Best Veterinarian: The Drake Center for Veterinary Care
Famous for its friendly staff, Drake keeps furry family members healthy with cutting-edge technologies and techniques. The full-service veterinary center offers preventative and emergency care, dentistry, surgery, acupuncture, behavioral education, bathing, boarding, and more. (760/753-9393, www.thedrakecenter.com)
Best Pet Adoption Organization: Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helping homeless animals is only part of the humane mission at this nonprofit, no-kill shelter, which adopts out adorable orphaned pets and also organizes Pet Encounter Therapy visits to children’s shelters, psychiatric facilities, and senior centers. (858/756-4117, www.animalcenter.org)
Best Groomer: Dirty Dogs & Dog In Suds
Bathtime can be fun, but the muss and fuss? Forget about it. At Dirty Dogs’ two local locations, you can rub-a-dub your dog in a fully loaded facility without dealing with the cleanup. Or skip the DIY and spring for the We-Do-It-For-U-Scrub. (760/944-DOGS, 858/259-DOGS, www.dirtydogsandmeow.com)
Even the most grooming-adverse pooches enjoy getting primped and pampered at Encinitas’ Dog in Suds. Clients appreciate the accommodating, reliable service, and dogs of all shapes and sizes dig the groomers who clearly enjoy what they do. (760/943-0653)
Best Pet Store: Petco
Tails wag at the very mention of Petco, with its huge aisles of squeaky toys, not to mention healthful foods and treats, and anything else you might need for your favorite family pet, from fish to Fido. (www.petco.com)
Best Doggy Daycare: Markim Pet Resort
Your best bud will have a blast at this nine-acre pet resort in Carmel Valley, which offers doggie daycare and overnight boarding. Each stay includes outdoor playtime, with the option of adding extra sessions or a morning swim. (858/481-3881, www.markimpet.com)
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