Mark SkinnerLeaving your beloved dog behind when you travel isn’t just a logistical headache — it’s a tug at the heartstrings.
After years of vacation planning that revolved entirely around my dog’s comfort, I knew there had to be better solutions. So I did the legwork, or should I say paw-work, to uncover the best spots for dog boarding in San Diego.
Because let’s be honest… finding a place that treats your four-legged family member like their own isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the difference between travel guilt and a tail-wagging win for both you and your dog.
Trust me, your suitcase will feel lighter and your heart a whole lot happier knowing your pup is in good hands.
How much do dog boarding services cost in San Diego?
Dog boarding services in San Diego typically cost $50 to $120 per night, with most standard options ranging from $60 to $90. Prices vary based on your dog’s size, the facility type, and the level of care.
1. 24 Hour Dog Daycare
Address: 7686 Miramar Rd, Suite B, 92126
Contact Details: (858) 633-3387
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
I’ve used several boarding services, but 24 Hour Dog Daycare stands out. There are no cold kennels or chaos… just calm dogs, friendly staff, and a welcoming vibe.
They carefully group dogs for play. My pup was introduced slowly into a small group based on temperament, not just size. A staff member called it ‘matchmaking for dogs’ — and it fits.
I booked the “Happy Dog Social Sleepover” for a long weekend, at $97 a night. The days are structured with supervised play, rest, and lots of human interaction. My dog came home happily tired.
If your dog prefers alone time, the “Happy Dog Private Sleepover” is a great fit. The suites are cozy, not just dressed-up kennels. Premium upgrades add nice touches like puzzle toys, solo walks, and daily photo updates.
Just note that you’ll need to bring your dog’s regular food. If you forget, in-house meals are $3 each. It’s not a huge deal, but the cost can add up if you’re gone for a while.
Treats dogs with so much love and care
“We had such a great experience with 24 Hour Dog Daycare. We were in town on a family vacation and we brought our almost 6 month puppy along. During the day our puppy went to the daycare, and we received the most adorable pictures and report cards for each day he was there. Every time right before drop off, he got so excited when he realized where we were. He loved it. Thank you for treating our little Hagrid with so much love and care while he was there!”
– Autumn Lee, Google Review
Daily report cards and pictures of my dog
“I really enjoy bringing my dog here for the private boarding suite. He was attended to and well taken care of. I appreciate the daily report cards and pictures of my dog. Gives me such a relief and happy feeling to know and see pictures of my little fur baby doing well with the committed staff members. I definitely recommend this place and will bringing my dog back when we go on our next vacation.”
– Sophekanie Slaketh, Google Review
2. Precious Pet Care San Diego
Address: 5361 Roswell St, 92114
Contact Details: (858) 433-5063
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Unlike most boarding facilities, Precious Pet Care sends sitters to your home, so your dog stays in a familiar environment. This allows your dog to remain in a familiar, low-stress environment instead of a kennel.
Their attention to detail is excellent. I gave specific feeding instructions for my dog’s sensitive stomach, and they followed them exactly—no skipped steps, no issues.
The GPS-verified walks were also a reassuring touch. Being able to see exactly when and where my dog was walked provided extra peace of mind when I couldn’t be there. The visit summaries and photo updates made the experience even better.
The app made it simple to stay informed, and the “report card”-style updates felt thoughtful and personal—something you rarely get from larger facilities.
But keep in mind that most care actually happens at home. If your pet prefers constant supervision or group play at a large facility, this might not be the right fit.
Safely transported our dog
“We hired Precious Pet Care for their wedding pet attendant service, and we are so grateful we did! After a last-minute change of plans, they were able to step in and help us out, which meant so much. Elizabeth was our sitter, and she was wonderful- she safely transported our dog to the venue, stayed by his side during photos, and took him back home once we were done taking photos with him. Knowing he was in such good hands allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the day. We can’t recommend Precious Pet Care enough to anyone looking for wedding day pet care!”
– Jessica Johnson, Google Review
Daily reports and regular story posts
“My furbabies, Aly and Jasper, have been attending Precious Petcare regularly since February 2023. Leila and her team are so caring and offer a great environment for pups to socialize and burn energy. I’ve utilized Precious Petcare for daycare and boarding services. Most recently, I went out of the country for two weeks and was worry-free, knowing that Leila and co. would make sure my babies were well taken care of until my return. I really appreciate the daily reports and regular story posts on Instagram to stay up-to-date on how they’re doing, too. I have a cat as well and have used Precious Petcare for in-home cat sitting – no complaints. Lastly, I appreciate the discount provided to military families. I can’t recommend Precious Petcare enough.”
– Ashley Waters, Google Review
3. Paw Commons Pet Resort & Training Center
Address: 7888 Othello Ave, 92111
Contact Details: (619) 764-4580
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Paw Commons sets itself apart from typical boarding facilities by offering “Comfy Suites” instead of standard kennels. These ground-floor rooms come with raised bedding and fresh water, designed to create a more comfortable and home-like experience.
Dogs here get plenty to do. Staff members organize bubble play, movies, and outdoor fun in a shaded yard. Many owners I spoke with said their dogs came back happy, tired, and ready to nap.
