Local Pet Guide

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Your guide to pet care resources on the Monterey Peninsula. From local rescues to pet stores to pet care tips.

Explore Rescues

Local Rescues and Shelters

Supporting the compassionate organizations that give domestic animals a second chance in Monterey County.

SPCA Monterey County

Assuring compassionate treatment of all animals through rescue, rehabilitation, protection and education.

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Animal Friends Rescue Project

Animal Friends Rescue Project (AFRP) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Pacific Grove, California. We are dedicated to finding good permanent homes for abandoned, stray, and abused companion animals.

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Golden Oldies Cat Rescue

Golden Oldies Cat Rescue is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit dedicated to finding good homes for cats 6 years and older in Monterey County.

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Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

POMDR's mission is to be a resource and advocate for senior dogs and senior people on California’s Central Coast.

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Hitchcock Road Animal Services

The County of Monterey and City of Salinas formally merged Animal Services in 2023 through a Joint Powers Agreement, creating Hitchcock Road Animal Services Agency. They provide lost and found services, licensing, and adoption programs.

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South County Animal Rescue (SCAR)

South County Animal Rescue was established to provide a no-kill, safe-house facility for domestic animals. Their goal is to significantly reduce the homeless population of domestic animals in South Monterey County.

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Heading Home Animal Rescue

Heading Home Animal Rescue is a 501(C)(3) non-profit dedicated to finding good homes for local shelter animals in need.

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Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

Has shelters in Scotts Valley and Watsonville. Receives animals found within Santa Cruz County and contracting cities. They provide lost and found services, licensing, and adoption programs.

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Our Neighboorhood Pet Project

Our Neighborhood Pet Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to reducing the number of unwanted litters in South Monterey County by providing access to free or low-cost spay/neuter services for dogs and domestic and feral cats. They also work with their rescue neighborhood partners to help animals in need of new homes.

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Local Pet Stores

Quality supplies and nutrition for your dogs, cats, bunnies, and chickens.

You've got lots of pet parent support with this amazing local small business! They have a curated pet shop, self-serve dog wash, resource guide, and small animal boarding. Check out your local shop in PG or Carmel Valley.

Lot of good stuff here! This local small business has quality treats, toys, chews, and other essentials. Check out your local shop in Cannery Row.

This local small business is full of quality treats, food, toys, and other essentials. They also provide nutrition counseling. Check out your local shop in Carmel.

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Local Hazards to Watch Out For

Plants and predators to watch out for in our local community.

local foxtail grass sprouting from ice plant

Foxtails act as biological "one-way needles," using barbed seeds to burrow deep into a pet's skin, ears, nose, or paws. Once inside, these seeds can migrate toward vital organs, carrying bacteria that cause painful abscesses and severe internal infections. Because they are invisible on standard X-rays, they often require specialized imaging or surgery to locate and remove.

Learn More About Foxtails

Poison oak contains urushiol, a potent oil that clings to pet fur and remains active for months, posing a significant risk of secondary transfer to humans. While pets are shielded by their coats, the oil easily transfers to your skin or furniture through touch, causing a painful, itchy rash before you even realize they've been exposed. If your pet encounters poison oak, wash them immediately with degreasing soap and gloves to stop the oil from spreading through your home.

Learn More About Poison Oak

zoomed in photo of tick crawling on rock

Ticks are a common concern in the Monterey area, often found in tall grass or brush where they can latch onto passing animals or people. While they are known carriers of various illnesses, regular use of veterinarian-approved preventatives and doing tick checks after outdoor adventures are highly effective at keeping both your pets and your home safe. Pay close attention to tick hot-spots such as the ears, neck, and between the toes.

Tick Safety

local coyote running on sidewalk by trees

In Monterey, coyotes are a year-round presence and pose a threat because they are highly adaptable predators that view small pets as natural prey. While they are generally skittish, they can easily jump 6-foot fences to reach animals in "secure" yards. They are especially active during twilight and nighttime hours. Beyond the physical risk of an attack, they can also transmit diseases and parasites, such as mange or rabies, to domestic pets through direct contact. Just give them space.

Local Coyote Safety

As elusive apex predators, bobcats and mountain lions are highly skilled ambush hunters that can silently enter yards by leaping over standard 6-foot fences. While bobcats typically target smaller pets, mountain lions are capable of taking down large dog breeds and livestock with little to no warning. To protect your pets, avoid outdoor feeding and always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid hiking in remote areas at dawn and dusk.

Bobcat Safety

Mountain Lion Safety

Skunks are primarily a danger because of their potent chemical spray, which can cause temporary blindness, intense nausea, and severe ocular irritation for both pets and owners. While the smell is the most famous concern, skunks are also primary carriers of rabies and leptospirosis, posing a serious disease risk through bites or direct contact. If your pet is sprayed, avoid bringing them inside and use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid soap to neutralize the oils before they saturate the fur.

Skunk Safety and De-Skunking

Fleas are a persistent year-round threat on the Monterey Peninsula, capable of quickly compromising the health and comfort of your entire household. These parasites cause severe skin irritation and allergic reactions, while also serving as carriers for tapeworms and other blood-borne illnesses. To keep your home a safe sanctuary, we recommend consistent, veterinarian-approved prevention and immediate action at the first sign of fleas to prevent an infestation from taking hold.

Flea Safety

Local, Legal Off-Leash Dog Areas

Important note when visiting off-leash areas: Ensure your dog is friendly with other dogs, responsive to voice commands, always pick-up after your dog, and check posted signs for latest rules.

Carmel Beach is hot spot for tourists but it's also our local dog beach! If you're looking for a beach to let your dogs run free at, this is the spot. Forgot dog bags? No problem! Look for dog bag dispensers in several spots along the beach trail.

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