you.
- Special instructions such as a list of training cues, medical administration needs, or favorite hang-out spots in your San Rafael.
<b>Tip:</b> You can upload your dog’s routine and medical info directly onto their profile so your sitter always has the details at their fingertips.
You and your San Rafael sitter can schedule drop-off and pick-up in a way that works best for the both of you—and your dog. Most sitters offer flexible times for drop-off and pick-up but the easiest way to confirm those times will be through in-app messaging. Confirm your arrival time the day of pick-up and drop-off can also help keep the process smooth and organized.
The Rover Guarantee is Rover’s commitment to your peace of mind every time you book. It includes 24/7 customer support, sitter access to advice from qualified veterinary professionals for diagnostic issues, and a reimbursement program for eligible veterinary care in the rare event something goes wrong.
All bookings are backed by the , which provides up to 25,000 in eligible veterinary care reimbursement.
Every sitter on Rover is required to pass a background check before listing their services. This process confirms their identity and indicates they are not on the Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Website or have any disqualifying offenses.
Beyond ID checks, you can review each sitter's star rating, read verified reviews from other pet parents, and see how many repeat clients they have. Every booking is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to 25,000 in eligible veterinary care. For more details, visit .
While each sitter sets their own vaccine requirements, staying up-to-date on your dog’s vaccines is the best way to be "boarding ready". Vaccinations help create a safe environment for all pets under a sitter’s care.
Many sitters in CA ask that dogs be up to date on core vaccines like the Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Adenovirus, Bordetella, and Rabies.
By discussing your pet's health history early, you’re adding a layer of confidence for you and your sitter before the booking begins.
If a health concern arises during a stay, your sitter is instructed to contact you and our Trust & Safety team immediately and, if needed, take your dog to the closest veterinarian. Through our Trust & Safety support team, sitters can ask for diagnostic advice from a qualified veterinary professional if your dog is showing signs of possible illness.
For extra peace of mind, you can also prepare an authorization form for your regular vet. An authorization form outlines your preferred method of care and allows your sitter to bring your pet into their regular clinic.
Every qualified booking made on Rover is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes reimbursement for eligible emergency vet care.
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