According to the Humane Society of the United States, if all rental housing units permitted pets, approximately 6.5 million animals could be placed in homes. All too often, shelters are filled to capacity with perfectly healthy, friendly animals that simply weren’t allowed to move with their families.

At the Santa Cruz SPCA, we have established a list of pet-friendly rentals, including apartment complexes (see link below) and popular vacation rentals (see Vacation Rentals tab) available in Santa Cruz County to assist residents with their search.

We also offer guidelines to help tenants increase their chances of landlord approval, and information for landlords on the benefits of renting to pet-owners and how to manage pet-friendly properties.

Visit our Pet-friendly Housing Listings page for apartments, condominiums, and townhouses for rent.

The following hotels have pet-friendly policies. For more information, contact the hotel directly.

Whether you are driving across country or just going out for lunch, there are often times when you want to grab a bite to eat with your four-legged friend in tow. You can always go to a fast food restaurant drive-through or purchase food to go at many restaurants. But the you’ll have to eat in your car, in your hotel room, or at home.

While not all outdoor restaurants allow dogs, many restaurants throughout the United States and Canada allow people to dine outside with their pooch. There are certain rules of thumb to follow that will increase your chances of finding a pet-friendly establishment. First, make sure you can access the outdoor seats without having to walk through the inside of the restaurant. Second, find a restaurant that does not serve food outside. Restaurants that require you to order your food inside and then take the food to an outdoor table are more likely to allow dogs than an outdoor restaurant where waiters serve food. While fast food restaurants fall under this category, so do a varieties of cafes. Third, if you prefer to have food served by a waiter, it is just a matter of asking around at various restaurants. To help narrow down your search, try finding a restaurant that offers sidewalk seating. A sidewalk is usually considered a public right-of-way where dogs are permitted, but it is still up to the restaurant management to allow dogs. Fourth, you will always need to ask a restaurant employee in advance if your pooch is welcome to dine with you al fresco. It most cases, it is up the restaurant owner to decide the policy.

When you do find that perfect outdoor eating establishment that welcomes your best friend, be sure to practice good doggie dining etiquette. Here are some tips that will help outdoor restaurants continue to be pet-friendly.

Etiquette Tips for Dogs at Outdoor Restaurants

• Make sure your pooch is well-behaved around other people, especially children.
• Leash your four-legged friend and keep him or her from socializing with other diners or employees, unless welcomed.
• Try to keep your dog close to your table or chair so he or she is not in the waiter’s path. Dogs are not allowed on chairs or tables.
• Bring your own doggie bowl or ask the waiter for a paper or plastic bowl or cup for water if necessary. Pets are not permitted to eat or drink out of restaurant glasses or dishes, unless they are disposable.
• Remember to tie your dog to your chair and not a table. A dog tied to a table can result in spilled drinks or food the dog is strong enough to make the table move.
• Always call ahead or ask first to make sure an establishment allows dogs at their outdoor tables.

For an up-to-date list of pet-friendly vacation rentals in beautiful Santa Cruz, browse these listings.