Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Dog Daycare, Boarding & Grooming Services in San Carlos
Founded in 2000, Smilin Dogs has established itself as a trusted provider of comprehensive dog care services in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our 17,500 square foot facility in San Carlos offers daycare, boarding, grooming, and transportation services designed to meet the needs of both dogs and their owners. With over two decades of experience, our team of dedicated professionals prioritizes safety, socialization, and positive reinforcement training to ensure every dog's comfort and happiness. We maintain rigorous screening processes and employ certified handlers who understand the unique needs of each canine guest.Our commitment to quality care is reflected in our state-of-the-art facility featuring separate play areas, 24/7 staff supervision for boarding guests, and environmentally conscious practices. We distinguish ourselves through our personalized approach, transparent communication, and continuous investment in staff training and facility improvements. Our extensive experience working with dogs of all temperaments and breeds has allowed us to develop specialized programs that address individual needs while maintaining a fun and safe environment for all.
Services
Dog Ranch
Daycare
Boarding Club
Grooming
Transportation
Temperament Screening
24/7 Staffing
Positive Training
Socialization
Outdoor Play
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of specialized dog care experience since 2000
- 17,500 sq ft facility with separate play areas for different dog sizes
- Certified handlers trained in positive reinforcement training methods
- 24/7 staff supervision for boarding guests
- Comprehensive temperament screening process for all dogs
What people say
Loves coming here
Caring staff
Safe environment
Exhausted in a good way
Excited to go
Services
Dog Ranch
Our 25-acre private coastal ranch provides off-leash exploration for medium to large high-energy dogs. This service includes group play sessions with transportation to and from your location within our service area. The natural environment offers mental stimulation and physical exercise through varied terrain and social interaction with other dogs.
Daycare
Our 17,500 sq ft facility offers supervised playgroups separated by size and energy level. Dogs enjoy both indoor and outdoor play areas with trained handlers facilitating socialization and exercise throughout the day. The rubber flooring protects joints while providing a comfortable play surface for active dogs.
Boarding Club
24/7 boarding in a group setting with access to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Staff monitor dogs throughout the night with scheduled potty breaks and quiet time music. Dogs maintain social interaction while having individual sleeping options in our open crates or on cots.
Grooming
Professional bathing and nail trimming services performed by experienced groomers. We use gentle handling techniques to ensure positive experiences for all dogs. Nail trimming options include both clippers and Dremel tools based on individual dog preferences and comfort levels.
Transportation
Complimentary transportation service within our service area for ranch visits and boarding. Air-conditioned vans with individual kennels provide safe transport. Morning pickups occur between 8:30-10:30 AM with afternoon drop-offs from 3-5 PM, ensuring convenient access to our services.
People
Susana
Manager
Manager since 2020 with veterinary technician certification. Joined Smilin Dogs in 2016, progressing through various roles. Specializes in dog behavior and care, with particular interest in large breed dogs.
Becca
Manager
Joined Smilin Dogs in 2022 after political career. Transitioned from handler to manager. Outdoor enthusiast with expertise in canine water activities. Oversees daily operations and staff training programs.
Leanna
Manager
Stanford graduate with design background. Started at Smilin Dogs in 2021, advancing to management. Focuses on facility design improvements and canine enrichment programs. Maintains strong community connections.
Konrad Thaler
Owner
Co-founder since 2000 with Bavarian agricultural background. Visionary leader emphasizing traditional values in dog care. Oversees strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in daily operations and staff development.
Diana Ungersma
Owner
Co-founder with Silicon Valley product management experience. Balances business operations with educational initiatives. Active in community organizations and maintains focus on continuous service improvement through technological innovation.
Questions
What services does Smilin Dogs offer for dogs?
We provide daycare, boarding, grooming, and transportation services. Our Dog Ranch offers off-leash outdoor play, while our facility includes supervised playgroups and 24/7 boarding care.
How does the dog temperament screening work?
All dogs undergo a screening to ensure compatibility with our group settings. This includes assessing interactions with other dogs and handlers to create safe playgroups and determine appropriate services.
What are your operating hours?
Our facility is open daily from 7:30 AM to 7 PM. Transportation services operate Monday-Friday with pickups 8:30-10:30 AM and drop-offs 3-5 PM.
Do you offer transportation for boarding services?
Yes, we include complimentary transportation within our service area for boarding guests. Air-conditioned vans with individual kennels ensure safe transport to and from our facility.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the San Francisco Bay peninsula from Burlingame through San Mateo to Redwood City, including Palo Alto and Los Altos. Transportation available within this region.
How do you ensure dog safety during play sessions?
Our trained handlers supervise all playgroups, which are separated by size and energy level. We maintain low dog-to-staff ratios and implement positive reinforcement training methods for safe socialization.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Laleh S.
Apr 29, 2022
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All thumbs up! My dog Dario LOVED his weekly daily stays at the Smilin Dogs. Staff are extremely courteous and genuinely caring. Their facility is extremely clean and despite all the dogs that they serve daily you will always be enjoying their welcoming and clean atmosphere accompanied by the gracious smile of staff members who manage the front desk. They also have a super convenient service where dogs will be picked up and dropped off at your residence if need be.
All in all they are pros in handling dogs. I highly recommend them. Unfortunately we had to move to the city and this is one of the places I miss the most. I have tried several dog sitting services and have to yet find a place that matches their quality of service. Dario misses his friends and his loving extended family at the Smilin dogs (so do I)! I wish everyone continued prosperity and success and much health! Hopefully we will drop by one of these days just to say hi! Thanks for your years of continuous care and support of Dario. Laleh Shahideh
All in all they are pros in handling dogs. I highly recommend them. Unfortunately we had to move to the city and this is one of the places I miss the most. I have tried several dog sitting services and have to yet find a place that matches their quality of service. Dario misses his friends and his loving extended family at the Smilin dogs (so do I)! I wish everyone continued prosperity and success and much health! Hopefully we will drop by one of these days just to say hi! Thanks for your years of continuous care and support of Dario. Laleh Shahideh
Jennifer Wisnom
Apr 26, 2022
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I am very happy at Smilin Dogs! I have two dogs that go for daycare and/or overnight. They can't wait to get in the door which says a lot to me.if my dogs don't like a place they let me know!
Sarah Bridges
Apr 11, 2022
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Love this place! The pup had fun playing with other fur babies. The staff are sweet, informative and sent the boy home with a report card of how he was throughout his stay!
Avary L.
Oct 02, 2021
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Today was my pups first day of daycare and I was very impressed. Lucy was shy and didn't want to go in at first, but the handlers were very nice and used treats to guide her inside. It was very reassuring to see their caring attitude towards Lucy. I also really appreciated the positive reinforcement aspect. During the tour, the facility was very clean and did not smell "doggy" at all. All my interactions with the employees (in person and over the phone) have been very positive. I was really nervous about dropping my pup off, but after everything, I feel completely comfortable and at ease with leaving Lucy in their care.
Michael Clarke
Jul 19, 2021
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These guys are great period. Don't know how we'd make it through trips with peace of mind without them.
Alison B.
Apr 24, 2021
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My puppy lives coming here, he doesn't even want to get in the car to go home. The people who work here are friendly and they love dogs. This is a great way to socialize your dog and get them some exercise when you have a busy day.
