Dog Walking San Rafael
Book a dog walker to give your dog a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood.
Over 168 pet parents in San Rafael have booked dog walking
San Rafael, Find top rated dog walking
Prices are estimates per walk for 1 dog. Pricing may vary based on your search and includes a booking fee of 11%.
About: A little about me: I'm a lifelong critter lover - dogs, cats, rats - you name it, I love it. For 4+ years, I ran with dogs at an animal shelter in Chicago (PAWS, for those who are familiar), allowing me to work with dogs with all types of breeds and temperaments from nervous, anxious dogs, to high-energy assertive dogs. I'm a careful observer around any new animal (particularly dogs), making sure I understand their personality, comfort level, and needs. Most of my time is spent walking, hiking, or running with best friend and roommate of 2+ years, Fennec. I adopted him from a border collie rescue to be my running companion and since then, has humbled me (daily) with his endless enthusiasm and energy. He's the bestest boy. What to expect dog-sitting or walking: My approach will be to make your dog comfortable, happy, and fulfilled. In our initial meeting, I'll ask a ton of questions to understand your dogs likes, dislikes, schedule, and personality. Then, I'll make sure to fill in where I'm needed (couch cuddles, play time, sniffy walks, etc.) - giving your loved one (your dog), a great experience while giving you peace of mind. Afterwards, you can expect pictures and a quick summary, so you know exactly how the visit / walk went. If a walk isn't enough for your dog, consider this: I own a border collie, so I know how hard (i.e., impossible) it is tire out a high-energy dog. If your dog is like mine and needs WAY more than a walk (or three), let me take them on a run at their distance, at their pace. I'll just ask that you have the proper equipment (harness, leash) for your pup and I've got the rest. If you’d like me to run with your pup, select dog walking services and note you’d like a run. Note that running is a flat $5 surcharge (for either a 30 or 60-minute run). If your dog is friendly / likes other pups, I'll bring Fennec along too. #packrun Pet care fits right into my day to day right now. I'm currently taking a break from work, so I've got a lot of flexibility with my schedule and can work around whatever days and times suit you and your dog best. I tailor my approach to each dog and each owner. Before anything starts, I like to get a sense of your dog's routine, habits, and preferences, along with any specific instructions you have, and I'll work around all of that. Whether it's a walk, a run, or sitting in your home, my goal is to keep things as close to your dog's normal routine as possible so they feel comfortable and cared for the whole time.
About: I've cared for dogs for years and would love to ensure your pup gets all the love and exercise they need to be happy and healthy! I'm also very active myself so I can also take your pup on a fast-paced walk or run to get their energy out! Very flexible schedule with lots of availability during weekdays or weekends ! Open to repeat visits as needed. I work part-time / at home providing me an versatile schedule for whatever timing works for you and your pup. During drop-in visits and dog-walks, I emphasize gentleness, attentiveness, and building trust with your animal to ensure their needs are tended to with playfulness and adaptability to your pet's unique temperament.
About: I am a Biology student at UCSC, and I want to become a veterinarian in the future. I am participating in the Pupcycle Club, which is a foundation that recycles old clothes to make dog toys for dogs in animal shelters in Santa Cruz. I also participate in the UCSC Vet Club, which is student-run, where we learn more about the care of animals and the steps it takes to become vets. I'm bilingual, able to speak in Spanish and English. I am a student at UCSC; however, I'm in Marin over the summer for a long period of time, from early June through late September, where I'm mainly focusing on volunteer opportunities, learning opportunities, and being able to care for other animals. With a free and flexible schedule, I am able to care for pets for short or long periods of time, working at your schedule. I will make sure your home stays clean and safe while caring for and providing time to your pets. I will respect your home and the environment your pets live in. I will provide my whole attention and focus on taking care of your pets and giving them the attention they deserve.
“Samuel was incredibly easy to communicate with and was able to help with a very last minute request to watch our dog Steve! He took very good care of him, sent lots of photos and went over and above to make sure that he got the exercise and attention that he needed! Thank you Samuel!”
About: I’ve been around dogs my entire life, and caring for them comes naturally to me. I have years of hands-on experience as a lifelong dog owner, and dogs seem to connect with my calm, positive energy. Whether it’s playtime, walks, or simply providing companionship, I’ll make sure your dog feels safe, loved, and well cared for while you’re away Im currently looking for as many opportunities as possible as my schedule has opened up. Currently im taking same day booking but I am open to consistent weekly work. I first ask what is expected of me , and going from there. In the past I’ve taken care of dogs in kennels, fenced off, indoor, and anyway the owner sees fit ensuring the safety of the pet ❤️
“Chris is the most wonderful and intuitive dog walker. He pays close attention to what our dog needs each day and is communicative about her behaviors each day. Chris is a true animal lover that takes the time to connect with our dog each day. I highly reccommend Chris, he is an amazing dog walker.”
