Making Sure Every Dog Has His or Her Day

There's no reason to leave a member of the family behind when you visit San Diego. With these pet service providers, your four-legged friend can get as much out of their stay in San Diego as you do.

Where to Wash Up

San Diegans LOVE to take their dogs out to play. In addition to the many groomers in the county, a number of businesses also support outdoor adventures with do-it-yourself pet wash facilities.

Dog Beach Dog Wash

Located just 2 1/2 blocks from Ocean Beach's Dog Beach, the Dog Beach Dog Wash is the perfect place to get the sand out after a vigorous beach run and ocean romp. This self-service wash provides owners with everything they need to get their pooches pristine, and even offers self-grooming stations with clippers.

Noah's Natural Pet Market

A self-service pet wash that provides everything needed to comfortably bathe and groom dogs or cats. No appointment is necessary. Noah's also stocks a wide variety of products, including collars, leashes, shampoo, toys and an entire line of holistic, natural dog food, plus the raw dog diet, dietary supplements and treats.

Dunk 'n Dogs

A family-run business 15 minutes inland from Pacific Beach and Fiesta island, Dunk 'n Dogs offers both self-service dog wash facilities and full-service grooming. They have hydrosurge tubs, all-natural shampoos and conditioners and drying stations.

City Dog

A good choice if you're staying near Downtown. City Dog offers a host of supplies for the do-it-yourself groomer, or you can make an appointment for professional services.

South Bark Dog Wash

Known for its signature Blueberry Facial, this locally owned dog wash is just three blocks from Grape Street Dog Park, in the charming South Park neighborhood. The full-service spa menu offers everything from hypo-allergenic and medicated washes to flea treatments and mud facials to remove the dreaded skunk smell.

Dirty Dogs

Featuring "earth-friendly" pet products, Dirty Dogs provides everything you need to wash up your pooch yourself; the business also offers full-service grooming. Locations include Carmel Valley, Torrey Hills, Solana Beach, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Carlsbad and Hillcrest.

Dog Days

Located at the gateway to Pacific Beach, Dog Days offer a wide range of services, including cage-free daycare, boarding, grooming, doggie transportation, and pack hikes and beach adventures.

Pet Spas & Camps

Whether you have a purebred pooch or a well-loved mutt, there is nothing better after a day at the park or a run on the beach than a good bath. With grooming options that range from neighborhood self-serve washes to nationally recognized pet spas, San Diego offers visiting pets lots of ways to get gorgeous.

The Pet Market & Spa

Brand-new on the San Diego scene, this Mission Valley business offers pet products, grooming, self-bathing options, in-home services and more. It's your one-stop destination for everything from doggie spa treatments to organic treats — even clothing and accessories, for cats as well as dogs.

Holiday Pet Hotel

With luxury spa treatments ranging from skin and coat treatments to pedicures to hydrotherapy massage, it's no surprise that Holiday Pet Hotel in Encinitas was once named one of the country's "top 10 places to pamper your pooch" by the Travel Channel. They also offer doggie day care and dog and cat boarding.

Camp Run-A-Mutt

Offering cage-free daycare, Camp Run-A-Mutt features a splash pond, sun deck, toys and tons of canine fun. Multiple locations around San Diego County.

Wag Hotel

This pet boarding option in Mission Valley East boasts of a luxury experience for your dog or cat, with a range of rooms and suites, complimentary feedings, plush bedding, and either social play with other pooches or complimentary cuddles and playtime for cats. Pet daycare is also offered.

Pet Accessories & Treats

San Diego is home to hip and trendy pet boutiques where animals and their owners can browse the latest in pet fashions, stock up on squeak toys, munch on house-made biscuits and much more. Your dog or cat will be sure to thank you for making them the hippest animals on the block. Following are a few favorite places to sniff out a bargain:

Muttropolis

Designer pet boutique for "haute dogs and cool cats" offering an extensive collection of luxury pet gifts, fashionable outfits, and gourmet food and treats. Locations in La Jolla and Solana Beach.

Petco

Petco Grooming Salons offer full-service grooming and bathing, plus a variety of special services for all breeds of dogs and cats. Appointments are not necessary but recommended. For special dog treats, the Petco Dog Bar is similar to a salad bar and shaped like a dog bone — but this bar serves up bones, treats and 21 different healthy, tasty cookies in such shapes as fire hydrants, dog houses, teddy bears and Oreos.

Paw Pleasers

This full-service bakery features custom cakes for dogs and cats, plus a birthday club for your furry friends; locations are in North Park and Chula Vista.

Dexter's Deli

A health-food store for dogs and cats, Dexter's also offers a line of toys and gifts. Locations in North Park, Del Mar and Carlsbad.

Find more tips on traveling with pets:

• Dog Friendly Restaurants
• Tips While Staying at Pet Friendly Hotels
• Off Leash Dog Parks and Dog Beaches
• Dog-Friendly Breweries