Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Dog Daycare & Boarding Services in San Rafael
Planet Canine was founded in October 1994 with a mission to provide dogs with a safe, engaging environment that mirrors the pack dynamics they naturally thrive in. Inspired by the San Francisco SPCA's innovative approach, we created a space where dogs can socialize, play, and rest while their owners are away. Our founder, Steve Leeder, has dedicated over 13 years to understanding canine behavior, ensuring every dog receives personalized, professional care. We operate differently from traditional kennels, prioritizing group play for up to 8 hours daily under staff supervision to foster positive interactions. Our facility, a converted 1,500 sq. ft. warehouse with a fully fenced outdoor yard, accommodates no more than 25 dogs at a time to maintain comfort and attention.Overnight boarding options include tailored sleeping arrangements, with meals and bedding provided. We emphasize vaccination compliance, behavioral assessments, and spay/neuter requirements to maintain pack harmony. Our play areas feature igloos, slides, and seasonal pools, promoting physical and mental stimulation. We believe dogs deserve to be part of a second family when away from home, returning each day happy, tired, and eager to reunite with their owners. Our commitment to quality care has made us a trusted choice for San Rafael pet owners since 1994.
Services
Doggy Daycare
Overnight Boarding
Playcare Programs
Vaccination Compliance
Specialized Accommodations
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer peace of mind while you're away with 24-hour water access and supervised play.
- Dogs receive up to 8 hours of daily socialization to prevent behavioral issues.
- Our low capacity ensures personalized attention for every dog.
- Bedding and meals are included with all boarding packages.
- We provide alternative accommodations for non-spayed/neutered or aggressive dogs.
Services
Doggy Daycare
Our supervised doggy daycare accommodates up to 25 dogs daily, providing 8+ hours of socialization in indoor and outdoor play areas. Professional staff monitor interactions to ensure safety while dogs explore igloos, slides, and seasonal pools. This service prevents isolation-related behavioral issues through structured pack activities.
Overnight Boarding
Overnight boarding includes personalized sleeping arrangements and separate feeding areas. Dogs enjoy daytime playcare access while receiving breed-specific accommodations. Meals, bedding, and nap-time snacks are included. Specialized options available for non-spayed/neutered or temperamentally sensitive dogs.
Playcare Programs
Custom playcare programs feature 16' cyclone-fenced yards divided by size, pine shavings flooring, and interactive structures. Seasonal water features and igloos promote sensory engagement. Staff separate dogs as needed while maintaining socialization opportunities for physical and mental stimulation.
Vaccination Compliance
We enforce strict vaccination requirements including rabies, DHLPP, and bordetella (unless vet-exempt). Canine influenza vaccination is strongly recommended. All dogs must complete puppy shots by 12 weeks old to ensure pack health and safety through disease prevention protocols.
Specialized Accommodations
Alternative accommodations address behavioral or physical needs, including separate exercise times for aggressive dogs and modified environments for intact animals. Staff provide individualized attention while maintaining pack dynamics for dogs requiring special socialization approaches.
People
Steve Leeder
Pack Leader
Steve Leeder has dedicated over 13 years to canine care since joining Planet Canine in 2007. His expertise in dog behavior ensures professional supervision for up to 25 daily pack members. Steve's natural affinity with dogs creates a welcoming environment for socialization and play.
Questions
What vaccination records are required for my dog?
We require rabies, DHLPP, and bordetella vaccines unless your vet provides an exemption. Canine influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for all dogs.
How do you handle aggressive dogs?
Aggressive dogs receive separate exercise sessions while still getting staff attention. Our experienced team assesses each dog's behavior to determine appropriate pack integration strategies.
Are spay/neuter requirements flexible?
Dogs over 6 months must be spayed/neutered for main pack access. Alternative accommodations are available for intact animals to maintain pack harmony.
How much playtime do dogs receive daily?
Dogs enjoy up to 8 hours of supervised playcare daily, with access to indoor and outdoor areas featuring interactive structures and seasonal water activities.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Brian S.
