Dog Boarding San Rafael
Find a loving dog sitter to watch your dog overnight at your sitter's home.
Over 439 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%.
“Wonderful sitter! Took great care of Scout and kept me updated with photos/videos. Scout went on fun hikes and looked so happy and well cared for the entire time. Highly recommend!”
“Deborah was fantastic! She was nice enough to accommodate us same day and could not have been nicer. We could tell instantly when we arrived that she was going to take great care of our dog Otto. She took him on walks, took him to the beach, sent lots of great photos, and even bought him some pup cups! Her children were also absolutely lovely and obviously made Otto feel comfortable and welcome. Highly recommend using Deborah services! You cannot go wrong!”
About: I grew up with dogs and I’ve been a dog owner most of my adult life. I’ve also been a dog owner from the puppy age of eight weeks all the way through mature life. I can take care of other pets as well, and I can be available for dog boarding, dog sitting, dog walks, and other pet care during your weekends and travels. I am a part-time parent and establishing this as additional income since I am a single income household in Marin county. I am available for dog walking and boarding on alternating weekends, and during periods of your travels when I am in town. I am an outdoors woman, and will get pets outside and active regularly. I know several local dog parks and dog-friendly trails since I’ve been a dog owner myself for years (I no longer have a dog as of early 2025). I have a fenced front and backyard. I can house a pet with all of your personal items for the pet anywhere in my home, and I can provide highly personalized care since I live alone (part time parent with alternating weekends on my own).
“Lori is the most compassionate and caring dog sitter I’ve ever met. My dog was injured while I was out of town, and she picked up and took care of my dog with such kindness and compassion. She communicated with me all throughout the day and night until I was able to make it back home. Ziggy & I are so grateful for her. I couldn’t recommend a sitter more!!! She’s amazing!!!”
“Lillie and her family were so kind and welcoming to my pup. She sent lots of pics while we were away and was very communicative around how he was doing. She seemed genuinely affectionate with him too so I know he was not short on receiving love. Super thankful for her care ❤️”
“Emily was wonderful! We arranged a meeting in advance to give my dog a chance to see the space and place. Then Emily was flexible with timing as we firmed up plans. She took great care of Aubrey and her dog Gigi was a super pal for Aubrey.”
“Thank you so much, Sylvie!! I can tell that Bobbi had an amazing time staying with you and your family and the other boarding dogs. I’m so grateful she had the opportunity to properly socialize with other older dogs as she is still a puppy. The endless pictures you sent were such a relief to see. I was always so happy to get them while on my trip—she clearly loved sniffing around your garden. And thank you for sticking to my notes and instructions, as she is still a puppy and I wanted to keep certain things going like crate training while I was away. I’d love to rebook with you in the future. Thanks again for your attention to detail and care for Bobbi :)”
“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.”
“Jessica was such a great communicator and provided wonderful loving care for our labradoodle Frankie. Can’t wait to use her again. She went above and beyond when our plans changed last minute. So kind!”
About: I’ve always had pets and understand the love and care they need. With years of hands-on experience working with different breeds and temperaments, I provide attentive and personalized care for every dog. I can assist with consistent training for puppies, ensuring we work together to stay on the same page so your dog gets the care they need. Whether it’s a light jog to burn off energy, administering medication, or simply providing companionship, I tailor my care to suit your dog’s unique needs. I am self-employed pet care provider, I have the flexibility to tailor my schedule around your pet’s need, whether it’s daily walks, last-minute requests, or special accommodations. I take the time to listen to my clients and understand how they care for their pets, ensuring I can provide a seamless and comfortable experience for their furry companions. I follow their routines, preferences, and any special instructions while also incorporating my own attentive and nurturing approach.
“Ariane looked after our dog for four nights while we were away, and she was amazing! Our dog immediately took to her and I could tell he would be in the best hands. He looked so comfortable and happy when I picked him up, and we couldn’t have been more pleased. She was very communicative and sent daily photos and videos of him. We look forward to using Ariane again soon!”
“We did a meet and greet before to make sure it was a good fit. Ellen was prompt and professional at drop off and pick up. She took care of my two dogs, sent update photos, and responded quickly to inquiries. Both dogs were returned all sound and solid. Thank you Ellen!”
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.
“Nadya was amazing with Bowie! She sent photos and videos, her space was beautiful with a big yard and comfortable indoor area and was so flexible with drop off and pick up. We will without a doubt have Nadya watch Bowie again.”
