Dog Walking Santa Cruz
Book a dog walker to give your dog a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood.

Over 296 pet parents in Santa Cruz have booked dog walking
Santa Cruz, 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: Lifelong cat lover at your service! I’ve had cats my whole life and truly understand their unique personalities, quirks, and cuddles. Whether your kitty is shy, playful, or just wants a lap to nap on, I’ll treat them like one of my own. Reliable, loving care while you’re away — because your cat deserves the best! I have recently taken a break from my full time job and my schedule is fully open to take care of your little kitties for when you need an extra hand. I know how hard it can be to leave your beloved cat behind — that’s why I care for every kitty like they’re my own. With a lifetime of loving and living with cats, I’ll make sure your fur baby feels safe, comforted, and adored while you’re away. Whether they need playtime, quiet company, or extra snuggles, I’ll be there to give them all the love (and treats!) they deserve.
“Megan is the best. She is responsible, respectful and a total pup whisperer for our black lab, Duchess. In fact she is the only person, us included, who can coax Duchess into her harness. We began with the plan to do just a couple of walks but it has worked out so well that Megan is now on a regularly recurring weekly schedule. Speaking of which, she has kindly accommodated some last minute changes in walk times. Thanks Megan.”

About: I grew up in the country with many different animals, mostly rescues. I am very familiar and comfortable with caring for and training many different animals. I currently do independent work dictated by my own schedule. I am usually pretty flexible and able to take last minute requests for walks, pet care and training. I don't offer pet care in my home but I try to accommodate the unique needs of every animal with sensitivity and compassion. I'm very used to a wide range of animals, mostly rescues and some formerly abused animals.
About: Hi, I'm Jenn! Having six years of experience as a vet tech, six years of experience caring for pets professionally, and caring for my personal furry companions animals for over 6o years, I bring an exceptional blend of experience, care, and responsibility to my pet care. I have a huge heart for cats and dogs and love to see them happy in their environment. My sensitive nature allows me to be highly attuned to animals and their needs. Others have often commented on my ability to anticipate the needs of people and animals before they are aware of them. I believe in the health and wellbeing of all living things. When your animal is under my care, you can be assured they are receiving the nurturing and care they deserve. I am available for walking, visits, boarding, and more. Please inquire for your particular needs and desires for your pet in your absence. I would be happy to keep your pet loved and safe while you are away. Injections, special needs, training/rehabilitation I am in a very open and expansive time currently in life. I am widely available round the clock for your pets needs. I am available daytime, evenings, and weekends. I do not have a fenced yard on the property I live on in the country, so when boarding with me, dogs will be on leash when outdoors. They will enjoy the many walks they will have around here. When at your home, I take care of your fur baby and belongs with the utmost respect and safety.
About: I’ve always had dogs and cats growing up. Being with animals is a passion of mine! I am currently working at Animal Hospital of Soquel as a kennel tech. I Wouldn’t mind caring for other kinds of pets! I am currently working at Animal Hospital of Soquel, Im available for drop ins and dog walks most days, currently working Sunday through Wednesday and some Saturdays. I will update my schedule as much as I can! 🫶✨ If you have a certain schedule you follow at home, I can follow that no problem! Just let me know what needs to be done and I can do that for ya!
“Amanda was amazing with my dog, Luna. She took her on long walks and Luna came back tired and a very happy camper. It’s clear that Amanda is wonderful with dogs and genuinely cares about them. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable and caring dog walker!”


About: I’ve taken care of many different types of animals since I was 9. I have lots of experience with both cats and dogs. I’ve even taken care of reptiles! I take great pride in the fact that I’ve trained many dogs (all self taught) I believe I have an amazing set of qualities like genuine love for animals, reliability, excellent communication with pet owners, and flexibility in scheduling. I also believe I create a comfortable and safe environment for pets. Pet care fits into my daily/weekly routine due to my flexible schedule that allows me to provide personalized and attentive pet care every day! To ensure safety, trust, and a comfortable environment for pets in my home or a client’s, I keep the space clean and secure, follow the owner’s instructions carefully, maintain open communication, create a calm atmosphere, use pet-proofing measures, and always supervise the pets.

