Helen Woodward Animal Center 2017

Handsome black dog at Helen Woodward Animal Center

Meet Jacket! This big, happy-go-lucky Lab-shepherd mix is still a puppy at heart—he's not quite 2. The world is pretty new and exciting for him, and he's still working on adult social graces, but he's a smart boy and loves to learn. If there's play involved, so much the better (check out his video). He'd be a lap dog if he could—he loves to snuggle with people and really wants one of his own. If you're the one who can help Jacket become the amazing dog he's meant to be, get in touch! Jacket's just one of many dogs currently getting the best of care at the Helen Woodward Animal Center, which has been coming to the rescue of animals in need in the San Diego area for over 40 years. Read more.

San diego strut

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is all aglow for the holidays, and for dogs and their people. The fun comes to a head on Dec. 11, when pet owners and their furry, feathered, and scaled companions are invited to don their favorite costumes for this jolly promenade and pet expo. Read more.

San Diego bound

Lily Pond at Balboa Park, San Diego.

In San Diego County, it’s a dog life when it comes to hiking, beaching, dining and sharing a hotel room with your pup. Read more.

Off-leash beaches for chasing waves

Three off-leash dogs frolicking at the beach.

For water-loving canines, nothing beats fetching a bright yellow tennis ball from the surf and romping full speed ahead on a sandy beach. But while there’s plenty of sand to share with your leashed pup along California’s 840 miles of coastline, you should know before you go where dogs are and aren’t allowed to run off-leash. Here are a few of our favorite off-leash beaches.

Helen woodward animal center

Piccolo The good folks at Helen Woodward Animal Center have seen quite a few surprising things in their decades of providing resources and support to the San Diego area's animals and their people. Read more.