Mixed reviews on grooming quality; some customers reported excellent results while others experienced poor service and mishandling.
Customer Service
Customer service experiences vary widely; some praised the friendly staff, while others reported unprofessional behavior and poor communication.
Facility Cleanliness
Several customers noted that the facility appeared unclean and in need of remodeling.
Care for Pets
Many reviews highlighted the caring nature of the staff towards pets, with several customers expressing satisfaction with how their dogs were treated.
Appointment Management
Issues with appointment scheduling and wait times were frequently mentioned, with some customers frustrated by delays and double bookings.
RM
Rebecka Miller
3 days ago
5.0
I absolutely love Sandy Paws! The atmosphere is the perfect mix of professional and fun, and you can tell right away that they truly care about the animals they work with. Emme and Jenni are fantastic — incredibly professional, kind, and attentive. Every visit leaves me feeling completely confident that my furry friend is in the best hands. The quality of their work shows, and my dog always comes home looking (and smelling!) amazing. Highly recommend to anyone looking for groomers who genuinely go above and beyond!
JC
Jessi Cascioppo
Oct 26, 2025
1.0
Our family has been bringing our dogs to this facility for years, despite the location consistently being unclean and many of the employees appearing unkempt and unprofessional. Because our previous experiences with “D” had been positive, we decided to bring our six-month-old puppy in for his third grooming appointment.
We scheduled the appointment five weeks in advance for 8:00 AM and even called three weeks prior to confirm. The evening before the appointment, we received a call claiming our appointment was actually at 11:00 AM. I clarified that this was incorrect and confirmed that we had been booked for 8:00 AM since the original scheduling. Both my husband and I work on tight schedules, so we arranged our day accordingly.
Typically, grooming takes around four hours, so I began heading over around the three-hour mark. When I arrived at the four-hour mark, staff informed me that we had been “double-booked” and insisted it was our fault for booking “so last minute” — even though the appointment had been set for over a month. They said they would “get to it when they could.” When I asked to retrieve my dog since only his bath had been completed, I was told I could not.
We were finally able to pick him up six hours after drop-off. When he was brought out, our puppy was exhausted, visibly stressed, and extremely thirsty, suggesting he had not been given water or a chance to relieve himself the entire time. To make matters worse, his coat had been completely shaved down to one length, despite us giving clear instructions and confirming the details multiple times.
When I called to speak with the owner about the situation, she was incredibly unprofessional and hostile. Rather than listening or taking accountability, she immediately became defensive, raised her voice, and blamed us for everything — from not knowing a groomer had quit, to supposedly being “non-preferred clients.” She refused to acknowledge their scheduling error, poor communication, or the neglect our dog experienced.
What makes matters worse is that the owner is rarely available or answering the phone, as she’s often seen walking back and forth to the liquor store next door (Top Shelf Wine & Spirits) during business hours to buy vape pens and socialize. It’s clear that managing her staff, maintaining client records, and ensuring proper care for the animals are not her priorities.
SP
Sakshi Patel
Oct 7, 2025
5.0
Our senior dog, Cooper, was groomed here for years, and the team always treated him with such patience and kindness — even as he got older and slower. They made him look and feel his best every visit, and I’m so grateful for how gentle they always were with him. Thank you for helping keep him comfortable and loved through all his stages of life.
CS
Carey Sabala
Oct 5, 2024
5.0
We tried many places before Sandy Pawz for my senior pitbull and all of them were awful. She would come back after boarding with a host of issues from undue stress to fleas to just missing items. Sandy Pawz was kind of our last resort and shame on me because it is literally right next door to our vet.
Bella absolutely loves it here. They know how to take care of my senior girl and just let her be. She has a host of medical issues and they always take care of her. I get to bring her beds and toys and food and meds, even treats to make her comfortable. I cannot recommend them any higher. It's a 10* as far as I'm concerned.
JR
Jeff Weber & Aurora Ruiz
Sep 4, 2019
5.0
This place is always able to get me in on short notice. They do a great job and get your dog out quickly
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandy Pawz Dog House
What dog grooming services do you offer at Sandy Pawz Dog House in San Marcos, CA?
