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Best Places For Pet Gifts In Orange County

Header_Healthy Spot
(Credit: Matthew Williams Photography)

Let's face it: pets are an important part of many people's lives. From sweaters and rain boots to catnip and cushioned beds, it's not hard to go all-out for your pet—or for someone else's—in Orange County. Impress the animal lover in your life with unique gifts for his or her pet. Whether you're scooping up some homemade dog treats or sinking your claws into a plethora of plush toys, you're bound to find stellar gifts at these OC shops.

Local Pet Market
(Credit: James Souter/Local Pet Market)

Local Pet Market
18900 Beach Boulevard
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 962-9272
www.localpetmarket.com

With the only dog beach in Orange County—albeit, unofficial—it's no wonder Huntington Beach is home to this hip pet store. With light-up letters spelling out LOCAL, wooden shelves and a concrete floor, the trendy aesthetics make the shop stand out. Although their focus is on healthy food and treats, there are plenty of goodies within that make great gifts for pet lovers. Peruse their collar wall to find a section of pet bandanas. With many different sizes and patterns, these fun items make fantastic presents. They also have a pretty stellar toy wall in addition to more human-oriented gifts like mugs, greeting cards and even CDs for the pet-obsessed.

Healthy Spot
(Credit: Courtesy of Healthy Spot)

Healthy Spot
1880 Newport Boulevard
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 877-0350
www.healthyspot.com

Another spot that really focuses on the animals' well being, Healthy Spot sells everything from Ciao Grilled Fillets to hip and joint treats. But that isn't all they offer. Their beds come with removable cushions so cats or dogs can curl up in the empty space or cuddle up against the plush pillow while they sleep. With different shapes to choose from, Healthy Spot's beds make a great gift for the new pet mom or pet dad in your life. The shop also sells a variety of toys, including Jax & Bones rope toys; choose from the vibrant yellow Jerry Giraffe, the bright pink Fran Flamingo or the heather grey Coco Elephant. The crisp, cleanly environment ensures you'll enjoy the experience too.

Naked Dog Bistro
(Credit: Courtesy of Naked Dog Bistro)

Naked Dog Bistro
424 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-9900
www.nakeddogbistro.com

With fresh treats and custom cakes made on-site, Naked Dog Bistro is the best place to find adorable natural treats for dogs. As most people like to spoil their fur babies, these treats can make for a spectacular gift as they are incredibly unique but still healthy—all are grain-free and gluten-free with no preservatives. Treats vary by the season, but come in flavors like peanut butter, bacon, pumpkin, salmon, carob, cheddar, carrot, chicken and spinach parmesan. While they have standard biscuits, you can also find doggy sushi, French fries and donuts. Additionally, cakes and cupcakes of various sizes are custom baked; choose the flavors and shapes you want and prepare to be amazed.

dog treats 610
(credit: shutterstock)

Animalia
16389 Bolsa Chica Road
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(714) 377-7630
www.animaliapetspecialty.com

While the majority of their selection is food, treats and bones, Animalia has some little treasures that make the store worth a visit. Consider picking up one of their leashes or collars, some of which are adorned with Swarovski crystals; this unique aspect makes for the perfect blinged out gift. Another option is to pick up some of their jewelry. The store has a wide selection of rings, bracelets and necklaces featuring paw prints and bones. Beyond jewelry, they also have a variety of animal-related clothing and décor like coasters and picture frames. Their bumper stickers also make a great gift as you can tailor them to the breed of your friends' dogs.

DOGMA
(credit: Nina Jussila/DOGMA)

Dogma
21113 Newport Coast Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92657
(949) 640-6072
www.dogmaoc.com

There's a reason that Dogma has been around for more than a decade already. Their service and dedication to animals make it an enjoyable place to shop over and over again. As you search for goodies, make sure to check out the clothes. With unique patterns, materials and designs, you won't find doggy apparel like this anywhere else. From plaids and furs to zippers and sports jerseys, you're likely to find something that's one-of-a-kind to gift a friend or family member. They also sell interesting beds, pillows and fashion carriers that also won't be found at other pet stores, including a mini racecar bed and the Sniffany & Co. pillow.

Pet Country
(Credit: Katie Berger)

Pet Country
22485 El Toro Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 951-7387
www.petcountryweb.com

Pet Country heavily promotes partnerships with other organizations in the community that help facilitate animal adoptions so why not give the best pet gift of all? A pet! With dog adoptions on-site every Saturday and cat adoptions at Mission Viejo's Pet Rescue Center, it's easy to gain access to plenty of little creatures looking for forever homes. Within the store, many of the brands of toys offered are unique—they can't be found at places like Petco or PetSmart. Many are made of recycled or organic materials and they even offer glow-in-the-dark balls—perfect for nighttime fetch sessions. Pet Country also sells plenty of knickknacks like mugs, wall décor with animal-related quotes and picture frames.

Ashley Ryan is an Orange County native that loves traveling, live music and photography. She blogs at Pure Wander and freelances for a variety of publications including Newport Beach Magazine and Laguna Beach Magazine.
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