If your dog has a special diet, you’ll appreciate the on-site kitchen. Staff also run training sessions in the yard, which a few customers noticed during drop-off or pick-up. It’s reassuring to see the team so involved and hands-on.
Another feature I liked was the live webcam access. During business hours, you can log in to watch your dog during group play or daycare.
However, the cameras don’t cover private suites and aren’t available overnight. If 24/7 visual check-ins are important to you, that might be a downside.
Incredibly friendly staff
“My english bulldog had a fantastic experience at Paw Commons. We booked a grooming service with Alex, who has been so great and accommodating. The staff is incredibly friendly and clearly loves animals—they treated my pup like family. The location is clean and well-maintained, which gave me extra peace of mind. My dog came out looking great and so happy. Highly recommend to any pet parent looking for professional, caring service!”
– Noy Souvannarath, Google Review
Great cameras and report cards
“Our Great Pyrenees/Lab mix always has a good time here whether it’s for boarding or daycare, and as people who are always anxious about our pets we always feel like he is well taken care of! Our dog is a very anxious boy, but he seems calm and happy here. The staff is always really great and kind with him. We chose this location because of the outdoor play and little pool, both of which our dog loves! The cameras and report cards are also great for piece of mind. Highly recommend!”
– Chloe Schafer, Google Review
4. Pupper Club
Address: 161 14th St, 92101
Contact Details: (619) 344-0101
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pupper Club takes a thoughtful approach to dog boarding, focusing on comfort and freedom rather than confinement. Instead of crates or isolated runs, dogs spend their time in open-play areas where they can explore, socialize, and just be themselves.
The facility is clean, climate-controlled, and quiet, thanks to soft flooring and soundproof walls. Dogs rest on couches and on bedding washed daily, which gives the space a cozy feel.
I also appreciated how much attention they give to dogs with special needs. There’s a dedicated quiet zone for older or more sensitive pups, with a specific caregiver on hand.
One owner I spoke with said it was the first time her senior dog came home from boarding completely relaxed. That kind of attention makes a real difference.
Before your dog can stay, a “Meet & Greet” is required to make sure they’re a good fit. While it helps ensure a smooth transition, a few owners told me it can be inconvenient if you need to book at the last minute.
One of the best ones
“I’ve sent my dog, Ozzy, to a few daycare places across California and this is one of the best ones I’ve used. When I drop him off, my anxious dog doesn’t look back — which is indicative of how much he loves going there. The staff is also very friendly and they text me photos and updates throughout the day, which includes staff petting him. I love knowing he’s in such good loving hands. I never have to worry that he’s kept in a cage or is forced to sit around all day. He gets to play all day long.”
– Rasmiya Masoud, Google Review
Above and beyond the level of care and attention
“I can’t say enough good things about this daycare, my dog is absolutely obsessed! She gets SO excited the second we walk through the door and goes wild anytime she sees one of the staff members (even if we’re just passing them outside on a walk!). It’s the cutest thing ever and such a testament to how much she loves it there. The team is amazing—super friendly, clearly love the dogs, and they send tons of photo updates throughout the day, which I love. I always feel at ease knowing she’s having a great time with her friends and in good hands. I live in the apartment building next door, so the location is incredibly convenient, and they even pick her up or drop her off when I’m at work. Seriously, the level of care and attention they give is above and beyond. Highly recommend to any fellow dog parents!”
– Andrea Berryman, Google Review
5. San Diego Pet Boarding
Address: 2176 Chatsworth Blvd, Unit C, 92107
Contact Details: (858) 752-0265
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
San Diego Pet Boarding impressed me with its strong focus on comfort and attentive care. The boarding spaces felt surprisingly cozy. Dogs were relaxed in their private areas, not stressed or pacing.
Playtime is more than just a perk here. It’s a carefully supervised chance for friendly dogs to socialize and burn off energy in a positive way.
This balance of active engagement and downtime seemed to work well, especially for dogs that need a mix of both.
The facility also caters well to seniors and pets with special needs, offering specialized care like medication administration and special diets. Several pet parents I met felt reassured knowing their more vulnerable dogs were getting extra attention.
Pricing is on the higher side at $119 per night. But weekly rates and a sibling discount help make it more reasonable for those looking for premium care.
I also noticed that in a busy urban area, parking can be tight during peak hours, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Always provide the absolute best care
“Angel and Jaami are extraordinary with animals and I fully trust them to always provide the absolute best care to my reactive terrier. SD Pet Boarding treats their clients (people and pets) like family. I highly recommend taking your fur babies here!”
– Adriana Wolf, Google Review
Gentle, attentive, and gives helpful tips
“I cannot recommend San Diego Pet Boarding enough! They took such amazing care of my 3 Yorkies and made the entire grooming experience stress-free and enjoyable. Staff was friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about animals. The grooming itself was flawless — my dogs looked absolutely perfect and smelled wonderful! They were gentle, attentive, and even gave me helpful tips for at-home care. It’s clear they truly love what they do. We will definitely be coming back — thank you for treating my pup like family!”
– Toni Oceans, Google Review
