Southern California's best guide to pet services, pet resources and pet-friendly events

Adoption & Rescue

Agencies that offer rescued pets for adoption and/or referrals for adoption. Most organizations do not have a facility (unless otherwise noted), instead animals are living in foster care until a forever home can be found. Pictures of available pets are usually found on their website, along with a calendar of adoption events. An application process is required prior to adoption. Most animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Many organizations also provide rescue services, including owner surrenders (also see Pet Assistance), and volunteer opportunities, such as pet foster homes and events.

Animal Communicators & Behaviorists

Birds

Retail stores offering a variety of birds and supplies, plus bird-only clinics and a sanctuary rescue. Also see: Pet Shops & Boutiques.

Cats

Feline adoption, rescue, boarding and veterinary clinics, plus information on what to do if you find a feral cat. Also see your area of interest as services for cats are listed throughout Petsguide.

Day & Overnight Care

Day and overnight care for dogs, cats and other pets, in your own home or at a facility. For care at a boarding facility, always inquire about qualifications, check references and ask for a tour. For in-home care, verify that sitters and dog walkers are bonded, insured and members of professional associations, such as Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters; some may be animal-CPR and first-aid certified. Always check their qualifications and references.

Dog Sports & Fitness

Dog-sport classes and clinics. Also see: Parks and Beaches for places to take your dog and Training Programs, including city recreation departments for sports classes.

Emergency Resources

Emergency services and resources for all animals. Also see: Adoption and Rescue, End-of-Life, and Veterinary Services.

End-of-Life

Cremation, burial, hospice and euthanasia services, plus pet loss and bereavement support groups and counseling. Also see: Emergency Resources, Pet Assistance and Mobile Vets listed under Veterinary Services.

Groomers

Grooming services, plus DIY groomers. Do-it-yourself grooming spots offer supplies, including aprons, shampoos, conditioners, brushes and dryers. Nail-trimming and ear-cleaning tools, flea control, and anti-shedding treatments are usually available for an additional fee. Some locations offer full grooming services, too. Also see LaunderPet listed in this section. Also see: LaunderPet listed in this section.

Identification & Licensing

Losing a pet can be a traumatic and tragic event. Current identification greatly increases the likelihood of pets being reunited with their “paw-rents.” Resources for microchips, GPS collars and pet tags for identification, including information about where and how to license your pet.

If You Have Lost or Found Pets

Information about what to do if you find a pet or lose your own, plus what to do if you can no longer keep your pet.

Parks, Beaches and Trails

Dog parks require that your dogs are current on vaccinations and that you clean up after your dogs. When visiting a leash-free dog park, keep them on leash before you go into the park and when you exit, and do not bring female dogs in heat. City and regional parks allow leashed dogs on trails and throughout other recreation areas. Park websites list additional rules and regulations. Trail use requires that all dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Many trails are shared by equestrians, bicyclists and pedestrians. Unless otherwise noted, no water or waste bags are provided, please trek with your dogs prepared and bring your own supplies. Also see Dog Sports and Fitness and Training Programs. Note: Check water conditions at dog beaches at brc.healthebay.com, they also have an app for smart phones.

Pet Assistance

Low-cost spay/neuter services, vaccinations and microchips as well as medical, financial and legal assistance or referrals. Also see: Calendar for additional low-cost clinics.

Pet Shops & Boutiques

Retail stores providing food and supplies for animals. Also see: Birds, Reptiles, and Cats.

Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers

In-home pet sitting and dog walking services. Home care, such as switching on and off lights and watering plants, is often included. Dog field trips to parks or beaches can be included with sitting services. Also see: "Boarding & Day Care."

Reptiles & Exotics

Rescues and retail stores that offer a variety of exotic reptiles, amphibians and supplies. Also see: Pet Shops & Boutiques.

Service & Therapy Animals

Programs and organizations that sponsor and/or train service or therapy animals.

Shelters

Shelters fall into two categories: open or limited admission. An “open admission” facility accepts animals from animal control and the public no matter the circumstance. “Limited admission” facilities have restrictions on incoming animals brought in by the public; however, they accept any animals brought to them by animal control. Most shelters practice euthanasia for a variety of reasons and circumstances. There are few true no-kill facilities. All shelters work with rescue groups, sanctuaries and other animal-welfare organizations to find families for homeless animals. If you can no longer take care of your pet or if you lost or found a pet, see Emergency and Health Services for tips. If you are concerned about the life of an animal, ask about the shelter’s policy before you take the animal in. Many adoption and rescue organizations offer advice and/or referrals for found/lost/stray animals (see Adoption and Rescue for a list of organizations).

Therapy & Rehabilitation

Therapy and rehabilitation, such as massage, chiropractic and/or holistic alternative medicine for dogs, cats, small animals and horses.

Training Programs

Behavior training for dogs. Also see Dog Sports & Fitness and Parks, Beaches and Trails for places to take your dog.

Veterinary Services

Veterinary services, clinics and hospitals offering care and specialized treatment pertaining to specific animals or fields of medicine. Also see: Emergency Resources, End-of-Life, Pet Assistance and Therapy & Rehabilitation.