If you reside in Los Angeles, near Los Angeles...or will be traveling soon to that city with your pup in town, you'll want to bring them around with you--and also find places where they can frolic. Here's some helpful information about dog life in LA straight from pet owners in that area!
First, just in case of emergency, note where veterinarians and hospitals are located. This can all be found via a a quick Google search. You just never know when accidents can happen and your dog will need urgent medical care. Check out: VCA Miller-Robertson, Harbor Pines Veterinary Center, Home Pet Doctor, and Beverly Robertson Veterinary Clinic.
Cafes and food establishments
As for restaurants--just remember, every culinary establishment has rules you need to follow and you can't just bring your dogs anywhere. However, local pet owners have raved about the following LA-based restaurants: The Fat Dog, Ivanhoe Restaurant & Bar, The Morrison, Fred62, Momed, Aroma Coffee&Tea, Spoke Bicycle Cafe, Gracias Madre, and countless others. Because of the amazing weather in sunny SoCal, so many establishments are dog-welcoming and it's beautiful to see.
Most restaurants in LA have outdoor seating with a patio, and that's often when you'll find lots of dogs. Again, always just call and ask first if it's cool to bring Fido in.
Dog parks
Now, when it comes to parks, again, you're in the right city/Valley. Just check the official parks websites and signage for any off-leash rules. Friends of mine in Los Angeles who own both large and small dogs, have highly recommended the following parks for pets, and also confirmed this is THE city to be in when it comes to taking your dogs everywhere: Laurel Canyon Dog Park, Silverlake Dog Park, Whitnall Off-Leash Dog Park, Westwood Dog Park, Hermon Dog Park, Arts District Dog Park, Griffith Park Dog Park, and countless more.
Hotels and motels
More and more hotels are becoming pet-friendly, which is so exciting. I mean...many people have registered emotional support dogs and overall pets are indeed family members, so it makes sense hotels recognize this. Here are some of many pet-friendly hotels include: Hotel Carmel, Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles Redondo Beach, San Ysidro Ranch, The Garland, and all Kimpton Hotels in the area.
Always be safe
Now, this part is not fun at all, but everyone I spoke with in Los Angeles said it must be mentioned. You must watch out for rattlesnakes and coyotes in Los Angeles--and this is not a joke. That means, putting down your mobile phone (I know, I know...) and being very alert when you're with your dog because rattlesnakes and coyotes--especially coyotes--can attack your pet and cause them major, major harm. It's more common than you may think. Here's a helpful blog from a pet expert in the LA-area about Rattlesnakes and Coyotes; what to look out for and what to do if your dog is attacked by one.
And it goes without saying...be a responsible and clean dog-owner, no matter what city you're in and bring a doggie bag/pooper scooper with you to clean up after your pup. It only takes a minute, and locals will thank you.
