Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Dog Daycare, Boarding & Grooming in San Carlos
Founded in 2000, Smilin Dogs has established itself as a trusted provider of 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 ensure pets' comfort, safety, and happiness. With over two decades of experience, our team of certified professionals employs positive reinforcement training methods and maintains rigorous safety standards to create a fun, social environment for dogs.We prioritize personalized care, forming strong relationships with both pets and their owners while accommodating diverse needs, including special medical requirements. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 24/7 staff presence, thorough temperament screenings, and a focus on continuous improvement through client feedback and staff development.
Services
Dog Ranch
Daycare
Boarding Club
Grooming
Transportation
Pet Boarding
Dog Grooming
Dog Daycare
Outdoor Play
Positive Training
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized dog care experience with certified professionals
- Our 17,500 sq ft facility features separate play areas for different dog sizes and energy levels
- We provide complimentary transportation within the Bay Area for daycare and boarding clients
- Our team uses positive reinforcement training methods and maintains rigorous safety protocols
- We guarantee 24/7 staff presence for continuous care and emergency response
What people say
Loves coming here
Caring staff
Excited to go
Well taken care of
Perfect for socialization
Services
Dog Ranch
Our 25-acre private coastal ranch offers off-leash exploration for medium to large high-energy dogs. This alternative to traditional daycare provides fresh air, natural environments, and social interaction with other dogs. Transportation is included within the Bay Area, with morning pickups and afternoon drop-offs available Monday through Friday.
Daycare
Our 17,500-square-foot facility features rubber flooring and separate indoor/outdoor play areas for supervised socialization. Dogs are grouped by size and energy level with experienced handlers providing belly rubs, exercise, and positive reinforcement training throughout the day.
Boarding Club
24/7 group-style boarding in our daycare facility with options for ranch expeditions during the day. Dogs enjoy continuous canine and human interaction, with staff monitoring their comfort and safety throughout their stay. Requires prior daycare visits for temperament assessment.
Dog Grooming
Bath and nail trim services performed by experienced handlers after ranch or daycare activities. Pricing varies based on breed, coat condition, and temperament. Services are completed at our facility with pick-up available at our daycare location.
Transportation
Complimentary pickup and drop-off service within the Bay Area using air-conditioned vans with individual kennels. Available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM for pickups and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for drop-offs, covering areas from Burlingame to Los Altos.
People
Konrad Thaler
Owner
Founder of Smilin Dogs since 2000, Konrad brings Bavarian tradition and entrepreneurial vision to dog care. With expertise in farming and beekeeping, he focuses on creating natural environments for dogs while maintaining strong family values and community involvement.
Diana Ungersma
Owner
Co-founder with 12 years of Silicon Valley product management experience. Holds a Cal Poly bachelor's degree and serves on Athena Academy's board. Combines business acumen with passion for dog welfare and community service.
Susana
Manager
Veterinary technician graduate with Malamute expertise. Joined Smilin Dogs in 2016, progressing from handler to manager. Brings cultural diversity through Salvadoran heritage and maintains a strong connection to beach life through her family's vacation home.
Becca
Manager
Southern California native with political science background. Transitioned from political work to dog care, becoming a team lead before management. Enjoys water sports with her Pyrenees mix and has traveled extensively across the US and internationally.
Leanna
Manager
Stanford graduate with design expertise. Joined in 2021, progressing from handler to manager. Combines technical skills with hands-on dog experience, particularly enjoying ranch activities. Passionate about gardening, knitting, and outdoor recreation.
Questions
What services does Smilin Dogs offer for dogs?
We provide daycare, boarding, grooming, and transportation services with a focus on socialization and outdoor activities at our 25-acre ranch.
What areas do you serve for transportation?
We offer pickup/dropoff from Burlingame to Los Altos, including Half Moon Bay, with morning and afternoon service times available Monday-Friday.
What are the requirements for boarding?
Dogs must pass temperament screening, attend regular daycare visits, and have at least one overnight stay prior to extended boarding reservations.
How do you handle special needs dogs?
Our experienced staff accommodates medical requirements including diabetes management, medication administration, and special dietary needs with personalized care plans.
What makes Smilin Dogs unique?
Our 17,500 sq ft facility combines with 24/7 staff care, positive training methods, and transportation services to create a comprehensive dog wellness experience.
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