Dog Boarding Santa Cruz
Find a loving dog sitter to watch your dog overnight at your sitter's home.
Over 689 pet parents in Santa Cruz have booked dog boarding
Santa Cruz, 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%.
“We are so grateful for Yajaira's care of our little dog. Our dog is shy with new people but within just an hour or two Yajaira had already won her over, taken her for a walk and sent photos of our little dog relaxing in the house. We loved getting the cute photos and updates while we were away. Yajaira has excellent communication and it's no wonder why she has many 5-star reviews from pet parents. We'll gladly book with her again when we need a reliable and caring pet sitter. Thank you, Yajaira!”
“We arrived for a trip to Santa Cruz and found out our Roz was not allowed at the hotel due to her size. We started searching local pet hospitals, dog walkers, boarding facilities and the only place that could take her was all the way back in Santa Clara. As a last resort we checked Rover and Meghan came through for us. In the end Roz probably had as much fun as we did with her new friends during our weekend in Santa Cruz. Thanks Meghan!”
“Nancy and her husband welcomed our dog with open arms. She responded very quickly to our request and we were able to set up a meet and greet that same night. She took very good care of our fur baby Chloe. We got pictures and updates every day. She was very flexible with the pick up and drop off times, which is a ++. We will definitely use her service again. She is highly recommended.”
“Susie was very informative, responsive and kind. She sent lots of pictures and updates which helped feeling comfortable with a new sitter for my grandpup. Milo was very well taken care of and we already have her booked for upcoming dates. I strongly recommend her to sit, walk or care for your pet.”
“Cynthia was a wonderful sitter for my Esta girl. We had a meet & greet before hand. She was friendly & lovely. She was flexible with drop off and pick up times. She communicated & sent pictures during our trip. We will definitely rebook soon!”
About: I’ve been taking care of dogs and cats for about 8 years, whether it be neighbors, friends, or clients. I’ve done week long petsitting and simple day long care as well. I currently have 20 hours of dog walking logged at Santa Cruz animal shelter, working with dogs of all kinds. I am a full time student at UC Santa Cruz, but have a pretty flexible schedule! I mostly attend university in the morning and early afternoon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I’m located in a safe neighborhood great for walks. My yard is unfenced, so I would supervise any pets that were to go outside, all depending on the owners comfort with this condition. My home is large, so there’s plenty of room to roam around.
About: I've had dogs for over 10 years and have taken care of dogs and cats with all sorts of needs/medical care such as diabetic, arthritic and eye-sight impaired animals. I trained both of my dogs in agility and behavior classes so I have experience with training and extended behaviors. I volunteer at the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter and have taken multiple classes on dog behavior and dog walking safety. I am currently a UC Santa Cruz student but my schedule is fairly flexible since I commute/live off campus. Currently I only have one class per day, Monday through Friday so I can be present to provide majority of the care with minimal outings. I always ask clients about their yard and preferences for their animals safety in the yard especially at night. Depending on their circumstances, I will scan the yard for any unusual activity and safety concerns. As well as always being in close proximity when the dog wants to go in the front/backyard.
“Marta took wonderful care of our dog while we were out of the country for one week. He experienced a health issue when we were away, and Marta handled it with careful attention. She worked hard to make sure our boy was comfortable and at ease. She administered medication with confidence and communicated clearly with us as to how he was doing each day. I am thankful that we found Marta and recommend her to anyone looking for a capable, kind, dog-loving caretaker.”
“Teresa was so kind and energetic. She sent us pictures of Otoro the whole time we were gone - he went to walks and hikes and played and came back tired (in the best way!) I will definitely be booking with Teresa again the next time we are looking for someone to hang out with Otoro!”
About: After 14 beautiful years with my Maltese, I’m taking some time before finding my next dog. In the meantime, I would love to shower your little one with that same level of devotion. I work from home in a calm, pet-free, and child-free household, so your dog will have my full, undivided attention in a safe and peaceful environment Because I work from home, my weekly routine is incredibly flexible and perfectly suited for a dog. Pet care isn't something I have to squeeze into my schedule; it naturally becomes part of my day. Whether it's our 7 AM morning neighborhood strolls, hanging out by my desk while I work, spending a little time outdoors enjoying the garden, or snuggling up on the couch for our 9 PM bedtime, your little one will be by my side, safe and cared for 24/7. Since I work from home, your pup will be my trusty desk companion during the day, with plenty of breaks for potty trips and short strolls. In the evenings, they'll join us for cozy TV time before we all head to bed around 9 PM. Our days start bright and early at 7 AM with a morning walk to greet the neighborhood dogs, followed by breakfast. Rest assured, your little one will be safe, comfortable, and completely spoiled!
“I’m so glad we found Jenna! Our beloved English Mastiff rescue needs a lot of love and attention which is exactly what he got staying with Jenna and her family. We were updated everyday with how he was doing along with pictures throughout his stay. It gave us peace of mind while we were away. We’ll definitely be coming back :)”
“Michael and Patti were so helpful in a time of crisis. They were available with very little notice, which we were very lucky and grateful for. Our dog really has a good time with them and their dogs, causing mischief and hilarity! We really lucked out meeting them. We know Jethro is in good hands and our minds and hearts are at ease. We actually feel guilty taking him away from his playmates. They are a treasure!”