About: I have loved animals all my life. I have a special place in my heart for all animals. I have owned and taken care of animals for 40 years. I have a way about myself that puts animals on ease and makes them feel welcome. I can not wait to take the best care of your loved and cherished pet. Thank you for your consideration. I am currently on a sabbatical so I have plenty of time to pet sit. I am available weekends, evenings, and mornings. I am available for long-term arrangements. I have a small fenced yard and I love to go on long walks. I give pets lots off affection and attention if they want it. I also just let them relax if that is what they need. Either way I am a very attentive caretaker.
“Lydia is great! She helped us walk Nova while we were on a trip and had my mom staying with Nova. My mom cannot handle Nova due to her reactivity to other dogs, squirrels, and cats. Normally they would just play in the back but our yard was too flooded to permit it. Lydia jumped in to help on very short notice and in the middle of some crazy weather. She was punctual and took Nova out on a different walk each morning that we needed her. She is communicative, responsible, and took good care of our spoiled princess baby. I highly recommend her!”
“Thomas has been a life saver for us with our dog Guinness. He is always on time, he is reliable, he is patient with our somewhat moody, large dog, and he has become our regular walker 3x per week. Thomas is super responsive to messages and seems to genuinely enjoy spending time with Guinness. I highly recommend Thomas !”
“Carla is just wonderful! I trusted her the moment I opened the door to meet for the first time. She let me know what her plan was & sent pictures during & after of our sweet husky! Thank you so much Carla, you’re amazing!!”
About: I treat every dog like they’re my own. I stick to their feeding schedule and make sure they get the attention and care they deserve. I also love running, so if a dog is up for it, I’ll happily take them on a jog with me. I build my days around the pets I care for. I usually set aside specific blocks for walks, feeding, and playtime so nothing gets missed. It actually helps me stay structured and active throughout the week. I provide all pet care at the client’s home, never at mine. I follow their normal routine, keep their space clean and comfortable, and make sure they feel safe and cared for in their own environment.
About: What sets me apart is my reliability, patience, and genuine love for animals. I focus on making pets feel safe, comfortable, and cared for while keeping pet parents updated and reassured. I am organized, dependable, and able to plan my day around walks, visits, and pet routines to make sure each pet gets the attention and care they need. I am reliable, respectful, and attentive to your pet’s needs. I follow instructions carefully, provide updates, and treat their home and pets with care. I want every dog to come home happy and cared for.
“Chuck was wonderful with our two husky mixes. They’re both high energy and have their own quirks on walks but Chuck was totally unfazed and even took them out in the pouring rain. Our dogs love him, you can tell they’re in great hands when he walks them.”
About: I’ve cared for my family friends' dogs while they were away, which helped me understand the importance of building trust with both pets and owners. I am currently enrolled in school on weekends and trade school in evening. I and available during weekday mornings and afternoons to provide reliable dog sitting services. My cats are indoor-only, and my dog enjoys a large backyard for play. Due to my cats' territorial nature, it might be challenging to accommodate other animals in my home.
About: Hi! I’m a mom, and lifelong animal lover based in San Rafael. With over 20 years of experience caring for pets—including sitting for all of our friends dogs and cats—I bring both heart and hands-on knowledge to every dog I care for. I work from home and offer dog walking, pet sitting, and boarding 7 days a week. I love being outdoors and make time daily for walks, hikes, and playtime in nearby parks, trails, and beaches. I have twins in high school who were raised around animals and love spending time helping to walk, play, and socialize with our furry guests. Whether it’s a high-energy puppy, a senior dog needing special care, or a shy pup who needs patience and love, I adjust my schedule to meet each dog’s individual needs. I've cared for puppies and seniors needing medication, and everything in between. I'm located right near beautiful walking trails, and beaches, and dog-friendly parks—perfect for pups who enjoy both exercise and social time. When your pet stays with me, they’re part of the family. Safety, affection, and joy come first in our home—and yours. Let’s chat about how I can help care for your four-legged friend! I work from home and have plenty of flexibility to pay attention to your pet. I have twin teenagers who both love animals. Your pets won't be short on play mates or love here! I am right by a great park and trails for fun walks. I don't have a crate for sleeping, but I have comfortable dog beds. I cook for our pet milo, so if you need home cooking Ican accommodate that. Milo is almost 17 years old! He is part Corgi and Part Belgian Shepard. He loves other pets that visit us.
