“When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me…whenever…wherever…in case I need him. And I expect I will, as I always have. He is just my dog." ~ Gene Hill
Seven months ago, I ventured into Rancho Coastal Humane Society and came home with a loveable, snuggable, short and stubby, four-year-old Chow/Corgi mix named Hank Moody. It’s more than safe to say that out of all the things I’ve ever purchased in my entire life, he is the best investment I have ever made.
I used to think it was absolutely ridiculous how a person could be so obsessed with their dog. The annoying baby talk, the wardrobes of bedazzled doggie clothes, the shrine of photos of cutesy little Fido all over their house. I couldn’t stand it. But that was then and this is now. And now...well, now I’m one of those people I used to hate.
We’re like two peas in a pod, Hank and I. He’s the peanut butter to my jelly. He’s the bacon to my eggs. He’s the Robin to my Batman. I can’t help it. I love him more than anything in the whole world. And let’s be honest, if you’re anything like me (and the rest of the crew here at the DSD offices), you probably bring your dog with you wherever you go too. And why shouldn’t you? Isn’t that what loyal best friends are for?
Fortunately, we locals are lucky to live in a city where our four-legged friends are highly tolerated and always welcomed with a smile. From dog friendly hotels and doggie restaurant menus, to top-notch dog training, premier boutiques and even canine-friendly salons, discover the best dog-friendly places in San Diego.
Hotels
Hotel Indigo
There’s absolutely no reason to settle for hotels that merely tolerate your four-legged pal. Hotel Indigo in East Village knows that your pup is just as much a part of your family and travel time as you are. This dog friendly boutique hotel even has their very own residential pooch Sandie, adopted from the San Diego Humane Society, to affectionately welcome you and your four-legged pal upon arrival. The Ruff-Life San Diego Hotel Package features all of what you and your furry friend need to best enjoy your stay and have a barking great time, including dog food and water bowls, a plush doggie bed, and of course the much-desired treats and goodies for top-paw behavior.
The US Grant
For close to a century, the US Grant Hotel’s commanding presence and historic appeal has maintained unwavering popularity amongst tourists and locals alike. And now, your loveable pooch can enjoy all the wondrous amenities it has to offer as well. The US Grant happily welcomes dogs 40 pounds or less per room and even provides Fido with all the rufftastic amenities they could imagine including a water bowl, a mat, a comfy doggie bed and a Pet Welcome Kit. Guests are required to sign a liability waiver at check-in and a non-refundable $150 cleaning fee per room per stay will apply. The US Grant only asks that guests utilize the 'Dog in Room' door hanger at all time and to keep all dogs on a leash or in a carrier bag when outside the room.
Westin Gaslamp Quarter
The Westin has gone to the dogs...literally! The Westin Gaslamp Quarter proudly welcomes your canine companion (up to 50 pounds) with an amenity bag for the urban dog, as well as his or her very own Westin Heavenly dog bed and a polished food and water bowl for your guestroom upon request. Best of all, the Westin requires no extra fee for you to bring your pooch along on your travels, simply a waiver that outlines the rules for your pet that must be signed upon check-in.
Porto Vista Hotel
The vintage chic Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy offers an charming taste of classic1960s Italy right here in San Diego and best of all, their gracious hospitality is extended to your pets, so don’t hesitate to bring them along for the fun. To top it off, the Porto Vista’s favorite hotel dog, Barklee, is excited to show your pup the ropes. When making your reservations at the Porto Vista Hotel, simply let them know you’re traveling with your furry, four-legged friend. Sometimes a little companionship on the road is just what you need, therefore the Porto Vista offers a warm range of San Diego pet-friendly lodging services…all just a short walk from the city’s best dog boutiques and parks.
