When it comes to buying a home, especially in a big city like Anaheim, CA, Fido’s interests may not always take top priority. You are so consumed with finding the best school districts and the shortest commutes that the needs man’s best friend often takes a backseat.
This doesn’t mean we don’t love our furry friends, it’s quite the contrary, but we can neglect their needs when we’re tied up making life-changing decisions. Orange County is a dog lover’s paradise, with pristine beaches, well-kept dog parks and tons of out-door activities in which pets are welcome.
Most people don’t buy homes based on where the best dog parks are located, but maybe you do. Even if Anaheim doesn’t offer what your dog needs, the nearby cities of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are sure to.
So now that you’re taking your precious pooch’s needs to heart, here are some important things for pet owners to consider when buying a home in Anaheim, CA:
Anaheim Dog Parks
When it comes to Anaheim dog parks, there are many on- and off-leash options in the city and surrounding communities. Some dog-friendly parks, which require a leash, include the Santa Ana River Path through Anaheim; Yorba Regional Park in Anaheim; Irvine Regional Park and Peters Canyon Regional Park in the City of Orange; and Centennial Regional Park in nearby Santa Ana. But if off-leash is more your style – and who are we kidding, off-leash is always better – then check out Bellis Park in Buena Park; Fullerton Pooch Park in Fullerton; Garden Grove Dog Park in Garden Grove and Yorba Dog Park in the City of Orange.
Restaurants with dog-friendly menus
When you go out to eat, it only makes sense that you’d want your best friend with you, and there’s no better place to dine than one the caters to our furry friends. In addition to several chain restaurants that welcome pets, including Chipotle, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Johnny Rockets, Rubios Baja Grill, and many others, Orange County is also home to the Lazy Dog Café, which famously boasts a full dog menu. Leashed dogs are welcome on the patio and are treated to fresh water and a full menu of delicious treats. There are two locations near Anaheim at 1623 West Katella Ave. in neighboring Orange and at 16310 Beach Blvd. in Westminster. In Huntington Beach there is the original restaurant with dog menus probably in the country, the Park Bench Cafe. Other Anaheim restaurants with dog-friendly patios include Alea Café, Clancy’s Clubhouse and JT Schmid’s.
Dog-friendly outdoor activities
If you’re more of a beach bum, Anaheim has several dog-friendly beaches just a short drive away. Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Dana Point and Laguna Beach all offer pet-friendly activities. In fact, Huntington Beach has been named Orange County’s “dog-friendliest beach” in Orange County and boast one of the only off-leash dog beach in the area. If you live in more inland areas, such as Anahiem, you can pick up The Doggie Bus in Tustin, which takes pets and their owners to both Hunting Beach and Laguna Beach. Also, be sure to check out Newport Beach’s boat tour, which takes passengers on a quick voyage past celebrity homes and on a two-hour whale watching tour. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the boat. If shopping with you pup is more your style, the open-air, dog friendly Fashion Island shopping mall in Newport Beach is a wonderful destination. Many stores offer fresh water and treats for your dogs.
Emergency veterinary service
Perhaps one of the most important features for pet owners to consider when buying a home is the emergency veterinary services. The Yorba Regional Animal Hospital in Anaheim is the area’s premier pet care facility. Staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week for pet emergencies, Yorba offers comprehensive and compassionate veterinary medicine and pet care. The Orange County Emergency Pet Hospital is Garden Grove is another standout facility nearby.
The happiest place on earth
Anaheim is the Orlando of the West Coast and therefore attracts a lot of tourists, who often bring their pets with them on their travels. While Disneyland only allows service dogs inside the park, the resort features one of the nicest dog and cat kennels in Southern California. The Disneyland Kennel Club is basically Disneyland for your pets. The air-conditioned facility does fill up, so be sure to make reservations in advance. The kennel is a day facility only, no overnight accommodations are provided. However, many hotels in the area are pet friendly. The Downtown Disney shopping mall also allows leashed pets, however, they’re not allowed in stores.
These are just a few things pet owners should keep in mind when shopping for a home in Anaheim, CA. And even if these don’t appeal to you, remember that Anaheim – and all of Southern California for that matter – offers some of the best weather in the world. No matter what season or time of year it is, you can almost always take your dog for a walk. While property values, local schools, and commute times are important, knowing your beloved pet is happy, comfy and safe can reduce a lot of stress.
2 Point Highlight
- Anaheim is the Orlando of the West Coast and therefore attracts a lot of tourists, who often bring their pets with them on their travels.
- When it comes to Anaheim dog parks, there are many on- and off-leash options in the city and surrounding communities.
