Doggy Day Care San Rafael
Drop off your dog at your sitter's home in the morning, and pick them up in the evening.
Over 38 pet parents in San Rafael have booked doggy day care
San Rafael, Find top rated doggy day care
Prices are estimates per day for 1 dog. Pricing may vary based on your search and includes a booking fee of 11%.
“Poppy ran happily to Sophie when I dropped her off after only meeting her once during the meet and greet. That says a lot since Poppy is an anxious little girl. She looked very happy when I picked her up as well. Sophie sent updates and photos and was very sweet and easy to work with. I highly recommend her!”
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.
About: I grew up around all kinds of animals and I’ve cared mostly for dogs on the smaller side, but I am good with bigger dogs too. I have some beginner training experience as well. I’m currently working only as a pet caregiver so I have plenty of time to tend to your pet! I have class on Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. I live in a very dog friendly apartment building. Dogs are allowed on furniture. They will get frequent walks (morning, afternoon, and evening) and potty breaks (every 2-4 or 4-6 hours depending on dog) and I will set alarms for meals/medications.
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.
“Marisa & her lovely family are so kind to Romeo. What a perfect spot with a sweet yard. He strolled up to their house on day 2 with a wagging tail & made himself at home. Happy to have Marisa in the neughborhood!”
“Nadya was so kind and took great care of our puppy, sending photos and videos throughout his stay. We’ll definitely be reaching out again next time we’re in town and need someone to take care of Appa for the day! Thank you, Nadya!”
“We were traveling and had last minute need for a sitter. What a lucky break finding Carla & Lenny! Not only was our boy well cared for, but he went on a gorgeous hike and made friends! He may have had a better holiday than us! Definitely will use again when we’re back in the area.”
“Ashley and Josh did a great job watching our dachshund Wally. We loved that they have dachshunds too and know their quirks and how to keep them safe. Wally had a great time and can’t wait to go back!”
“Amber was great! She took the trouble to come over for a "meet and greet" with Leo and Bailey the day before her job, which not only established a relationship in advance but gave us a chance to discuss the drill with them in unrushed fashion, ahead of time. Amber has a great chill way with dogs and is a reliable and cheerful person to work with. Would definitely use again.”
About: I grew up with all kinds of animals in Hawaii and have cared for dogs since I was a child. I have fostered from a local organization in San Francisco while living there, looked after many clients dogs since 2015 and now I am lucky to have found my own sweet baby, a Maltipoo named Frankie. She is very sweet and loves being around other dogs even though it takes her a bit to warm up. Definitely not aggressive. Our house has a fully fenced yard, mostly concrete with some grass on our hill behind the house. I will send pics throughout the visit and you can text me at any time for updates. I know how hard it is to be away from your fur babies! I am currently working remotely, so your dog will never be left home alone! My schedule is also flexible so I can always be available. I have a fully fenced yard. We also have smaller pet gate system that we can use to create smaller areas or keep dogs from specific areas. For car rides, we do have a pet bed with clip on harness for safety.
“Lillie was great and I would highly recommend her. She watch my two puppies (3 months and 4 months old) and they had a blast! She worked on potty training and was great with them. She also was available on short noticed and was super easy to coordinate and communicate with. I am grateful to have found her!”
About: Hi! I’m a big dog lover who truly enjoys spending time caring for dogs and making them feel happy and safe. I know how special our pets are and how important it is to leave them with someone who will treat them with patience, kindness, and love. I have over two years of experience caring for my own dog, which has taught me how to understand their needs, routines, and personalities. My home is calm, loving, and a place where dogs can feel comfortable and relaxed. I will make sure your dog receives lots of attention, playtime, and affection so they feel at home. I treat every dog as if they were part of my own family. I also like to send photos and updates so you can see how your dog is doing and feel peaceful knowing they are being well cared for. Trabajo desde casa y vivo en un hogar tranquilo y lleno de cariño con un patio grande donde los peluditos pueden correr, jugar o simplemente relajarse al sol. Mi perro es muy dulce y amigable y le encanta tener otros perritos cerca. Trato a cada peludito como parte de la familia y me aseguro de que se sientan queridos, seguros y cómodos durante su estadía. I work from home, so I get to spend a lot of time with furry friends and give them plenty of attention, love, and playtime during the day. I enjoy having them around, going outside with them, and making sure they feel comfortable and happy. I try to follow their usual routine so they feel safe and at home.
“We just moved to the area and are thrilled to meet Halee! We did a quick meet and greet and then sent our dog for the day. I was particularly appreciative that when our timing changed, Halee went above and beyond to be flexible with us. She took our dog on really long walks, and he came home so happy! She even gave me some helpful tips, when asked, of how to train and support our dog. We liked her so much. We are already doing an overnight with her later this week. She loves dogs and was willing to price her services competitively which we really appreciate. We highly recommend her!”
About: I have extensive experience babysitting for families with children of all ages, which has made me highly responsible, patient, attentive, and great at handling different personalities and routines. I also have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license, making me flexible and dependable for walks, drop-ins, or last-minute needs. In addition, my experience working at Starbucks taught me how to stay calm under pressure, communicate professionally, multitask efficiently, and provide excellent care and service in fast-paced environments. I have a flexible and well-balanced schedule that allows me to consistently make time for pet care throughout the day. I’m usually up early, making mornings great for walks, feedings, or check-ins, and I have availability throughout the afternoon and evenings for longer visits, playtime, exercise, or overnight care. I’m very organized and used to balancing multiple responsibilities, so I’m dependable when it comes to maintaining routines and giving pets consistent attention, care, and companionship. I prioritize creating a safe, calm, and comfortable environment for every pet in my care by closely following each owner’s instructions, routines, and preferences. Whether I’m caring for pets in a client’s home or taking them on walks, I make sure they feel secure, well-supervised, and given plenty of attention, exercise, affection, and bathroom breaks. I’m attentive to pets’ behavior and needs, keep environments clean and safe, and always communicate with owners through updates and photos so they feel confident their pet is in good hands.