“Daisy has had another wonderful stay with Shannon, Chris and their family. This was a 7-night stay and Daisy was treated like one of the family! Shannon sent pictures each day and followed all our requests on how to care for our sweet but slightly anxious dog who also has a few 'quirky' behaviours. We are so thankful to have found people and a home where we know Daisy will be safe and cared for!”
About: I have been taking care of my Labradoodle Mokka for the last 7 years! We have grown up together and she’s taught me so much. I helped train her when she was a puppy, and still help her daily now after she’s grown up. Along with that I have spent time around many different dog breeds amd sizes, and I have yet to find a dog that I can’t get along with. I love to walk , cuddle, and play with these pups any chance I get! Although I currently am in high school, I have time almost everyday after school. I am very flexible, so most times after around 3 works perfect for me! If a problem comes up, I will push to find a solution that is best for the client and myself. Overnight dog sitting or house sitting will not be possible except on weekends, because of school. I’m a very diligent person, and I follow directions carefully. I will give each client 100 % effort, both the owners and their loving pets. I want the pets to feel safe and comfortable, because that is my top priority. Although I will be responsible and careful with all my clients, I will make sure the animals are happy and recirving tons of love as well!
“Kelsey was very communicative and shared pictures of our pets lounging with them and having fun. She was understanding about a few issues our pugs have and we wouldn't hesitate to leave our dogs with Kelsey again. Thanks so much Kelsey!”
“Yu is the best! She goes way above and beyond with my dogs. Her family spends so much time with the dogs and takes them on adventures all around Santa Cruz. I know that my dog is going to be happy and safe while I’m away. Yu sends lots of pictures and updates. Highly highly highly recommend!!!”
“Angelika did a great job watching my dog. She provided regular updated videos and pictures of how she was doing during her stay. My puppy who is intimated by larger dogs made a friend as well as a result of Angelika! I’d recommend her to any pet parent! :)”
“Hannah was amazing. She was able to accommodate us last minute for a holiday weekend. She sent us updates along with videos of Archer doing all his favorite activities. We know he was in great hands and will definitely call her for any future needs”
“Elizabeth and Coco were so welcoming to Rocky. I appreciate Elizabeth's flexibility in watching Rocky while I attended a wedding nearby. She was in regular communication about how Rocky adjusted, and sent pics of her cuddling with both dogs. She took great care of my little guy. She lives in a beautiful beach home.”
The median cost per night for dog boarding in Santa Cruz is $70
Dog parents share their Rover experiences - Santa Cruz
Susie did a great job welcoming my dog Suki at her home and making her feel at ease. She kept me posted about how things were going while I was away including photos. Suki enjoyed walks several times a day, meeting the neighbors and even rides on the SC Harbor water taxi! I recommend Susie to others looking for a pet-sitter for their dog.
Alice & Thiago were incredible with our dog Akela. This was our first time with them and they made us feel so comfortable leaving Akela and throughout the weekend. Alice sent photos/updates daily and I’m so grateful for how much they seemed to care about our babe. We will 100% be working with them again!!
Nancy and Lance are the kindest sweetest people. My little dog Clover looks foward to her stay and always has so much fun playing with their dogs Lucy and Phoebe. Nancy is always quick to respond, sends pics/video, and treats Clover as her own. I'm lucky to have them as our dog sitters. Thank you Nancy and Lance!
We arrived for a trip to Santa Cruz and found out our Roz was not allowed at the hotel due to her size. We started searching local pet hospitals, dog walkers, boarding facilities and the only place that could take her was all the way back in Santa Clara. As a last resort we checked Rover and Meghan came through for us. In the end Roz probably had as much fun as we did with her new friends during our weekend in Santa Cruz. Thanks Meghan!
Teresa is an amazing dog sitter! Our senior dog was so well cared for while we were gone. We got lots of updates and pictures and I’m 100% sure our dog didn’t want to come home. Teresa went above and beyond, absolutely would recommend her to anyone. A million stars!
Britt took such great care of Bailey during his stay! He made sure Bailey got plenty of playtime, took him on some great walks, and, most importantly, gave him lots of love and cuddles while we were away. It gave us so much peace of mind knowing he was in such good hands. We would absolutely book with Britt again and highly recommend him to anyone looking for boarding!
This was our first time booking with Arielle, and we would do so again! She made sure to exercise our dog every day whether through beach runs or going to the park, and sent us daily pictures and updates which we really appreciated! Kola clearly loves her and we are so thankful.
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
1. Search
Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer dog boarding
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Schedule a free in-person Meet & Greet to find the perfect fit
3. Book & Pay
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Popular requests for dog boarding - Santa Cruz
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering dog boarding.Sitters in Santa Cruz average 10 repeat dog boarding clients
FAQs for Dog Boarding - Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of Dog Boarding in Santa Cruz on Rover is $59 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $35 and $83 per night. 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 2,285 sitters on Rover offering Dog Boarding across Santa Cruz. 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.
93% of sitters in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.
<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 Santa Cruz 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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