Dog Dayz
Lamorinda is a great place to be a dog. With spots for sniffing like the Lafayette Moraga Trail, Rancho Laguna Park and the Lafayette Reservoir, as well as the multitude of outdoor restaurants that allow pets on leash, there’s always plenty to keep the canines busy.
With all that activity, your dog is sure to need a scrubbing. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, you can take care of it yourself at Pet Food Express in Lafayette. Fifteen dollars will get you a raised tub, a couple of towels and some nice smelling shampoo. If you’d rather leave Fido to the professionals, there are several grooming services in the area. The Tail Haven in Lafayette is a full service pet salon (day time dog lounge! boarding!) that will return your pup shining clean from nose to tail and Orinda Grooming does the same in downtown Orinda. Pressed for time? Aussie Pet Mobile will bring the bath to you.
Making regular appointments for your dog is the best way to ensure your pet is healthy and up to date on all his or her shots. There are many well-respected vets in the area, including, Rheem Veterinary Medical Hospital in Moraga, Theater View in Orinda and Mt. Diablo Veterinary Medical Center in Lafayette. If you decide to venture further afield, Geary Animal Hospital in Pleasant Hill has a caring group of doggy docs who won’t break the bank. But wait… it’s the weekend, and your Labradoodle decided to snack on a couple of tube socks. East Bay Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services on Ygnacio Valley in Walnut Creek is open twenty-four hours a day and provides compassionate care for animals in distress. In the event that your dog needs physical therapy, The Canine Rehabilitation Center, also in Walnut Creek has hydrotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic services and more. Though you’d rather not imagine it, should the day come when you have to say goodbye, Dr. Cheryl Ramos from Pets Eternal Rest will come to your home and help you and your loved ones give your beloved friend a peaceful and gentle farewell.
As unfair as it may seem to the animal lovers among us, many hotels and home rentals don’t allow dogs, making it a necessity to find a home-away-from-home for your furry family members while your away. In its current location for over 75 years, Waiterock Pet Ranch near Highway 24 in Lafayette offers both daycare and overnight boarding for dogs and cats in secure pet suites. Book a reservation online, or give them a call for a tour of the facility anytime during regular business hours. In addition to their grooming services, The Tail Haven also offers day doggy day care and boarding for dogs of all sizes. Purchase one of their “boarding passes” for a discount on multi-night stays. Households with more than one dog can also receive a break when boarding animals together. In Walnut Creek, Wunderbar’s Pet Hotel has been providing single and double suites for dogs since 1980 and offers a “spaw” menu for its canine clientele. WAG Fetch & Stay in Orinda has overnight boarding for pet owners who prefer non-kennel style boarding in a home-like atmosphere, as well as dog walking services in the Lamorinda area. Last but not least, a quick post on Nextdoor (or a search) will reveal a number of locals who make it their business to be of assistance with pet needs. Just make sure to plan ahead for holidays or you’ll be scrambling!
Love your dog, but wish he didn’t chew the furniture or eat that entire bag of Easter candy you left on the counter? Though it may seem like your new puppy will never learn to sit and stay, a little training can go a long way toward making life better for both you and your pet. Hillary Bressler of Walk, Train, Love in Lafayette studied at the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers in their Intensive Immersion Program and is ready to help with even the most incorrigible pup. In-home and off-site sessions with names like Must-Have Manners and The Respectful Dog will have your canine family member on his or her best behavior in no time. Not available to be there while your pet learns to be a good citizen? Book some time at overnight camp or day-school and Hillary will take it from there. Veterinarian-owned Sirius offers family friendly puppy and adult dog training classes at their Walnut Creek location. Based on Dr. Ian Dunbar’s methods laid out in his series of instructional books, Sirius will guide you from your puppy’s first year all the way through basic obedience training.
The kids are busy with school, sports, and music lessons, and you’re at work all day. Who’s going to walk the dog? East Bay Dog Walkers in Danville uses online scheduling to book their potty breaks, private or group walks for pets in the Lamorinda area. Currently, their services are limited to 5-day a week regular clients. Call and schedule a “Meet N’ Greet” to find out if they’re a fit for you and your dog. With a long list of options, including neighborhood walks, outings, puppy visits, pet parties and even a pet taxi, East Bay Pet Care’s well-trained staff is bound to be able to help. Owner Beverly and her team work 365 days a year, 24 hours a day to meet all your dog’s needs.
In late spring, Lafayette throws a party for dogs. Dogtown Downtown is an annual event for pets and their families that’s been going on for over 40 years. Centered in Lafayette Plaza, the celebration includes games and visits from many animal-centric organizations, including the East Bay SPCA and Contra Costa Animal Services, among others. Local businesses on and near Mt. Diablo Boulevard open their doors to greet the canine participants and their pet parents and welcome them with treats. Yet another reason Lamorinda is a great place to be a dog!
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