“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: I was raised in a home full of dogs and cats. We took in any and all strays. Even had a pet duck that lived to be 12 years old. I have bottle fed puppies that the mom dog was too spoiled to care for and my English Bulldog taught me so much about how to deal with a dog with medical challenges. I'm patient and kind. I'm currently working as an assistant TK teacher and I only work part-time so I have plenty of time to watch over your fur babies. My apt is safe and I can take them on neighborhood walks or hikes. I'm fully capable of taking care of dogs or cats in my home or yours.
“Mary was wonderful with our quirky boy. She sent photos of them having fun on hikes and of him looking relaxed at her house. We didn’t worry about him at all while away and he was happy and tired when we got home. A perfect experience all around.”
“My dog had the BEST time with Annelies! She did a great job updating me with photos and texts on how my dog was doing. I feel like my dog really had the royal treatment- lots of love and long walks. Highly recommend, and I’ll definitely use her services again.”
The median cost per night for dog boarding in San Rafael is $75
Dog parents share their Rover experiences - San Rafael
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!
Mila took care of George with a tremendous amount of care and attention!! Our little guy almost didnt want to leave her behind when she dropped him off, which shows how comfortable he was with her. He came back in a great mood and very healthy, so we will work with her again, when needed.
Stephanie did an amazing job taking care of our little guy, George. She made sure he was eating on time and walked him as needed. He came home with a few more pounds, which is excellent, since is a picky little eater, so that was magical and excellent! We highly recommend her services, and we will be back for more!
Andrew took incredible care of Luna! Throughout my multi day trip he made sure I felt reassured, sending photos, videos of Luna (active GSP) on tons of hikes and walks. He even went out of his way on July 4th to make sure she wasn’t frightened by any fireworks, gave her medicine, and I really couldn’t have asked for more. She came back so tired and happy I’m very grateful.
Jennifer was an amazing sitter! She communicated with us throughout Murphy’s stay and went above and beyond. It was clear she genuinely cared about him and made sure he was well looked after. We felt completely at ease knowing he was in such good hands. We will absolutely be booking with Jennifer again in the future!
Nahir & Mitchell looked after our dog Lilly for three weeks while we were away. She had only met them once but from the beginning we could tell she felt comfortable with them. We received daily updates and photographs from them which was comforting, especially as she is an older dog and can be anxious. Lilly has adjusted well to being back home and we attribute this to the good care she had while we were gone. We highly recommend Nahir & Mitchell for pet care. We would happily leave her with them again.
Deborah was fantastic! She was nice enough to accommodate us same day and could not have been nicer. We could tell instantly when we arrived that she was going to take great care of our dog Otto. She took him on walks, took him to the beach, sent lots of great photos, and even bought him some pup cups! Her children were also absolutely lovely and obviously made Otto feel comfortable and welcome. Highly recommend using Deborah services! You cannot go wrong!
We trust Emily with kid Javier when we need to go out of town and have been so happy to know that he is in such good hands. Emily makes sure Javier gets exercise, takes him for walks, hikes and gives him plenty of snuggle time! We love getting photo updates and will definitely keep taking him to her.
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.
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.
Meet local sitters who will treat your dogs like family
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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 Boarding - San Rafael
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for Dog Boarding in San Rafael on Rover is $60 per night (as of September 2026). However, all sitters set their own rates based on experience, location, and availability.
Rover makes budgeting the cost of Dog Boarding easy. As long as your dates and pet profiles are correct, the price you see before you book is the same price you pay for Dog Boarding. For more information on service fees, click here .
As of September 2026, there are 4,674 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 rhythm and routine, but most will follow the flow that keeps your dog happiest. Sitters can give meals on your dog's regular schedule, provide a comfortable place for sleep, and plenty of one-on-one attention.
92% of San Rafael sitters also include daily walks in the neighborhood during dog boarding stays. You can also request photo and message updates throughout the stay so you can see which San Rafael landmarks or neighborhoods your dog is enjoying.
If your dog is a little shy, consider booking a one-night trial stay! This practice run can boost your and your dog’s confidence before your trip.
Preparing for drop-off is easy when you have a checklist! To help your dog settle into their San Rafael home-away-from-home, we recommend 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.
Tip: 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 Rover Guarantee , 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 Rover's Trust & Safety page .
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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