Dog Boarding Santa Cruz
Find a loving dog sitter to watch your dog overnight at your sitter's home.
Over 655 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%.
“Yajaira was wonderful with our pups and really easy to work with. I'm so glad she also has a pup that my dog could play with. We would definitely book with her again. Thanks Yaijara!”
“So grateful for Nancy (and Lance!) for their care for my little guy. This was my first time leaving him with someone other than family (he’s got his quirks!) and Nancy instantly put me at ease. I actually felt relaxed on vacation for the first time since adopting him! She sent updates throughout and paid attention to detail. Five stars are not enough. Thank you thank you Nancy and Lance !!!”
“Wow simply amazing. Meghan is so kind and took incredible care of my dog Luna. I received multiple updates with photos and it brought me peace of mind since this was my first Rover experience. She took her on several walks and made Luna feel comfortable. I would absolutely recommend Meghan and I’m incredibly thankful she was able to watch Luna on such short notice.”
About: Experienced dog owner and sitter. Studied dog psychology to become a good dog parent. Had two female spaniels who passed earlier this year. We used to compete in dog frisbee and hunt. Also have experience working in a grooming salon, as well as walking and boarding various size dogs - from labs and German shepherds to Jack Russel terriers and mini Aussies. Additionally at no cost I can provide basic behavioural training and teach new tricks - I love to communicate with dogs of any breed and move in one rhythm with them. And I really feel their needs and able to connect with dogs of all ages. I can board puppies and older dogs, take them for a walk someplace new and play ball or frisbee. But safety and well-being is my main focus and if your dog doesn't want too much activity, I can provide a more mellow experience, too. Available on weekdays and weekends but please make appointments at least 2 days in advance. I would love to meet your furry friend! I'm working remotely from home part-time, so have lots of time to spend with doggies. I'm available both weekends and weekdays and rarely leave home for more than a couple hours, so your dog won't be alone for too long. I have a fenced backyard and deck, and two mellow spaniels to keep your doggo company. I also have a crate where your pet can rest if needed.
About: I’ve had dogs in my life for 30 years. I’ve been dog sitting for friends and family for over 20 years. My own dogs have graduated top of their class in puppy training school. I currently work from home, so I can arrange my schedule to make sure dogs in my care get all the love, affection, and attention they need and deserve. I have a small fenced in yard, good for small and medium dogs. My dog is friendly and even shares some toys. I can crate your dog if preferred. I am also within walking distance to a dog park, and an easy drive to dog beaches
“Jenna took such good care of my dog while I traveled for the weekend! She was great about sending me lots of updates, confirming that he ate his medications, and giving him walks. My dog looked very cozy and happy in all the photos that were shared!”
About: Hi! I’m Vinny. I’ve owned many different cats and small dogs my whole life, alongside hamsters and even a frog along the way! I love dogs and cats very much, and have experience grooming and caring for them. I have a very open and flexible schedule at the moment, suitable for cat-sitting in your house or mine for days at a time. I also am experienced administering medication via syringe to a cat’s mouth, as well as giving diabetic cats insulin shots via syringe—all through cat-sitting. My roommates are currently gone for the summer while I’m home alone in Santa Cruz, so they will have a very peaceful environment where I can give them all my love if they stay at my house. Likewise, I’ll be able to give them utmost care if boarding at your place with your pets too! I’m currently enrolled in one class that meets Monday and Wednesday mornings in person. However, I’m otherwise able to be home or at others’ homes caring for their pets all day and night! I also bus as a primary form of transformation, and am without a car at the moment. My home is always clean, organized, and without any pets or other people except me at the moment. I have plenty of space to have dog/cat beds, potty pads, and allow them to sleep or be on any of my furniture and bed :) I do own house plants, but have a space I can put them so that cats or other pets I care for won’t accidentally eat any of them. Your pet will be in a safe and caring home with me. ☺️💚
“Ceili took such good care of my dog while I was away and kept me updated with pictures and what they were doing throughout each day. She even took her to the dog park and to get a pup cup. My dog is very anxious, but seemed really comfortable around here. 10/10 would recommend her and use her again!”
“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.”
“Shannon treated my dog like family, taking him on fun walks and hanging out on the deck. She’s fantastic at communication and sent pictures of their adventures. We will definitely book again. Highly recommend.”
“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!”
“Faith was a GREAT dog sitter! Buster stayed with Faith and her two cute dogs. Buster came home happy from playing with his new friends. Faith sent me pictures of Buster while at her home. I would hire Faith again in a second! Thank you, Faith!”
“Julia was amazing! We received daily updates and photos. Harry quickly adapted to Julia's home. He went on daily excursions and was given lots of affection, scratches, pets, and companionship. Harry was clearly at ease when we picked him up. Highly recommend Julia!”
“Guillermo was great! My dog came home tired and happy. He was also very accommodating to some of Vinny’s behavior and gave him a chance to settle in. Needless to say, that behavior resolved itself and I will be using Guillermo’a services again!”
About: I have taken care of animals my entire life, both my own and others’. I’m currently in a veterinary technician program, which gives me good perspective on the unique needs of your animals. I also have experience with dogs of all sizes, temperaments and life stages as well as cats and even rabbits. I can handle high energy dogs or puppies as well. I am in a veterinary technician program that I do remotely, which gives me the flexibility to care for your pets any day of the week! I live in a house with an unfenced yard, therefore because safety is my top priority I will always walk your dog on a leash for potty breaks and outdoor sniffing- they will never be left unattended. I have the capacity to take your dog out for activities like beach walks or hikes, as well as just chilling or snuggling. Because of my schedule I can also accommodate frequent bathroom breaks and specific feeding times. I have a very sweet, friendly resident cat who loves company. We love hosting dogs who are already socialized and comfortable around cats! My only other ask is that your pup be potty trained :)
“Kathleen and her family were the perfect pet sitters for my dog. She was super friendly and communicative throughout the whole process, keeping me up to date on everything and sending me lots of cute photos. My dog has lots of energy and she made sure to take him on long runs and walks every day! He loved her, and I felt happy knowing that my dog was being so well taken care of.”
“Lauren was great! She was flexible, communicative, and went out of her way to help us out by picking Bodhi up from our house. Will definitely reach out again next time we go out of town!”
The median cost per night for dog boarding in Santa Cruz is $70
Dog parents share their Rover experiences - Santa Cruz
Susie is the best! I could tell she really cared for my dog and made sure she was comfortable and entertained every day that I was gone. She sent daily recaps of the day along with a picture of what they did. Susie goes above and beyond the expectations I had. She didn’t just watch my dog while I was gone, she loved my dog like it was hers. I will 100% be going to Susie any time I need to board my dog again.
Nancy's home was the perfect place for my at times little nervous Nelly chihuahua. Cholula was greeted by other fur babies that were friendly and just put her at ease. Nancy made sure she had all of Cholula's meds and food prep. A wonderful home away from home for Cholula. Thank you Nancy!!🥰
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!
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.
Our fur baby left super happy and not wanting to leave Amy. Super happy and very stoked that she could even watch our pup on Christmas. Our dog seemed well rested, cared for, and healthy when we came to pick him up and he has a good deal of separation anxiety so it made us feel very relieved to see him doing well with Amy for a few days. So grateful! Thanks again Amy!
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
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Popular requests near you
Select a filter and find qualifying Santa Cruz sitters!Sitters in Santa Cruz average 10 repeat dog boarding clients
FAQs for Dog Boarding - Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for Dog Boarding in Santa Cruz on Rover is $57 per night (as of July 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 July 2026, there are 2,250 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 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.
93% of Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 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.
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 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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