San Diego's Dog Days

So many people are traveling with pets these days that there are entire web sites devoted to the topic. Many of those sites place San Diego among the top towns for welcoming animals. Dogs, in particular, enjoy being here because of the number of hotels that welcome them, the number of enclosed dog parks available and the special pet facilities built to pamper them.

Hotels
Hotels in all price ranges are waiting to say howdy to your dog. Not only will they house your pooch, many provide dog-sitting, toys and even a pet bed. Some have size restrictions so discuss your situation when you make a reservation. Also some require a pet fee.

W San Diego
Horton Grand
Residence Inn by Marriott
Red Lion Hanalei
Holiday inn on the Bay
Staybridge Suites
Vagabond Inns
Motel 6
La Quinta
Hilton Hotels
La Valencia
Coronado Bay Resort
Manchester Grand Hyatt

If your hotel isn''t listed, ask.

Dog Parks
San Diego hosts some of the best dog parks in the country. Many are multi-acred, have access to the ocean or bay and have extended hours. Among the leash-free parks are:

Dog Beach - perhaps the most famous. It's at the foot of Voltaire St in Ocean Beach, minutes from downtown and Mission Valley. Dogs get to romp in the water and shake off in the sand.

Balboa Park - Nate's Point on the south side of Cabrillo Bridge (6th & Laurel Sts) or Morley Field northwest of the tennis courts near Upas St.

Capehart Park - Felspar and Soledad Mtn Rd. Fenced with water, picnic tables and benches.
Fiesta IslandÐnear SeaWorld on Mission Bay. Large acreage, mostly fenced, with access to the bay.

Kearney Mesa Community Park - 3170 Armstrong St. Lighted for evening use.
Be a good neighbor and clean up after your dog. Also make sure your dog has good manners, "plays well with others," and is under your control.

Doggy Facilities
There are times when you need to board your dog for a few hours or even a day while you're in San Diego. Furry Tales Doggy Day Care can free you up for an afternoon - or a week. You get to play while your pooch enjoys play space, drinks filtered water and flooring that's easy on the joints. You get to watch it all on web cam. 619-795-0618.

Mail-Order Stuff
Need a crate to travel with Rover? A bed for the car? Vitamins to fuel playtme? Find those and a host of other products at www.roundofappaws.com. Prices are good.

So bring your four-legged family members to San Diego. There's no reason why they can't enjoy America's Finest City, too.