Valley of the Dogs

We are a nation that has gone bonkers for dogs. These days dogs are considered part of the family, with owners zeroing in on their personalities, traits, emotions and wellbeing. Services for our best friends—from fruity facials to seasonal, farm-fresh dinners—are booming. Here are a few of the most creative and, dare we say, decadent ones in the Valley. 

PetStaurant sounds like a place to enjoy tapas with your pooch, but it’s actually aimed at healing pets. Organic, human-grade recipes are geared toward eliminating or soothing ailments from hot spots to cancer.  

Kombucha Dog is the brainchild of Michael Faye. The photographer shoots striking portraits of homeless dogs for the bottle labels on his special brew of kombucha tea. With flavors like mint and blueberry, the drink is sold at grocery stores, restaurants and bodegas across the Valley. 

With four locations in the LA region, Just Food for Dogs “food kitchen” makes recipes on site with certified, food-grade, preservative-free ingredients in small batches. Gourmet meals include gluten-free venison and squash and turkey, and whole wheat macaroni made with ingredients “approved for human consumption.” Custom recipes; home delivery available. 

At Wylder’s Holistic Dog Center and Pet Rescue customers can adopt a dog rescued from an LA animal shelter. The center also carries a varied and unique line of dog items and holistic products and offers dog training, communication, pet photography and massage. A portion of the proceeds goes toward a nonprofit that rescues and rehabilitates dogs.

“What hairstyle would you like?” the groomer inquired at Healthy Spot. “Hairstyle?” we asked. “Yes. Calvin has beautiful, deep-set eyes, so I’d suggest one that really brings out his eyes.” Suffice it to say, this high-end retail chain takes grooming to a new level. Massage, blueberry facial and fur dying (priced upon request) are also available. 

Top-of-the-line grooming is just the beginning at Wagmor Luxury Pet Hotel & Spa. Oxygen treatments, aromatherapy and mud bath are also offered in the spa. Day and overnight care are available at the facility, which has the same owners as Wylder’s Dog Center & Rescue.

There are mobile services for food, haircuts and wardrobe styling, so why not to get the kinks out? Buddha Dog will send a registered veterinary technician and massage therapist to your home for acupressure, “TTouch,” stone massage and Reiki for small pets.