Our comprehensive dog grooming services include bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, de-shedding, and breed-specific haircuts. Our skilled groomers are dedicated to ensuring your dog looks and feels their absolute best.
Do you provide dog grooming for elderly or anxious dogs?
We do indeed. Our team is experienced in providing gentle, low-stress grooming for senior dogs and those with anxious temperaments. We create a calm, controlled environment to ensure every dog's comfort and safety during the grooming process.
What's included in your dog boarding services in San Marcos?
Our dog boarding services provide comfortable accommodations, regular exercise, playtime, feeding, and attentive care. We maintain a secure, clean, and supervised environment for overnight stays, whether your dog is with us for one night or an extended period.
Is Sandy Pawz Dog House a good option for doggy day care in San Marcos, CA?
Indeed, it is. Our doggy day care provides a stimulating, structured environment where dogs can interact, play, and relax under constant supervision. It's an excellent choice for pet owners with long work hours or those wanting their dogs to get ample exercise and socialization.
How do you ensure the safety of all dogs during grooming and boarding?
Safety is our primary concern. We maintain a secure, sanitized facility and employ positive reinforcement techniques. Our staff receives training to handle dogs of all temperaments and ages with care and patience.
Can you accommodate dogs with special needs or medical conditions?
Certainly. We are equipped to care for dogs with special needs, including those requiring medication, mobility assistance, or extra attention. We kindly request that you inform us of your dog's specific requirements when making a reservation.
What are your requirements for dog boarding and day care?
For the health and safety of all our guests, we require that all dogs have current vaccinations (Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella), be free of fleas, and pass a temperament assessment for group play.
Do you offer one-on-one care for dogs who don't do well in group settings?
Yes, we do. We offer individualized care and private play sessions for dogs that are shy, reactive, or prefer human companionship over group interactions. Our aim is to ensure every dog feels comfortable and at ease in our care.
How often are dogs walked or exercised during boarding or day care?
Dogs in our care enjoy multiple play sessions and bathroom breaks throughout the day. We customize activity levels to suit each dog's age, breed, and energy requirements, catering to those who enjoy active play as well as those who prefer leisurely walks.
What makes Sandy Pawz Dog House different from other dog boarding facilities in San Marcos?
Sandy Pawz Dog House stands out by offering professional dog grooming, caring boarding services, and engaging day care all in one location. Our personalized approach, experienced staff, and unwavering commitment to safety distinguish us from other facilities.
What dog grooming services are available at Sandy Pawz Dog House?
Sandy Pawz Dog House offers bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, de-shedding, and breed-specific haircuts to keep your dog looking and feeling great.
Does Sandy Pawz Dog House provide grooming for elderly or anxious dogs?
Yes, they offer gentle, low-stress grooming in a calm environment tailored for senior and anxious dogs.
What services are included in dog boarding at Sandy Pawz Dog House?
Their boarding services include comfortable accommodations, regular exercise, playtime, feeding, and attentive caregiving in a secure and clean facility.
Is doggy day care available at Sandy Pawz Dog House?
Yes, the facility offers doggy day care providing a stimulating and supervised environment for dogs to socialize and exercise.
How does Sandy Pawz Dog House ensure the safety of dogs during their stay?
They prioritize safety with a secure, sanitized facility, positive reinforcement techniques, and trained staff experienced with all temperament types.
Can Sandy Pawz Dog House accommodate dogs with special needs?
Yes, they accommodate dogs requiring medication, mobility assistance, or extra attention, and ask owners to inform them of specific needs during reservation.
What are the requirements for boarding and day care at Sandy Pawz Dog House?
All dogs must have current vaccinations (Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella), be flea-free, and pass a temperament assessment for group play.
What payment methods does Sandy Pawz Dog House accept?
They accept American Express, Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, Samsung Pay, and Visa.
What are the operating hours of Sandy Pawz Dog House?
They are open Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What are some nearby places of interest customers can visit around Sandy Pawz Dog House?
Nearby are Nordahl Pet Clinic for veterinary services, Sayulitas Mexican Food for dining, and Cycle Gear motorcycle and bicycle shop, providing options before or after your visit.