Lindsey recently booked dog boarding with David in Irvine
I was very nervous about using Rover because my older dog is not always receptive to new people. David was awesome. Very considerate and communicated very well while I was traveling for work. I will use David again for my pups, definitely.
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Stacey's review on Jul 16, 2019
Responded right away. Very friendly, updates & pictures. I felt very comfortable having my baby cared for by Nicolette & Jeff. Thank you!!!
Jessica's review on Jul 16, 2019
I would definitely recommend Emily and would use her again! She was a lifesaver. She showed up on time, sent photos and my dog absolutely loved her. Emily was flexible, available on short notice and super nice. Thanks again, Emily!
Diane's review on Jul 15, 2019
Good communication. Quick follow up and a real dog person. It's so nice to see my pup happy when dog lovers care for her. Good pictures, excellent walks and was aware of my dogs specifc needs.
John's review on Jun 30, 2019
Sydney was easy to communicate with and very flexible my pup had a great time its 10/10 we for sure use her again to watch over our dog.
Eduardo's review on Jun 10, 2019
Michelle is always wonderful with Monty. So glad to have someone with who genuinely cares for your pet. Keeps us updated throughout his stay, which is always great for the parents. ;-)
Renee's review on Jun 07, 2019
Very reliable and communicative! Sent me updates and were very accommodating. Macy had a great time.
Chris's review on Jun 06, 2019
Another awesome stay! This one was the longest stay so far and Fred was well taken care of and treats Suzy and her family like his own. Cant say enough good things.
Jane's review on Jun 01, 2019
Asuka was an awesome sitter for my dog with separation anxiety! He came back very happy and well fed. I would def rebook. Thanks!
Top Dog Parks in Irvine
There are plenty of hiking trails in Irvine, but what’s great about Central Bark, located at 6405 Oak Canyon, and opened in 2000, is that it’s off-leash, and there are almost three acres of land for your dog to run and let loose. The park, which neighbors the Oak Creek Golf Club and Driving Range, features separate areas for large and small dogs. Although mostly open field, there are a few tree-lined walkways, as well as shelters above the seating areas to shade you from the sun. If you have a busy day and can’t make it to the park until after work hours, it’s not a problem, as Central Bark has lighting for evening romps. However, the park closes at 10pm (other than on Wednesdays, when it’s closed all day to maintain its cleanliness.) There is also a watering facility for your pup if it gets thirsty from all the playtime.
Beginning in the north at the Quail Hill Trailhead,Shady Canyon is a dream trail for dog walkers in Irvine. The 7.8 mile, asphalt and concrete route runs along Shady Canyon Drive in southern Irvine, passing through Irvine Ranch and its natural landmarks. Although hilly, the trail is worth the challenge, as you’ll see stunning views, especially when you cross Bommer Canyon, part of the 16,000-acre Irvine Ranch—the first California Natural Landmark. Although dogs must stay on a leash, you and your pup can enjoy the beautiful wild flowers along the dirt path. This trail is suitable for all skill levels, despite the hills along the canyon. You’ll also pass joggers and cyclists on your journey. There’s access to bathrooms, water, and picnic tables along the path so that you and your furry friend can take a well-earned break.
The Turtle Rock Trail winds its way through the neighborhood of the same name, Turtle Rock. Even though it’s a short distance (a little over two miles), it’s a bit of a climb and thus a perfect work-out for dog sitters in Irvine. The path leads you to Shady Canyon Trail on its southern point and the University Trail on its northern end. Walking along Turtle Rock’s greenbelts and ridges leads you to the scenic 2.8 acre Quail Hill Reserve, which then marks the beginning of the Quail Hill Loop Trail. Dogs must be on a leash all throughout these network of trails.
If you feel more comfortable on a walking trail as opposed to a hiking trail, Hicks Canyon is a good option for you and your furry friend. Accessible via Hicks Canyon Community Park, it’s two miles of a concrete and crushed stone path that ends at the 5.9-mile Peters Canyon Trail. You’ll see people biking, inline skating, and even riding horses. It winds through a residential neighborhood where you can take in the views of beautifully built houses on quiet blocks. It’s an area with low foot traffic and plenty of shady areas to take a break from the sun, and if you go early enough in the morning, you may see little rabbits hopping along the adjacent trees and bushes. Note: the recommended trailpoint is the Hicks Canyon Community Park at the eastern end of the trail.
Irvine's Bark Score
How Irvine got their Bark Score
We love crunching numbers almost as much as we love caring for dogs, which is why we came up with the Bark Score. It's all about how dog-friendly a city is, and is determined using census statistics, local business information, and our own data. Irvine received a 50 out of 100 in vet availability, which includes the number of emergency veterinarians, regular vets, specialists, and the average premium for pet insurance in the area. For pet services—like groomers available, number of dog trainers, and count of Rover sitters—this city earned a 67. For the parks and fun category, Irvine received a 71 for its number of dog parks, sunny days, and dog-friendly restaurants and hotels. And last but not least, for quality of dog life which includes overall dog population, average yard size, and number of dog-friendly property rentals, this city earned a 67.
