Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Dog Boarding Facilities in San Mateo

Our Recommended Top 16

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored San Mateo Dog Boarding Facilities on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

37

Reviewed

28

Curated

16

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider
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Rover

San Mateo, CA
  • Puppy Care
  • Dog Boarding

Why choose this provider?

Rover offers doggy daycare services for pet owners throughout the local area. Its network includes thousands of pet sitters that are available to care for dogs while their owners work or travel. The service connects sitters with clients online or through its app. Customers can meet with sitters prior to booking, and services are available for a range of dogs, including high-energy puppies and dogs with special needs.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5

Price: $10 off first booking!

San Mateo, CA

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Dog Boarding Facility in San Mateo? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Price: Free booking service | Call 848.Book.Pro!

Website
525 Phelps St., San Francisco, CA 94124
  • Dog Daycare
  • Dog Bathing
  • Dog Training
  • Pet Transportation
  • Cat Grooming
  • Cat boarding

Why choose this provider?

Pet Camp offers daycare and overnight care services for pets in and around San Mateo. It aims to give pets the personalized attention they need while their owners attend to their businesses within a safe, enjoyable, and caring environment. Its primary campground is reserved exclusively for dogs, from puppies to seniors. In its K9 Enrichment Program, dogs may engage one-on-one with a pet camp counselor or have fun in a playgroup. Pet Camp also operates a Cat Safari, where felines may explore the outdoors in a secure setting.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.0 / 5 (270)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (80)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
116 Beacon Street, South San Francisco, CA 94080
  • Cat Care
  • Puppy Care

Why choose this provider?

The Pawington is a pet resort with over 23,000 square feet of play area serving pet owners in the San Mateo area. It offers suite-style boarding services for dogs and cats that include all-day daycare, lake play, walks, and a television. Additionally, the facility provides grooming and spa services, as well as overnight and long-term airport parking for boarding clients. Owners can view their pets online through webcams. The Pawington has been featured on KRON 4.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (323)
Google
4.0 / 5 (276)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
100 Shamrock Ranch Road, Pacifica, CA 94044
  • Grooming
  • Training

Why choose this provider?

Shamrock Ranch Kennels is a dog boarding facility that serves clients in San Mateo. The business offers a wide range of boarding packages that include medicating, feeding, and potty walking pets. Aside from dog boarding, the business also provides in-kennel training programs and grooming services. Shamrock Ranch Kennels is currently led by Dana Denman, who has been operating the business since 1979. She leads a team of dog experts with a combined experience of more than 50 years.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.0 / 5 (46)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (25)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
251 Old County Road, San Carlos, CA 94070
  • Daycare
  • Grooming

Why choose this provider?

Smilin Dogs is a 17,500-square foot dog daycare and boarding facility in San Carlos that serves customers from San Mateo and nearby areas. It offers indoor and outdoor spaces, with daily programs that provide socialization, exercise, and play for canines. Pets boarding at the facility may also join hiking trips, which allow dogs to run around off-leash in a natural environment. Dogs are separated into playgroups based on size, energy level, and play style. Pet bathing is also available.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.0 / 5 (48)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (15)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
866 Kaynyne Street, Redwood City, CA 94063
  • Grooming
  • Training

Why choose this provider?

For over two decades, Planet Pooch is a dog boarding facility that has been serving clients in San Mateo and in nearby communities. It believes in cage-free service and uses sleepover rooms, complete with dog beds and couches, for familiarity and comfort. These rooms are outfitted with double-paned windows, acoustic-dampening walls, and ocean sounds to negate any unwelcome and scary noises. Planet Pooch also employs certified K-9 attendants to cuddle with and supervise the dogs during their stay.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.0 / 5 (55)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (13)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
507 Oneill Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002
  • Daycare
  • Grooming
  • House Sitting

Why choose this provider?

Happy Tails Dog Daycare Inc. caters to clients in Belmont and its nearby cities, including San Mateo. The company is equipped with an outdoor play facility that measures out at 20000 square feet. Its staff supervises pets during their stay, introducing new pets to regular guests and observing their behavior around other dogs. They can also accommodate pets with special needs and specific medications. Happy Tails Dog Daycare has grooming services available for dogs of varying sizes as well.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (79)
Google
4.0 / 5 (56)
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (34)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2175 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
  • Daycare
  • Grooming

Why choose this provider?

Mr. Muggles' Dogs is a pet boarding and pet sitting facility serving San Mateo. It offers cage-free pet boarding and daycare, as well as overnight pet boarding. It provides its guests their own private rooms complete with beds, blankets, and toys. It caters to small and medium-sized dogs and also welcomes new guests under 40 to 45 pounds. Mr. Muggles' Dogs is also a provider of dog grooming services and has been in the business for over five years.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (93)
Google
4.0 / 5 (53)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (33)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
221 Old County Road, San Carlos, CA 94070
  • Daycare
  • Grooming

Why choose this provider?

Holiday Kennels is a family-owned business that has been serving San Mateo pet owners since 1977. It offers boarding services for different animals such as dogs, cats, birds, and guinea pigs. Individual indoor and outdoor runs are available to keep the pets entertained during their stay. The services also include a special diet, medication, and extra playtime. Doggie daycare services are also available. Moreover, the facility conducts a wide range of grooming services for different dog breeds including conditioning, teeth brushing, and massage.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (33)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (27)
Google
4.5 / 5 (15)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2275 Revere Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
  • Daycare

Why choose this provider?