W Hotel
The W Hotel firmly believes that your furry four-legged friend should travel in luxury with you. That's why dogs are always welcome when you book your stay at the W Hotel in downtown San Diego. Guests may choose from a variety of different packages including personalized birthday cakes, maps to the nearest dog parks and dog runs, and P.A.W. Doggie Happy Hour on the last Tuesday of every month from 5pm-7pm. But wait…there’s more! You can even spoil your special love with a PETicure that will leave looking fancier than ever. For $30, this 30 minute dog-friendly nail treatment includes a calming massage and will leave your best friend with smooth, filed nails and well-oiled paws! If you want to go glam, you can even add a PAWlish for an extra $5. It doesn’t get much more wooftastic than that!
Restaurants
Pacific Coast Grill
Sheltered, heated and green, Pacifc Coast Grill’s patio is the perfect intimate oasis to grab a bite with your four-legged friend. By day, the casual outdoor dining area provides a cool and bright atmosphere enveloped by vibrant flowers, cool green vines and glass cradled candles. While you’re feasting on mouthwatering California cuisine such as the Lobster Burrito, the Almond Crusted Tomato Sandwich, or the Balsamic Ginger Glazed Mahi, don’t forget to order a meal for you pup from the Woof Menu. Delectable doggie delights include the Half-Pound Sterling Chuck Doggie Burger, the House-Ground Turkey Burger with white and dark meat, the Charbroiled Chicken with white rice, or Harry & Arthur’s Filet of Beef served medium rare. All dogs also receive a complimentary bowl of fresh cold water and a Mutt Munchers doggie treat for dessert. For more information, please visit pacificcoastgrill.com.
Shades Oceanfront Bistro
Shades Oceanfront Bistro in Ocean Beach has always been a popular destination for dog lovers, and now they introduce a new Fido Menu for all of our adorable four-legged friends to enjoy. The Fido Menu is made from people grade ingredients, fresh and wholesome with no seasoning or preservatives. Options include beef, chicken or pork for only $3.95 with any “People Meal” purchase. In order to participate in the Fido Menu, customers must request a patio rail table so they can be seated with their dog. For more information, please visit Shades in Ocean Beach.
Heavenly Cupcake
It’s safe to say that the cupcake craze has taken San Diego by storm and Heavenly Cupcake is no exception. The charming Gaslamp bakery specializes in baking cupcakes the old fashioned way and offers delicious flavors such as Banana Chip, S’Mores, Lemon Coconut and Orange Chip. And now, Heavenly Cupcake gives you the chance to share a sugary novelty with you canine companion. Show your pooch how much you love them with a special treat, a Heavenly Pupcake! All Pupcakes are $2 each and are made with dog friendly ingredients: carrots, whole wheat flour, baking soda, peanut butter, canola oil, eggs, honey, vanilla, and cream cheese. Doggie decorations are made of fondant, which includes sugar, glucose sugar, and food coloring as well as other thickening agents. For more information, please visit heavenlycupcake.com.
La Jolla Brewhouse
Because your dog loves Happy Hour too! La Jolla Brewhouse hosts weekly Yappy Hour events on the pet-friendly patio where your pup can enjoy tasty treats and meet new friends. While you enjoy some of LJB’s amazing food or sip on a special handcrafted "house brew,” don’t forget to give your dog some much-deserved TLC. Delicious Canine Cuisine includes the Hot Diggity Dog, turkey franks served in bite size pieces; the Hound Dog Heaven, a juicy ground beef patty served up plain and simple; the Bow Wow Wow, a skinless chicken breast served in bite size pieces; Carlotta’s Treat, AKA chopped bacon bits; or a scoop of traditional Doggie Kibble served with warm beef gravy for the discriminating dog who doesn’t eat table food. All menu items are $4 or less. For more information, please visit La Jolla Brew House.
