Your Guide to Owning A Dog in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the United States, with nearly four million people and even more in the metro area. Los Angeles is home to millions of dogs as well, and it is actually one of the best big cities in the U.S. for owning a dog.

Here’s your guide to owning a dog in Los Angeles, so you can make the most of spending time with your furry friend.

 

Why Dogs Are Great for Angelenos

Residents of Los Angeles particularly love their dogs, and as you are out and about in the city,

you’ll see tons of dogs all over. As much as you want to stop and greet every single one, it’s nearly impossible (yes, we’ve tried!). There are a few major benefits to owning a dog in such a big city. The first and biggest benefit is that dogs are excellent for stress relief, and living in such a large metro area can be stressful, with the constant traffic and fast pace of life. In general, a companionship of a dog can relieve stress and boost your mood, even preventing clinical anxiety and depression in some cases! According to Alan Beck, ScD, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University, “The simple act of petting an animal is known to cause a person’s blood pressure to drop.”

Another pawesome reason Los Angeles is an ideal city for owning a dog, is the simple reason that there are so many outdoor spaces where you can spend time together, such as parks and hiking trails. With beautiful weather almost all year round, having a dog will encourage you to get exercise and enjoy time spent outside. Dog parks are common and provide a wonderful place to exercise your dog as well. Many businesses are also dog friendly in Los Angeles, so you can bring your pet with you throughout the day as you run errands, grab a bite to eat and socialize. Dog products like hands-free dog leashes, running belts, and collapsible water bowls will help you to get around with ease.

Ready to save a life and adopt a dog? Click here!

List of dog parks in L.A.

List of dog-friendly businesses in L.A.

 

Regulations for Owning a Dog in Los Angeles

Unfortunately, with more dog owners comes more homeless dogs. This realization has recently prompted the county to change its legislation from allowing each household to have three dogs to four dogs. This rule means that you can give more homeless dogs a comfortable and happy place to live, and you can also ensure your dog has a friend to chase around the house. Remember, It’s always best to adopt a rescue dog instead of purchasing from a pet store or breeder- we love that this policy encourages dog rescue!

We do want to point out, since many Angelenos rent their homes, it’s very important to check with your landlord before adopting a dog. Each building has its own regulations for dog ownership. Most apartments have dog policies, so don’t be afraid to ask what you need to do to safely keep a dog in your apartment.

Another wonderful improvement that Los Angeles is making in its housing policies is that affordable housing complexes will potentially be required to allow pets. This will make affordable

housing much more accessible and realistic for many people that need it. While this legislation has not been finalized yet, it will potentially become official in a few months.

More and more L.A. residential and commercial operations are designing their establishments with dog ownership in mind. Before adopting any pet be sure that you discuss it with all family members and note all the different financial responsibilities that come with owning a pet including supplies, food, vet visits, grooming, pet sitter, dog walker (hey, that’s us!), house repairs and maintenance, and more.

All these considerations are important to note when owning a dog in Los Angeles or anywhere. As always, pets are a lifetime commitment!

If you would like to learn more or if you would like to use our pet care services reach out to us via email or call us.

Previous

Next

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Animal Magnetism Pet Professionals

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Skip to content