Jan 28, 2022
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I have now been taking my pup on a sporadic basis for the last 8 months so ready to review my experience. 1st of all, no negatives at all. Every interaction I have with either of the owners or the daily caretakers working there has been very pleasant. In just the 1st or 2nd visit they determined what group of dogs my pup would best interact with. He is a Whippet puppy so they put him with the high energy dogs and it is great at the end of the day when I pick him up and he is nice and tired from playing with his friends.
Frequently they send me a YouTube link to a video of him playing with them. They have even sent report cards describing his day. As you may be looking at this review many years later, I won't bother putting the rates but at this time the rates are extremely low for what you get. It is quite affordable if you need to take your doggy there everyday.
Frequently they send me a YouTube link to a video of him playing with them. They have even sent report cards describing his day. As you may be looking at this review many years later, I won't bother putting the rates but at this time the rates are extremely low for what you get. It is quite affordable if you need to take your doggy there everyday.
Debbie B.
Dec 17, 2021
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During Covid my Standard Poodle Gus had been home with me for over a year since I was able to work remotely. I had to start going in the office once a week and sometimes more. Since I didn't want to leave Gus home alone all day, I decided to look into doggy day care. Gus has not been socialized in over a year which was a big concern for me. I contacted Planet Canine "Polly" and told her my concerns.
They worked with Gus and he is now completely comfortable being around other dogs. He gets so excited when he knows he is going to be dropped off. He even tries to get in the door before they open it. When I pick him up he's happy and tired from playing. I love it when they send me video's. Its a nice feeling not to worry about your dog and knowing they are in good hands. I have boarded him there and will again when I go out of town. Thank you Polly and Steve and the wonderful staff.
They worked with Gus and he is now completely comfortable being around other dogs. He gets so excited when he knows he is going to be dropped off. He even tries to get in the door before they open it. When I pick him up he's happy and tired from playing. I love it when they send me video's. Its a nice feeling not to worry about your dog and knowing they are in good hands. I have boarded him there and will again when I go out of town. Thank you Polly and Steve and the wonderful staff.
Allie V.
Sep 09, 2021
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I have a toy poodle with separation anxiety and have tried a gimmicky, more expensive facility in the past. My dog cowering on arrival told me all I needed to know. At Planet Canine he's excited and can't wait for me to open the door! The staff are genuine and true dog people. My work schedule has changed so he's been needing to go to doggie daycare less often, but we wouldn't go anywhere else. They take great care of my high-maintenance little guy!
Josh S.
Jun 13, 2021
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We have been coming to Planet Canine since late 2014/early 2015 and it literally saved our marriage. We had recently adopted a 1 year-old dog who had serious separation anxiety and he was eating up our house from the inside out. Enter Planet Canine. We have been taking our dog to Planet Canine for all-day puppy care for almost seven full years now. almost every weekday. Osito (our dog) LOVES it. he knows when we're getting close by and he starts pacing back and forth in the car in anticipation. Steve and all of the staff at Planet Canine love the dogs and make sure they get what they need - to run around with other dogs and have fun and get exercise. It's absolutely fantastic. A number of other doggy daycare sites have opened up, but I wouldn't ever consider them - Planet Canine has won us over for life!
Daniel Shiner
Jun 13, 2021
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Hands down the best doggie daycare in Marin County. The ONLY place my dog is excited about going to. She used to go to other doggie day care places in Marin County. She was always unhappy to go to them--we often had to bribe her with treats to even get out of the car--and incredibly happy when we came to pick her up. At Planet Canine, she is actually EXCITED to go there! It's the best feeling to know your pet is not only being taken care of, but LOVED. Highly, highly recommended.
Susan P.
Jun 11, 2021
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My dog loves Planet Canine, and it's clear the staff loves him back. At the vet or the groomer, I have to coax Murray out of the car. At Planet Canine, he's eager to get in the door. I'm really comfortable leaving him there for long periods of time.