The median cost per walk for dog walking in San Rafael is $28
Dog parents share their Rover experiences - San Rafael
David is AMAZING!! When my husband and I met David with our pups we knew immediately that he has a special ability to connect with animals (and humans). We have a rescue dog that is fearful of new people and is aggressive toward other dogs on walks. She took to David within seconds and he was able to calm and redirect her when a dog approached us. We were so relived because we were going out of the country for 2 weeks and our regular sitter wasn't doing home sits anymore. We scheduled a few walks with David and realized we no longer had to worry while we were away. We are continuing to schedule walks with him and our dogs are beyond excited when we tell them he is coming. Additionally, David is a calm, gentle, and kind and just a great person. We are so thankful we found him.
Jackson is great with my dogs. I have one rescue who is very nervous with new people and strangers, particularly men. She warmed up to Jackson quickly as he knew to give her space and not engaged with her until she was more comfortable with his presence. Jackson is really great to work with. He’s responsive and responsible. I look forward to working with Jackson more times..
We highly recommend Devon for any pet-sitting & dog walking needs! She leaves detailed notes and plenty of photos, great to have when we are away and want to make sure our dog is in good hands. We trust our dog is well taken care of any time we leave her with Devon, plus she is so easy-going and a pleasure to communicate with - so grateful we found her!!
Sarah was excellent to work with -- communicative, friendly, and great with our girls. They are each 40lbs of energy and not the easiest to control sometimes -- but she worked with them to earn their trust and be their walk leader. Additionally, even though most of the walks were scheduled during a heat wave, zero complaints from Sarah, and she smartly knew to make the sure dogs didn't get overheated by limiting the distance and making sure they had water. Highly recommend her for anyone who is looking for a conscientious person to take care of their pets!
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- 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?
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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 walkers who will treat your dogs like family
1. Search
Browse profiles of walkers near you who offer dog walking
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Schedule a free in-person Meet & Greet to find the perfect fit
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Popular requests for dog walking - San Rafael
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering dog walking.Sitters in San Rafael average 3 repeat dog walking clients
FAQs for Dog Walking - San Rafael
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for Dog Walking in San Rafael on Rover is $33.3 per walk (as of September 2026). However, all sitters set their own rates based on experience, location, and availability.
Rover makes budgeting the cost of Dog Walking 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 Walking. For more information on service fees, click here .
As of September 2026, there are 10,215 sitters on Rover offering Dog Walking across San Rafael. Enter your ZIP code to see which available sitters are closest to your home.
Whether you want a solo or group walk depends on your dog's personality. Solo walks can be beneficial for dog parents with reactive dogs, puppies, or dogs who are anxious around unfamiliar animals. Many dog walkers on Rover offer private, one-on-one walking services.
Group walks are a good fit for social dogs who enjoy structured walks. If your dog prefers the energy of a group stroll, ask your dog walker about group walks in your San Rafael. Since all dog walkers are local, they may have a neighborhood dog who is a good walking companion to yours.
For dog walking services, you can request a report card update with specifics about your dog’s walk. Report cards require photos and can include a map of the walking route , total walk time, poop and pee breaks, and distance traveled, so you know exactly where your dog has been walking in San Rafael.
Got specific details you'd like the dog walker to include? Message them in the app before your dog’s walk begins.
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 walker 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 .
Yes, you can find walkers who have experience with handling special pet needs in San Rafael. On Rover:
- 92% of walkers can help with special care needs
- 93% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 95% can help with daily exercise
You can also find pet sitters on Rover who accept only one pet at a time, which is ideal for anxious puppies, kittens, or senior pets who move at a gentler pace. Some sitters will also list availability for 24/7 care, also known as constant care, in their profiles.
Use the search filters to narrow down sitters whose specific experience or environment meets your pet's needs. When reaching out to your sitter, outline your pet's care routine and use the Meet & Greet to walk your sitter through your expectations.
A Meet & Greet is a short introductory meeting between you, your dog, and a walker. It can take place in person or virtually, although we recommend in-person so that your pet can get to know your walker or the new environment. During the Meet & Greet, you will have a chance to walk through your pet's routine, medical needs, and unique quirks. Take the time to ask your walker questions about their skills and expertise, and make sure the fit feels right for everyone. Most pet parents and walkers on Rover welcome Meet & Greets because the process can give confidence and peace of mind for service experiences, especially for longer stays or first-time bookings.
Sitters on Rover set their own cancellation policy, which you can find on their profile under their calendar availability.
Cancelling before a booking begins and before the sitter's cutoff time qualifies you for a full refund. Same-day cancellations for walks, day care, and drop-ins follow the full refund policy. Otherwise, for dog boarding and house sitting, you will receive a 50% refund for the first seven days of the booking and a 100% refund for the remaining days when you cancel the same day a booking should begin.
If your sitter needs to cancel within seven days of the booking's start date, then our reservation protection will kick in. This means our support team works with you to find a replacement walker.
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