Best of the Beach: Dog Walking, Dog Grooming, Veterinarian Hospital, Pet Store
Dog Walking
Fancy Tails
If you watch the reality TV show ‘Vanderpump Dogs’ on the Peacock Network, and you think you recognize a certain dog walker, she’s Tracy Robinson of the wildly popular Fancy Tails, locally owned and operated since 2003. Perhaps more importantly, Robinson is a celebrity in the Beach Cities, through customers’ word of mouth, person-to-person and on social media. Her Instagram account, @fancytails, is especially popular.
And there’s dog-to-dog word of mouth. That’s when people pass each other on The Strand and wonder why their dogs know each other, then figure out they have the same dog walker who actually uses CBD dog treats to tame dogs.
“Then the people become friends,” Robinson said.
Fancy Tails offers dog walking, private dog training, overnight pet sitting, and backyard play dates where 10 to 15 well-matched dogs can run around, chase balls, chase each other, and just be dogs.
Robinson is known for updating owners with videos and action photos of their dogs at play. She’s also a member of the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce, where the president is one of her customers. Seriously, she’s everywhere.
@fancytails Instagram
fancytailscompany.com
310-937-4408
Dog Grooming
Castle K-9 Grooming Salon and Boutique
Castle K-9 boasts an experienced, professional and attentive grooming staff with more than 10 years experience, using only natural products on our furry family members.
A Yelp reviewer praised the staff for their “unbelievably patient, calm and caring” attention to her timorous rescue dog Teddy, who came out of his shell to “completely trust the staff and actually enjoy coming to Castle K-9” for grooming.
“You will never ever find a more caring and professional groomer than Castle K9,” another human yelped.
Another Yelper said she was terrified to take her dogs to the groomers, one of whom was prone to seizures.
“My babies were treated amazingly, and were not even nervous when going.”
Castle K-9
5145 Calle Mayor
Torrance, CA 90505
castlek-9.com
Runner-up
Bow Wow Boutique
433 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach
(310) 372-7722
Bowwowboutiquecare.com
Veterinarian Hospital
VCA Coast Animal Hospital
South Bay institution VCA once again got our readers’ nod for the expert and caring attention to their pets from first shots and examinations, through a lifetime of preventive and healing care.
The accomplished veterinarians draw on resources including a VCA Knowledge Base of more than 4,000 veterinarians and veterinary specialists nationwide.
In addition, the VCA Specialty Hospital provides state-of-the-art care in specialties such as orthopedic surgery, physical therapy, advanced oncology and stem cell therapy.
The VCA Hospital is among only 15 percent of veterinary hospitals to earn accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association, passing muster with the association’s exhaustive evaluations.
VCA Coast Animal Hospital – HB
1560 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
vcahospitals.com
Runner-up
VCA Animal hospital
560 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Hermosa Beach
(310) 376-8819
vcahospitals.com/hermosa
Pet Store
Petco Redondo Beach
South Bay favorite Petco earned our readers’ top nod for their knowledgeable, attentive service and unbeatable range of food, treats, litter, medications , habitat, toys and treats for cats, dogs, fish, reptiles, birds, and other beasties.
Petco earns praise as well for its obedience and protection training for dogs.
A Yelp reviewer drives past many closer stores to get to Redondo Petco for the patient, knowledgeable customer service that has guided her since her first days raising a small puppy, all the way along a learning curve that started back at zero.
For shoppers who don’t want to venture into the store, Petco offers curbside pickup, or free same-day delivery on orders of $35 or more.
PetCo, Redondo Beach
petco.com
537 N. PCH
Redondo Beach 90277
310-374-7969
Runner-up
Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies
413 N. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Redondo Beach
(310) 318-2653
centinelafeed.com