Doggy Day Care Santa Cruz
Drop off your dog at your sitter's home in the morning, and pick them up in the evening.
Over 251 pet parents in Santa Cruz have booked doggy day care
Santa Cruz, 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%.
About: Dogs Are My World – I have extensive hands-on experience with dogs: Worked at an animal shelter, caring for many different dogs with a variety of needs Served as a personal babysitter for a puppy and adult dogs Provided ongoing care for a senior man and her dog Successfully trained my own dog, who is now wonderfully well-behaved Every walk I work on leash training and have watched my techniques turn into success in stopping leash pulling and better leash manners. I’m extremely responsible, reliable, and patient. Whether it’s daily walks, playtime, training reinforcement, or just giving your pup lots of love and attention while you’re away, I treat every dog like my own. I am versitile in dog psychology and really understand how do give them what they need. Your dog’s happiness and safety are my top priority! I am currently fully available days and nights. I live in aptos in a studio with my boyfriend and really enjoy taking care and bringing the doggie love into my life right now! I would NEVER leave your dog alone. If they're under my supervision we are now bestfriends on a playdate all day. I can accomadate any kind of activities you would prefer your dog to do. Wether thats beach time, socializing with other dogs, NOT socializing with other dogs, hiking in the woods (If they're tick and flea vaccinated), or a day of training and playing in the park. I would love to accomadate what is best for your dog's needs.
“Leo was great! He was easy to communicate with, flexible and accommodating, and our pup had a wonderful time with him. We’d happily book with Leo again and definitely recommend him to other dog parents.”
“Kate is the absolute best! We are happy with her watching our pup, Teddy. She takes great care of him and she treats him like he is her own. She is great at communicating and she keeps us updated on how he is doing while he stays with her. I cannot rave about her enough. I highly recommend having her watch your fur baby.”
“Nancy was the perfect match for my little guy. And her home environment was like little dog heaven on earth. Everything worked out seamlessly. I would definitely rebook with Nancy without hesitation! Many thanks!”
“Susie immediately responded to my inquiry for dog sitting with less than two days notice and she quickly scheduled a Meet & Greet. She was VERY attentive to our Aussie throughout his time with her (about 6 hours) and took him out on a number of walks during the day. She shared great photo updates and was a very good communicator during the Meet & Greet and when sharing information about his day. I would definitely recommend her!”
About: I have loved and cared for all types of animals ever since I was a little kid! I’ve had senior dogs, puppies, all types of cats, and even rats and fish! I have also volunteered at multiple animal shelters throughout the years, and have also walked and helped take care of friends and families pets. I currently have one cat of my own and help take care of two other cats and a bird! (: I am currently a wedding planner, which gives me tons of free time during the week since I don’t work and some weekends! My schedule allows me to be super flexible I will always make sure your animal has a clean and safe space (and of course tons of love) I will always keep an eye on them and give them all of my attention, I’ll even send you updates and photos (:
“Arrow had a great time with Anna and her pup! She took the time to meet with him at a dog park she thought would be a good space for them and when they went there during their play date, they had a great time. Our dog needs some extra care sometimes, as he can be very high energy and over excited with other dogs and in new situations, and we appreciate Anna's calm demeanor and flexible attitude with him! I fully recommend her <3”
“Hannah did a great job taking care of my pup Summer. She was available on short notice and communicated well about pickup and drop off. I could tell Summer had a fun time hanging out with the other dog she cared for. I would book her again!”
About: With a lifetime of experience caring for dogs, I adapt effortlessly to every personality, delivering reliable, safety first care that keeps your pets safe, happy, and on their normal routines. As a remote software engineer with a flexible schedule, I easily build my daily routine around your pet's needs, providing attentive, reliable care whenever they need it. I care for your pets in their home environment with strict security, double checked locks, floor hazard checks, and detailed text and photo updates after every visit.
“Bianca was so great with Olive! Her communication and care for her was fantastic. She understood olives quirks and put our tips and commands to work. I had a last minute meeting come up and she extended the sit without issue. So happy to have found and met Bianca!”
About: I grew up in a house with three dogs and four cats, so taking care of animals has always been a huge part of my life. I have been dog and cat sitting for others for over 8 years. I have a dog of my own, Layla, who is genuinely the light of my life, so I completely understand how important it is to know your pet is with someone who will love and care for them while you’re away. I work from home and have a very flexible schedule, which gives me plenty of time for walks, check-ins, playtime, and keeping your pet company throughout the day. I’m also happy to work around your pet’s normal routine as much as possible! I have years of experience walking, watching, and caring for both dogs and cats, and I genuinely love getting to know each pet and their individual personality. Whether they love long walks and playtime or would rather curl up and get some extra attention, I’m happy to meet them where they’re at. I truly believe our pets are family, and I’ll always treat yours like they’re part of mine. You can expect lots of love, attention, and plenty of cute updates while they’re with me! 🐾 I’m currently working fully remote so I have plenty of time to care for your sweet animals! Early mornings, afternoons, and evenings are all open I believe that animals should only be treated with love, and gentle care, and that dogs are as good as the people caring for them! Making sure I take the time to make your pet comfortable means a lot to me, as I would want someone to do the same with my dog!