About: I’ve owned cats my entire life and dogs for the past 8 years! I love playing with animals and am quite comfortable taking care of cats and dogs of all sizes. I’m currently acting in a local community theater show in Santa Cruz that rehearses 3 times a week. Outside of these 5 hour rehearsal blocks, I am completely free to stop by and check in with pets whenever needed. I am very careful about keeping doors and windows shut to ensure no pets get out of the house. I’m happy to clean up after your animals and make sure they feel safe with me in their space.
About: Me and my husband recently moved to Santa Cruz from Southern California after he got a new job up here. With the change in my schedule I now have extra time on my hand to spend with four legged friends! I have a dog myself - a boxer/frenchi mix, Olive, she is 4.5 years old - she will not be coming with me on walks with your dog unless you give the okay after I have gotten to know your dog. I have done a lot of training with her as she had a phase of reactivity in her teenage phase. This did teach me a lot about reading dog body language, how to anticipate how my dog, or other dogs we meet will react so I can make the best choices to set the dog I'm handling up for success. I have a calm and structured presence which I believe is important for the dog to trust you. (and humans for that matter..) I would love if you share what your dog likes and dislikes before the walk so it can be as successful as possible. I will be available for walks during Monday- Thursday, daytime. I can do both short walks or longer walks. (I will be away in Sweden at the beginning of August.) Every dog has their own personality and quirks (I definitely know this from my funny big personality dog Olive haha) and I will adjust the handling to make sure your dog is feeling secure and taken care of on their outings.
About: Hello and thanks for stopping by! I’m Sarah and would love to take care of your furry friends! I love all animals. I have had a life time of experience with beautiful critters, having grown up caring for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and more. I have taken care of countless pups and cats over many decades; safety and love have always been paramount when animals are in my care. I am currently offering the following services: boarding in your home, dog walking and home visits 😊 I have experience with a wide variety of pups (and kitties) from 5lb chihuahuas to a large Italian mastiff! I am comfortable with medication administration, exercise, senior dog/kitty care and any special needs or requests. In addition, I, of course, will take immaculate care of your home while pet sitting. I am all about learning the routine of your pup(s) and/or kitty(ies) so you can travel or be work stress free. I will take daily pictures/videos of your pets with detailed updates. I’m happy to set up a meet and greet at your convenience. I look forward to meeting you and your furry friends. Numerous references available upon request. Some examples of pet care jobs I have done are: for a cat named Kona. A kind and curious fellow on the island of St John, USVI. As well as caring for Kona, I managed the owners home, property, and vehicles. Kona and I loved cuddling on the porch in the cool island breeze together! Another, Annabelle, a large Italian Mastiff. She loved going on long walks by the river near her home in Connecticut. She also loved chewing on special bones I was permitted by her owner to give her. She required a weekly bath/shower which was messy but fun! A third example are Gracie and Monti, both medium sized rescues. Gracie had a lot of energy and walking was a must sometimes several times a day. She and I would go on long walks on trails and she enjoyed wading in water to cool off after a long walk. Monti on the other hand was a dignified little fellow. He was one to stop and smell the roses and everything along the way :) Monti had back surgery so needed to be lifted in and out of car and needed to be monitored so as to not jump up and re-injure his spine. Lastly, Jet Jet was a frisky rescue cat. He loved to play and cuddle and roll in fresh cat nip! I have cared for many more pets and their owners homes. Looking forward to hearing from you! xo, Sarah I work full time as a pet care provider. I am available for lengthy home stays as requested. I also do as many as 4 home visits and day and stay in shape with plenty of dog walking. :) Meeting the needs of a variety of pets is a huge part of my daily routine- I love it! I look forward to hearing from you. Sarah I follow instructions as to what you, the pet owner, would like done while I am with your pet. I can be reached by phone when I am walking, feeding, or cuddling with your dog or cat. I am excellent at following what protocol you have outlined for your pet. Safety and love are paramount when I am caring for your pet.
“Jaden was great with Apollo! Last-minute, I ended up needing a dog walker, and Jaden was super communicative and flexible, which I really appreciated. She gave a detailed report and several pictures, which I really appreciated! She was great at following my instructions. Should I need a dog walker again, I'll definitely reach out to Jaden!”

About: I have hands-on experience working at a dog daycare, where I care for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and personalities every day. My responsibilities include supervising group play, feeding, administering medications, bathing and drying dogs, and making sure every pet is safe, happy, and comfortable. I also have experience caring for cats and understand that each pet has unique needs and routines. I treat every animal like they’re my own and strive to make them feel loved while you’re away. I work around my schedule to provide dependable pet care and always make sure every visit gets the time and attention your pet deserves. Whether your pet needs walks, drop-in visits, feeding, playtime, medication, or companionship, I’m committed to being reliable and flexible whenever possible. I’ll communicate with you throughout your booking and provide updates so you know your pet is in great hands. Your pet’s safety and comfort are always my top priorities. Thanks to my experience in a professional dog daycare, I’m comfortable handling dogs of different sizes, temperaments, and energy levels while recognizing signs of stress or discomfort. I’ll carefully follow your pet’s routine, feeding schedule, medication instructions, and any special requests. I believe in building trust with both pets and their owners by providing dependable care, lots of love, and regular updates with photos during every visit.
“First time using Rover and so glad we picked Jasmine! She is quick to respond and so kind. It’s always nervewracking to let someone you’ve never met into your home while you’re away, but I know Mika was in good hands and we’ll definitely be booking with Jasmine again in the future. She took lots of photos during the walk and followed our instructions - even opened the door for our cat so she could roam around while they were away. I could tell from the photos that Mika had so much fun and let out all of the midday zoomies :)”


