Pet-Friendly Los Angeles: What to Do with Pets in L.A.

Pet-friendly Los Angeles can mean different things to different people. To some, it means the ability to pamper pets at a posh pet-friendly hotel, and for others, it means experiencing the best of L.A. together. Luckily, Los Angeles has all your bases covered, offering up services, dog parks and activities that specifically cater to your pet.

Since L.A. is the fashion hub of the West Coast, get your pet an L.A. look at Euphuria (10538 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, 818.760.2110), a full-service pet grooming salon where the groomers can vegetable dye your pet to celebrate in style (green for St. Patrick’s Day is a popular request). Top off the new look with a mood collar or a Mohawk hairdo.

For some quality time with your dog, go to Lake Hollywood and the dog park below the Hollywood Sign. They'll love to pose beneath the sign for their very own keepsake photo. Then head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to watch a celebrity get a new star or bring them to admire Lassie's or Rin Tin Tin’s paw prints. Dogs who like moving vehicles will love the Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park. Here you can see many trains, cars and lots more. Your well-behaved dog is also allowed on the miniature train ride.

And remember that a dog's vacation means plenty of fresh air and exercise, so head to Laurel Canyon Dog Park, located in the hills of Studio City near Hollywood. Off-leash hours are 6 a.m.–10 a.m. and 3 p.m.–dusk. The large fenced area is designed for small and large dogs, and is equipped with pooper scoopers and picnic benches. A small pool area for the dogs is also available for some fun cool-off time.

Redondo Beach Dog Park is located at the north end of Dominguez Park on the corner of Flagler and 190th. The facility consists of a turfed and fenced three-acre dog run, including separate areas for large and small dogs, who are free to roam leash-free. Amenities include benches and drinking fountains for both dogs and their humans. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, except on Wednesdays, when it's closed until noon.

Hollywood Hills’ trendy Runyon Canyon has undeveloped hiking trails that pets love. Celebrities spotted here include Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Justin Timberlake, Winona Ryder, Queen Latifah and Robbie Williams — there's always the possibility of meeting a celebrity’s pooch. Dog owners love the freedom here, as your pup can hike with you without a leash, and you can experience the spectacular views together.

Visit another popular doggie destination, the Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park, in the San Fernando Valley. It's fenced in and divided into two areas: one for small dogs (half an acre) and one for large dogs (five acres). Pooper scoopers are provided throughout the park for easy cleanup.

If you need alone time, your dog or cat can have a private cottage, complete with a lounge bed and a flat-screen TV, at The Kennel Club LAX (5325 W. 102nd St., Los Angeles, 310.338.9166), a resort-type "kennel" for dogs. The stay can include pet massage and yappy hour, not to mention pedicures and toe polish.

Then there are all of Los Angeles' pet-friendly hotels for owners who simply want to spend all the time they can with their beloved pets. Some, like the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, provide engraved treats, lush doggie beds and even pink tennis balls.