About: Offering beach walks, customized care, regular updates with photos, flexible scheduling, and loving attention. Ensuring your dog's safe, fun seaside adventure with peace of mind. 🐾 Dog Walking & Daycare Dog walking and daycare fit perfectly into my schedule because I do this full-time. It’s more than just a side job for me — I love what I do and am proud to make a living doing something I genuinely enjoy. My days are built around caring for dogs, getting outside, staying active, and making sure every pup gets plenty of attention and exercise. I’m always ready to take on the next walk, playdate, or adventure! 🐶🌊🐾 I offer 30-minute to 1-hour walks tailored to your dog's needs. Whether your pup loves a leisurely neighborhood stroll, playing fetch at the park, or running on the beach, I'm happy to make sure they get the exercise, attention, and care they deserve. I'm also available for dog/cat boarding during the week and on weekends if you need reliable, loving care while you're away. If you work over the hill, have long workdays, or just need a little extra help during the week, I'd love to help keep your dog happy and active while you're away. Feel free to message me with any questions or to discuss your dog's needs. Thanks, and I look forward to meeting you and your furry friend! 🐶❤️ — in Capitola.
“Libby was great!! She accommodated a super last minute request to watch Opal and was so sweet. We felt very comfortable having her watch Opal as soon as we met her; our pup is timid around strangers and usually has a hard time settling down, but she was able to fall asleep for a bit which was amazing 😌 We would absolutely have Libby watch Opal again the next time we’re in town!”
“Be honest Guillermo is the first rover I will leave review for. He's very patient to the puppy. My dog is a young eskimo who is very hyper everyday. Guillermo brought my dog for several walks everyday and send me pictures. My dog came back home tired lol. He's very responsible as well! My dog learn several tricks from him. He's the best rover I've met. I go travel a lot. I will definitely come back if I travel.”
“Taylor was a last-minute godsend! Super-communicative and lovely with Baker, who had a great time walking all the way to the beach and back, and therefore slept like a champ. Thanks again, Taylor, can't wait for next time!”
About: I have two small dogs of my own who I love like my children. I am attentive and loving, and will care for your furrbaby just like I do my own! I run my small business out of my home here in Santa Cruz and my schedule is flexible and I'd love to lend a hand checking in on your pup or pups while you're out. I'm looking forward to meeting your pup very soon!
The median cost per day for doggy day care in Santa Cruz is $54
Dog parents share their Rover experiences - Santa Cruz
Susie immediately responded to my inquiry for dog sitting with less than two days notice and she quickly scheduled a Meet & Greet. She was VERY attentive to our Aussie throughout his time with her (about 6 hours) and took him out on a number of walks during the day. She shared great photo updates and was a very good communicator during the Meet & Greet and when sharing information about his day. I would definitely recommend her!
Marina was a pleasure to meet! On short notice she was able to watch our dog Sweet Pea for the afternoon while our family was out at the Boardwalk. She checked in with photos and stories of their walks in her neighborhood too. On top of that She was very graceful with us being a little outside our scheduled time for pickup. Thank you so much Marina, looking forward to having you hang out with Sweet Pea again next time we're down in Santa Cruz.
She’s amazing! Great communication! Truly cares about animals! Totally would recommend watching your animals! Was Super caring towards my dog! My dog has bad anxiety and she was great with my dog! Worked with my dogs comfortability! Just out standing over all would have her as a sitter again!
Nancy is the best! I have used her quite a few times. This last time I was going to have outpatient surgery and ended up spending the night in the hospital. Nancy was kind enough to plan ahead for having them the extra night and day. Nancy and her family give me the utmost peace of mind for leaving my 2 Bichons in her home.
Julia was very prompt when I contacted her on the day I urgently needed help for my dog. She was incredibly kind, compassionate, and truly took great care of my furbaby as if it were her own. She was attentive, gentle, and made sure my dog felt safe and comfortable the entire time. Her professionalism and genuine love for animals really showed, and it gave me so much peace of mind. I’m happy to know that I have someone I can truly rely on whenever we are in town. I am truly grateful for her help and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for someone trustworthy and caring.
Karen was a tremendous help with my need for a day sitter. She is a compassionate human and my Callie warmed right up to her. She let me know her day with a couple updates and activity log which I appreciate. Will contact her again for more day sits! Thanks Karen!
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 for doggy day care - Santa Cruz
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering doggy day care.Sitters in Santa Cruz average 4 repeat doggy day care clients
FAQs for Doggy Day Care - Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for Doggy Day Care in Santa Cruz on Rover is $44.4 per day (as of August 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 August 2026, there are 1,858 sitters on Rover offering Doggy Day Care across Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz 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 1,858 sitters in Santa Cruz, 89% 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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