Boutiques & Services
South Bark Dog Wash
As South Park’s premier locally-owned companion-loving hot spot, South Bark Dog Wash offers a relaxing home away from home just a bark from the park! Conveniently located three blocks from Grape Street Dog Park, stop in with your pooch for a treat on your walk or pop in to check out the latest great quality food, chews, snacks, and toys. If your furry friend gets a little dirty after a ruff day of rolling around and wrestling, South Bark also boasts a friendly and affordable spa-like atmosphere. Their self-serve wash tubs, organic and medicated shampoos and conditioners, drying and grooming stations promote fun and turn a chore into an enjoyable experience you’ll both look forward to. Best of all, each bath comes with a complementary aroma therapeutic cleansing blueberry facial! For more information, please visit southbark.com.
Muttropolis
Haute dogs know that Muttropolis in La Jolla and Solana Beach are the one-stop shops for the lastest in designer clothes and accessories. Whether it's a cool, unique collar that shows your dog’s style, an overstuffed luxury bed to match your home decor, or the highest quality food and treats for health and longevity, Muttropolis is dedicated to finding the latest and most innovative products for your pup. Where else can you find pet clothing for weddings, birthdays, country club outings, poolside lounging and camping? Make a statement with a designer dog dress or a bedazzled dog tee perfect for your furry fashionista; or keep your dog warm and cozy and purchase a fleece hoodie or a raincoat. In addition to the best food, treats, accessories and clothing, Muttropolis also hosts an array of weekly events including obedience classes, Yappy Hours, photography sessions and adoption events for you and your precious pooch. For directions and information on upcoming events, please visit muttropolis.com.
Extraordinary Pets
Do you need help with your pets while you’re going out of town for vacation or on a business trip? Do you work long hours at the office and feel bad that your four-legged best friend isn’t getting the attention and exercise he deserves? Extraordinary Pets offers one-of-a-kind affordable packages that can help you with any and all of your pet needs and professional dog walkers and pet sitters take care of everything with regard to the health and happiness of your pets. Whether you have an energetic puppy, a senior dog that just needs a relaxing walk or anything in between, a dedicated dog walker can come over and give your dog the exercise they need. If you’re going on vacation, you may purchase Vacation Pet Sitting where a sitter will visit three times a day for approximately 30 minutes to give your dog some TLC; Overnight Visits where a pet sitter will come to your home in the early evening and stay overnight with your pooch; or “24 Hour” Care where an expert sitter will live and work out of your home so that your pets get all the love, attention and exercise they need. For current rates and to schedule a consultation today, please call 877.902.7838 or visit extraordinarypets.com for more information.
Pawtopia
Pawtopia Dog Training features two striking top-notch trainers with specialty programs created just for your little pooch. Their methods are innovative and one of a kind; they hold on to the virtue that all dogs discover their good-behavior skills differently, at their own pace, just like us. Pawtopia holds a basic obedience class that runs for five weeks, teaching proper leadership skills for the 16 weeks and up all the essentials for a happy home. In the advanced obedience class, also known as the Canine Good Citizen Course, your dog will be brushing up his responsiveness around distractions and off-leash obedience. The class is intended to prepare your scruffy pal for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) exam, administered the 5th week of the class. Pawtopia takes the time to really get to know both you and your dog’s individual personalities, what your goals are, and how to reach success together. Introduce your dog to the professionals today and call 800.683.7107 or visit pawtopiatraining.com.
San Diego K9 Training
San Diego K9 Training was established by a select group of former and current United States Marine Corps K9 handlers/trainers and police K9 handlers/trainers. K9 Training covers all of the bases from house calls for basic obedience and potty training, to more complex issues such as trouble-shooting and behavioral issues. Standard group training includes basic obedience components plus personal and executive protection. Individuals who need one-on-one care can also partake in private in-home training to learn basic commands or fix aggression issues. For more information or to schedule training for your dog, please call 866.550.0795 or visit sdk9training.com.
Insider Tip: Stay up to date with the latest and greatest San Diego dog events including adoptions, yappy hours, charity events, and meet up groups by visiting dogtownsandiego.com.