HighTail Hotel is a facility that has been offering dog boarding services for customers based in San Mateo, San Francisco, and nearby areas since 2008. The boarding facility has a 2,000 square feet indoor dog park and crates with different styles and sizes. HighTail Hotel requires dog boarders to bring their own personal food, which can be perishable, homemade, or dry food. Its boarding services can include baths and nail trims. Additional services are half-day or full-day daycare services.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (110)
Google
4.9 / 5 (79)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (35)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1766 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
  • Daycare
  • Puppy Care

Why choose this provider?

Embarkadero Social Club is a dog daycare and boarding facility that serves San Mateo and the nearby areas. It has a two-story, 3,500-square foot facility with two outdoor areas connected to indoor runs. Cots are provided for boarded dogs in roomy kennels. A pet-loving staff is on-site every night to supervise pets. Luis Lozada, the company's owner, is a veterinarian. He also has over 15 years of experience with dog behavior and has accumulated over 1,000 hours of ethological study, the science of animal behavior.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.0 / 5 (45)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
840 Sweeney Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94063
  • Daycare
  • Grooming

Why choose this provider?

Woofs & Wiggles has been serving San Mateo and the neighboring areas in California for over 10 years. The facility accepts dog daycare and overnight boarding services. Bedding, blankets, and toys are offered for dogs' enjoyment. The dogs have unlimited access to the play areas with structures for climbing and pools for warm days. Furthermore, the pets undergo an initial behavioral evaluation upon arrival to provide customized care. Woofs & Wiggles’ caretakers provide 24-hour security and supervision.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (48)
Google
4.0 / 5 (31)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
217 Old County Road, San Carlos, CA 94070
  • Daycare

Why choose this provider?

Andy's Boarding Place attends to the pet boarding needs of San Mateo residents. It offers pet daycare, which includes a day stay playing with balls and bubbles or wading in the pool as well as belly rubs and walking for senior dogs. Its service also includes long-term boarding when customers travel abroad. Dogs hang out, play, socialize together, and sleep in the same rooms. Andy's Boarding Place accommodates special diets and administers most medications.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (107)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)
Google
4.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1045 Memorex Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95050
  • Daycare

Why choose this provider?

Ohana Kennels is a family-owned and family-operated business that offers dog daycare and boarding services for all types of dog breeds in the San Mateo and Santa Clara areas. The facility is equipped with 38 indoor runs and two play yards of different sizes. Additionally, it has doggy play areas fit for solo or group plays, as well as a secluded room for dogs with special needs. Ohana Kennels' services include overnight boarding, indoor play yards and dog runs, and daycare.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (54)
Google
4.0 / 5 (47)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (20)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
297 North Amphlett Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94401
  • Daycare
  • Grooming

Why choose this provider?

Fluffy Doggy has been serving San Mateo and surrounding areas in California since 2017. The company offers dog boarding and daycare services. For dogs staying overnight, a large room accommodation with bed, sofa, TV, and a caretaker is provided. The caretakers feed, walk, play, and interact with the dogs daily. Moreover, the establishment is a 100% cageless facility, enabling the pets to socialize with everyone. Its crew conducts an initial temperament and energy levels test to provide individualized care for dogs.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (51)
Google
4.0 / 5 (50)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Dog boarding, sometimes referred to as doggie day care, offers pet-sitting services for dogs of varying breeds and ages. Services provided include overnight housing in temperature- and light-controlled kennels, medication administration, bathing, and feeding with veterinarian-approved food or food brought from home.

    Dog boarding and doggie day care facilities provide owners with peace of mind in knowing that their pets are being cared for by licensed and trained professionals. Boarding options range from one to 30 days or longer, and many companies offer additional services, such as spa treatments and obedience training.
  • What is dog boarding? 

    Dog boarding facilities provide housing and care for dogs for short- and long-term stays. Services include kenneling, daily exercise, feeding, and grooming. While at-home pet sitting providers offer similar services, the main difference between the two is that professional facilities are licensed, and they must follow state regulations to ensure the safety of animals in their care.

  • What is included with dog boarding?

    Services included with dog boarding can vary based on specific facility offerings, but most boarding centers offer daily exercise programs, clean, sanitized bedding, temperature-controlled housing, fresh water, and veterinarian-approved dog food. Boarding technicians also administer required medications and supplements, and many facilities offer grooming and bathing services.

  • Should I board my dog at the vet?

    Certain veterinary offices provide boarding services, as overnight staff are readily available, and animals have immediate access to medical care. While boarding a dog at the vet is perfectly safe, some dogs are uneasy about going to the doctor, leading to anxiety and resistance at drop-off.

  • What is board and training for dogs?

    Board and training programs for dogs combine overnight boarding with obedience training. Dogs stay at boarding facilities throughout their training programs, which typically last between one and four weeks. During their stay, dogs are trained to hinder behavior, such as jumping and pulling on leashes, and they learn basic commands, such as heel and stay.

  • Do dog board and train programs work?

    Board and train programs have proven to be effective for many dogs, as they learn everything from basic commands to new behaviors that result in positive reinforcement. However, not all dogs respond to board and train programs, so alternative training and behavior modification courses may be necessary in some cases.

  • Are there any regulation requirements for dog boarding facilities?

    Specific regulation requirements for dog boarding facilities can vary from state to state, but all kennel owners must obtain the appropriate licensing, and property must be zoned for kenneling. Additionally, all facilities must be designed to remain structurally sound and maintain fresh-air ventilation systems, and hot and cold running water is required.