About: I’ve lived with dogs all my life and regularly volunteer at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. Please let me know if you have any questions. Good with all types of dogs. Not afraid of those who pull! I currently have full availability as school has been my full time job until now. I am willing to do visits at all times of day, no time too early or late. I do best with specific instructions on how to care for your pet so I can make them as comfortable as possible. I’d love to meet your pet ahead of time if it makes you more comfortable. Just reach out.
About: I am reliable, detail, oriented, and experience with pets of all ages I have experience with small and large breeds, senior pets and pets with special needs I’ve always believe pets are family and I treat every dog and cat with the same love and attention. I get my own whether it’s a walk playtime or overnight care I make sure your pet feels safe happy and cared for. I’m available weekdays and weekends with flexible scheduling to fit your needs communication is important. I’ll send regular updates and photos so you feel connected.
About: Hi everyone! I’m just starting out on Rover but I’ve been a dog lover since day one. I have experience with dogs both big and small, in urban landscapes and suburban. I am attuned to their varying levels of energy, motivations, and comforts, all of which lets me form a quick bond with them! I’m a full time student at the UC, and work a part time job. Unfortunately, our hours at work were cut so until September, my schedule is relatively light! College dorms and apartments dont exactly have an abundance of dogs so I’ve been lacking in animal love. I hope to get my fill on Rover! My dogs have always been a part of the family, so that’s how I treat them! On my dog walks, I like to let them sniff all they want (but no eating!), I have no problem jogging if they’ve got some zoomies, and above all, I just want them to feel satisfied and ready to rest when they return home. I respect dogs as much as I respect people!

About: I have decades of experience caring for and loving dogs and cats! I come with lots of local experience (and great references!) taking care of cats, dogs, homes and plants. It would be my pleasure to ensure your animals, plants and home are looked after attentively with care and love. I am currently on sabbatical from my 9-5 and have total flexibility for dog walks in AM and PM as well as play/park time and/or hikes up to 3 times/week. I can easily crate your dog if needed, am familiar with many different training protocols and provide a consistent, caring and stable environment for your pet(s).
The median cost per walk for dog walking in Santa Cruz is $25
Dog parents share their Rover experiences - Santa Cruz
Jaden was great with Apollo! Last-minute, I ended up needing a dog walker, and Jaden was super communicative and flexible, which I really appreciated. She gave a detailed report and several pictures, which I really appreciated! She was great at following my instructions. Should I need a dog walker again, I'll definitely reach out to Jaden!

Delaney is the BEST and such a sweet person. She took amazing care of Lucky and I’m so grateful for her help. She sent me adorable photos and videos of their adventures which I loved! It’s always stressful finding a new pet sitter because I want someone who not only keeps my pup safe but also loves him almost as much as I do, but that clearly wasn’t a worry with her. Delaney went above and beyond, highly recommend and will use her in the future! :)

Naomi has been the best sitter for my dog and I’m so grateful! 🥳 Naomi has been so sweet and so attentive and caring for my sweet baby angel princess 💅🏼 she’s been treating my dog like a member of her own family and has always been there for me when I’ve needed her. 💖 I’m really lucky that I found her as my dog sitter/dog walker 🐕 and she is also just a genuinely kind sweet person as well!!! 🥰 You would be silly 🪿 to not have Naomi walk your dog! 🐶 thank you Naomi!

Amanda was amazing with my dog, Luna. She took her on long walks and Luna came back tired and a very happy camper. It’s clear that Amanda is wonderful with dogs and genuinely cares about them. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable and caring dog walker!

10/10 highly recommend Noah’s pet sitting services! My pup absolutely loved him and had such a great time under his care. Noah kindly agreed to a very last minute request to walk Lucky during inclement weather and I am incredibly grateful for his patience with me and the situation. I look forward to working with him in the future!

Anna was wonderful in taking my dog, Haley, for walks when I was laid up with an issue with my foot. Anna let me know when she was on the way over, very on time, super nice upon meeting, great with introducing to my dog Haley and engaging with Haley, very sweet. I so appreciated Anna's help and would definitely reach out to Anna again when I need help.

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 walkers who will treat your dogs like family

1. Search
Browse profiles of walkers near you who offer dog walking
2. Meet In Person
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 Santa Cruz sitters!Sitters in Santa Cruz average 3 repeat dog walking clients
FAQs for Dog Walking - Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for Dog Walking in Santa Cruz on Rover is $25.53 per walk (as of July 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 July 2026, there are 4,728 sitters on Rover offering Dog Walking across Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz.
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 Santa Cruz. On Rover:
- 91% of walkers can help with special care needs
- 95% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 94% 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.