“We’re repeat clients. Jelly loves spending time with Etienne, Emilie and kids. He gets multiple walks a day and we get great communication/pictures throughout the visit.”
“Ariane was amazing with my dog, Porkchop! She was super friendly, kept me updated, and made sure he got lots of love and attention. I felt so comfortable knowing he was in such good hands. Highly recommend Ariane!”
The median cost per day for doggy day care in San Rafael is $56
Dog parents share their Rover experiences - San Rafael
Amber was great! She took the trouble to come over for a "meet and greet" with Leo and Bailey the day before her job, which not only established a relationship in advance but gave us a chance to discuss the drill with them in unrushed fashion, ahead of time. Amber has a great chill way with dogs and is a reliable and cheerful person to work with. Would definitely use again.
Krystle was not only great with Leo and Bailey, bonding with them instantly and taking them on a wonderful Sunday afternoon walk, but endlessly patient and flexible with their owner, who kept screwing up, and changing, the requested date and service times. Krystle was lovely to deal with and we would happily engage her again--and again.
Ariane and her family are fantastic. We spend a lot of time with our dog, so she becomes pretty anxious when we leave her with other people. Ariane has the patience and calmness to allow her to settle in and have a good day. Ariane also lives in a very dog-friendly area that is perfect for a dog that needs some recreation. Our dog was, of course, excited to see me when I picked her up, but she had the type of chill that she only gets after a good day of exercise and love. Highly recommend Ariane.
Anu was very responsive from the moment we connected, answered texts right away. We set a meet and greet at her place that was helpful. And she was prompt and on top of her game when we left Mushu with her, feeding and walking him. She was attentive to instructions for care. I’d use her services again in a heartbeat!
We boarded our dog for two nights with Angelica and she was so great! Very communicative and took the time to meet us ahead of time so our dog could get to know her and her sweet dog. She kept us updated with photos throughout the weekend and was flexible with pick-up and drop-off too. I highly recommend Angelica!
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 Rover works
1. Search
Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer doggy day care
2. Meet & Greet
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 near you
Select a filter and find qualifying San Rafael sitters!Sitters in San Rafael average 4 repeat doggy day care clients
FAQs for Doggy Day Care - San Rafael
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for Doggy Day Care in San Rafael on Rover is $71.04 per day (as of June 2026). However, all sitters set their own rates based on experience, location, and availability.
Rover makes budgeting the cost of Doggy Day Care 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 Doggy Day Care. For more information on service fees, click here .
As of June 2026, there are 3,774 sitters on Rover offering Doggy Day Care across San Rafael. Enter your ZIP code to see which available sitters are closest to your home.
Sitters on Rover can offer flexible scheduling, so you can coordinate times that work best for you and your pet—whether that’s early drop-off or later pick-up to match your San Rafael commute.
If your schedule changes, it’s best to let your sitter know through the app as early as possible. Many sitters can adjust pick-up and drop-off times when needed.
Think of doggy day care as your dog’s fun, supervised play date that happens to fit into your workday. Day care through Rover takes place in a real home. This offers a calmer and more personalized environment for your pup.
A typical day can include companionship, one-on-one attention, and same day pick-up and drop-off. Many sitters can also offer structured routines and exercise throughout the day. For recurring, weekly day care, sitters will include photo updates so you can see your dog in their element.
Here are tips for finding the ideal day care fit for your dog:
- For some small dogs: In-home day care can be the perfect fit. Look for sitters whose "can host" section only lists dogs weighing 0–7 kilograms and/or 7–18 kilograms. During your Meet & Greet, ask about play areas based on dog size and energy level.
- For high-energy dogs: The ideal doggy day care can offer scheduled breaks and outdoor spaces or activities. You can also find sitters who host multiple dogs to satisfy your pup’s socializing needs.
- For dogs who prefer human-only companionship: Use the filters "Doesn't own a dog" and "Only accepts one pet at a time" to find the right care.
Play groups can be an option when you book with a day care sitter through Rover. Many sitters do host a small number of dogs at the same time. Smaller dog packs are generally safer, more fun, and ideal for dogs who enjoy playtime but also want to relax throughout the day. When looking for your dog’s pack, check the sitter’s profile to see if they "Accept multiple clients" or have their own dogs. Then during the Meet & Greet, you can see whether your dog is a good fit for their social circle!
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.
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 .
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.
A Meet & Greet is a short introductory meeting between you, your dog, and a sitter. It can take place in person or virtually, although we recommend in-person so that your pet can get to know your sitter 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 sitter questions about their skills and expertise, and make sure the fit feels right for everyone. Most pet parents and sitters 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.
Yes, Rover is well-suited for finding sitters who can care for your pet within 24 hours. With 3,774 sitters in San Rafael, 87% respond to messages in under an hour.
You can message multiple sitters simultaneously to find the fastest available match. If you need care today or tomorrow, you can look for sitters with a "calendar last updated" notice on their profiles.
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 sitter.
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