If you know me, you know I love dogs! Our family has rescued several pups in need of a loving home – we currently have two furry friends that we adore.

So I’ve learned some stuff about living with dogs in Santa Cruz County! Whether you just got a pandemic pup this year, or if you’ve had a four-footed friend for a while, I hope you find some ideas to improve your life with a dog in Santa Cruz. There are so many dog-friendly hikes, dog-friendly restaurants, and amazing dog services here!

Dog Groomers and Dog-Friendly Spas

EarthWise Pets in Scotts Valley provides quality grooming as well as food and other supplies, along with tons of knowledge and love for dogs – talk about a dog-friendly space! If you have a picky pet, these folks can help.

Paradise Pet Salon on East Cliff in Twin Lakes get super high marks from customers, especially for curly-haired dogs!

Best Dog Trainers

I only have one recommendation here, because he’s the best: George Menna

Dog-Friendly Dining in Santa Cruz County

These restaurants all get high marks from diners for their dog-friendly patios and outdoor seating.

• Lupulo Craft Beer House, Downtown Santa Cruz
• Harbor Cafe, on 7th Street near the Harbor
• Seabright Social, near Seabright Beach
• Jia Tellas in Scotts Valley has a great patio for pups
• Discretion Brewery and Humble Sea Brewing both serve great beer and are friendly to pooches.
• West End Tap Kitchen, and, in fact, that whole little pocket that includes Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing and 11th Hour Coffee are a great place to hang with your puppy.

Dog Sitting and Walking Services

Bed and Biscuits on Chanticleer Street offers both grooming and pet-sitting services, and their clients love them!

Who’s Your Walkie? A full service dog care company, from little puppies to grand old dogs

WoofPack – the hiking camp for dogs!

Dog Parks, Dog Beaches, and Dog-Friendly Walks in Santa Cruz County

When you have a small dog, it is nice when a dog park has separate areas for large and small dogs. You can find divided dog parks at Sky Park in Scotts Valley and at Meder Street Park in Santa Cruz. There is also one of off Frederick St – this is a great park for the human kids, too!

Have a water-loving dog? Our favorite beaches to take our dogs to play are Lighthouse Field Beach (across from Lighthouse Field), Mitchell’s Cove (just watch out for the stinky seaweed that sometimes collects here), and Seabright Beach. Lighthouse Beach and nearby It’s Beach are generally off-leash beaches, but rules change – check the signs at the top of the stairs!

For hikes, our favorites are Land of Medicine Buddha and Pogonip State Park. Check the signs here and at all other local hiking areas to see which trails allow dogs.

Where do you love to take your dog in Santa Cruz County?