Top Dog Neighborhoods in Irvine
UC Irvine
The suburban area, home to University of California, Irvine (UCI), is a residential neighborhood bustling with young students. The campus itself is 1,474 acres and there are plenty of dog-friendly nature trails just outside the college. Dog walkers in Irvine can check out Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Bommer Canyon (just one mile from campus), Billy Goat Loop Trail (near Foothill Ranch), Deer Canyon Loop Trail, and Newport Back Bay Trail. You can also walk along Corona Del Mar State Beach, which is just 10 minutes away from the center of this college town. However, be aware of the time of day, as dogs, who must be leashed at all times, are only allowed on the sand before 10am and after 4:30pm. This is also true of the other nearby beach, Balboa Pier.
Northwood
Full of bungalows and craftsman-style homes, Northwood Village is a quiet community in northern Irvine. Its unique features include windrows made of eucalyptus, designed to prevent crop damage from the Santa Ana winds, and the large property areas encircling its single-family homes. At the corner of Bryan and Yale, the Northwood Community Park is popular among neighborhood kids thanks in part to its cinder block play castle (the park is also commonly referred to as Castle Park). Nearby the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial, a monument to veterans of the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, features 5,714 names of veterans who lost their lives.
University Park
University Park was ranked the number eighth best place to live in Irvine for 2019—up two spots from last year. William R. Mason Regional Park (originally named University Park due to its proximity to the neighborhood), is 339 acres and boasts an amphitheater, biking and hiking trails, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and more. Dog walkers in Irvine can enjoy the views of the nine-acre lake and rows of shady trees. The 16.3-acre University Community Park is also nearby, where there are bike paths and grassy areas, and you and your dog can walk along the concrete path that loops around the park.
Woodbury
You and your dog will love Woodbury Community Park, a 10.7 acre park with playfields, picnic shelters, and basketball courts. The Woodbury Community Center, located within the park, hosts events like dance and music programs, as well as basketball and soccer, so you can sit at a nearby picnic table and watch all the action happening around you. This is a public access park, but if you live within the Woodbury community, you can use the special “Woodbury Commons”, which is a 30-acre social gathering spot with its own community park, large field, three swimming pools, and a water garden.
Why do dog owners love Irvine?
Irvine is a master-planned city within Orange County, formally incorporated in 1971 and totaling only 66 square miles. With attractions like Crystal Cove State Park and historic Balboa Pier, built in 1906, Irvine is a lovely city to enjoy with a dog in tow. Families, meanwhile, can’t get enough of Pretend City Children’s Museum, a play town with 17 interactive exhibits, or the sprawling Orange County Great Park. As of 2018, the city’s population was at 276,176 people. Many large corporations have their headquarters in Irvine, including In n Out Burger, LA Fitness, Ruby’s Diner, and the United States headquarters for Toshiba. Its winters are mild, so you and your dog can explore everything there is to offer year-round, including the Wedge, a beach renowned for its huge waves. It truly is within nature, with its community and neighborhood parks, and its San Joaquin Wildlife Conservatory. It also has 44.5 miles of off-road bike trails and 282 miles of on-road bike lanes. An important outdoor attraction is its Botanical Gardens at the UCI Arboretum. The gardens cover over 12.5 acres! Dog walkers in Irvine will also love exploring the Irvine Global Village Festival, which boasts plenty of food vendors, merchants, balloon and carousel rides, and various entertainment groups. The FBI ranked Irvine as the “safest big city”, so you can feel at ease exploring everything each neighborhood has to offer. One of its top attractions is the Irvine Spectrum Center, which is a facility that offers over 100 boutique shops, a cinema, spa, and high-quality dining options. Apart from the shopping, you’ll also see the 108-foot high Giant Wheel, which provides a different perspective of the city, especially at night when everything is lit up. Head into Northwood and visit the Gratitude and Honor Memorial, dedicated to women and men who have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. You and your pup will also love to walk around the University of California - Irvine campus, where many students will be excited to see a pet on campus that they can say hi to. A major Irvine attraction is the Orange County Great Park—built on the one-time site of the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro—where you and your dog can brave a balloon ride with the Great Park Balloon. Holding 25–30 passengers and soaring 400 feet in the air, the balloon allows riders to take in views spanning 40 miles on a clear day. If you have a fear of heights, there’s still plenty of areas to walk your pup around. The two of you can sit on a nearby bench and watch the various events that take place on some of the large lawns, or you can view those who practice tennis, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and softball. As long as dogs are on the leash, you can also visit Northwood Community Park, which is over 17 acres of open play areas, an amphitheater, bicycle trails, and picnic shelters, among other accommodations. Other areas of Orange County are a quick drive away from the center of Irvine—some only take ten to fifteen minutes to get there. You can head into Newport Beach to see the three-mile long Balboa Peninsula, with a harbour on one side and a sandy beach on the other. A quick ferry ride will get you to Balboa Island for a full day of exploring and whale watching. Anaheim is also nearby, which is home to Disneyland. Although dogs aren’t allowed in the park, there are other fun areas you can visit, like the Santa Ana River Trail that curves around the river. Dog owners, sitters, and walkers will love the benefits of living in Irvine, with endless places to explore, especially outside in the warm weather!
