Best Dog Training
Owner Erica Beckwith uses her certificate in training and counseling from the esteemed Academy for Dog Trainers to provide the best discipline for your pet. She values the importance of education amongst trainers and force-free training methods based on updated scientific findings. Beckwith says she has always given her all. “One thing I really stress with my training clients is how much fun it can be to work in partnership with your dog,” Beckwith says.
2. No-No FiFi Dog Training & Pet Concierge
No-No FiFi offers a free one-time consultation to formulate a step-by-step training plan for your dog. The training focuses on seven main skills for all dogs and proper socialization, while maintaining an open and stress-free environment for your pooch.
(505) 795-6315
3. Santa Fe Dog
Deborah Tolar’s single-person operation offers private training, studio classes and a monthly Ask the Trainer Q&A session. Its classes can cater to your dog’s needs, offering up to four studio class levels of foundational skills.
1807 Second St., Suite 42, (505) 983-4632
Best Nonprofit for Animals
Española Humane takes the first-place spot for the second year in a row as a result of the top-notch care it provides for its animals, and the role it plays across the state—whether it’s jumping in to help shelters in Ruidoso during the fires, or intervening in litigation to protect the state’s spay and neutering laws. You’ll also spot its staff at local events all year long (including at the Aug. 2 Best of Santa Fe party in the Railyard) as part of the shelter’s quest to find forever homes for the animals in their care. According to Communications Director Mattie Allen, the small-but-mighty shelter helps out whenever possible. “We just go above and beyond to work together within and outside of our community to lend a hand and hold the door open,” she says.
108 Hamm Parkway, Española, NM 87532, (505) 753-8662
The organization has been supporting animals since 1939. Its partnership with the City of Santa Fe and the Bureau of Land Management allow for 100 acres of space, including walking trails and play yards for its furry friends. Meet the shelter’s staff and some of the animals in their care at this year’s Aug. 2 BOSF party.
100 Caja Del Río Road, (505) 983-4309
3.Street Homeless Animal Project
The nonprofit’s unique business model seeks to build a network for people who are experiencing homelessness and their pets. It meets with clients to deliver supplies, serving up to hundreds of people per year. Learn more about this vital organization at SFR’s party.
Mailing address: 1000 Cordova Place, Suite 34, (505) 501-4933
Best Pet Daycare
1. Zoomies
Zoomies provides a stimulating environment for dogs, with a “special dog boarding formula” that allows its furry clients to roam cage-free 24/7. The vice president of its parent company, Hannah Young, says Zoomies’s success comes down to its staff members. “They’re so passionate and understanding and dedicated to everything that we do,” Young says. “It’s a really good community, and we adore all of our customers that come in.”
513A Camino De Los Marquez, (505) 954-1473
The daycare’s 18,000-square-foot facility allows dogs to socialize better than ever. Santa Fe Tails separates dogs based on energy level rather than size, allowing for each furry friend’s social needs to be met.
2109 Warner Circle, (505) 820-0731
3. Paws Plaza
Paws Plaza offers a wide range of sources beyond daycare, including a wading pool and grooming. It also boasts a new guidance app called Yourgi, which allows owners to book appointments, keep track of pet immunization records and more.
1416 Fourth St., (505) 820-7529
Best Pet-Friendly Business
1. Cowgirl BBQ
In addition to taking the respective blue and red ribbons for Santa Fe bars and barbecues, Cowgirl is also the top place in the city for dog-friendly dining (and kid-friendly, for that matter). The restaurant occupies almost an entire city block, allowing for an abundance of space for you and your companion, whether you just want to chow down with friends or hear some live music on the weekends. Now that’s a happy hour.
319 S. Guadalupe St., (505) 982-2565
Aside from the typical amenities you’d expect from a car dealership—comfortable waiting areas, snacks, a coffee bar and more—Honda Subaru of Santa Fe also allows you to bring your dogs and other furry friends into its facility.
7511 Cerrillos Road, (505) 471-7007
Established in 1996, the cafe’s ample outdoor space allows for a comfortable place for customers to eat locally-sourced organic foods while spending time with their loved ones—whether they’re human or fluffy companions.
930 Baca St. (505) 995-1105
Best Pet Grooming
Turquoise Tails works with all breeds and dogs of all temperaments. Its furry clients are uncaged, allowing for them to work on their social skills and enrichment. “We’ve worked really hard to create a safe and fun environment for the dogs that come in,” owner Nikki Zotos says. New puppy owners are allowed to bring their pets in before grooming to acclimate their dogs to the environment, and Zotos takes pride in her company’s ability to personalize pampering for each pooch.
1624 Cerrillos Road, (505) 930-5909
Barks & Bubbles offers a wide range of services, from doggy daycare and boarding to full-service grooming. Count on care that is curated for your best friend.
1311 Calle Nava, (505) 820-2275
3. Zoomies
In addition to taking the first-place spot for pet daycares in Santa Fe, Zoomies offers top-notch grooming. Pamper your pet by allowing them to spend the weekend at Zoomies, or even just by giving them a spa day.
513A Camino De Los Marquez, (505) 954-1473
Best Pet Store
1. Teca Tu
Teca Tu is keeping its long-standing streak of taking home this first-place honor. Both its brick-and-mortar and online stores offer a massive variety of products, ranging from food to pet memorial decor. “We like to pride ourselves on customer service,” owner Laura Wilson says. “We always keep trying to work on it, and I think that’s important to people these days—to get a little personal help when they come in.”
DeVargas Center, 165 Paseo de Peralta, (505) 982-9374
This natural pet foods and supplies company was founded on the belief that health for one’s pets begins with proper nutrition. Critters & Me seeks to educate pet owners about the role of nutrition and what is best for their animals.
1403 Agua Fría St., (505) 982-5040
The community hub harbors three departments: dogs, cats and wild birds. It offers reasonably priced food and supplies for creatures from the ground to the sky.
7 Avenida Vista Grande, Suite. B-5, Eldorado, (505) 466-1270
Best Veterinarian
Gruda Veterinary Hospital’s private practice model allows for prioritization of your furry friend’s well-being. In addition to the typical services you might expect from a vet— vaccinations, diagnosis and treatment, etc.—Gruda is equipped with modern technology and even sometimes alternative therapies for your pet.
9 Rumble Road, (505) 471-4400
Close to 80 years old, Smith Veterinary Hospital views its clients as both friends and customers, and offers walk-in services, state-of-the-art equipment and medications.
600 Alta Vista St., (505) 982-4418
3. VCA Arrighetti Animal Hospital
VCA Arrighetti has been at the same location for more than 35 years and serving the community for even longer. It provides clinics, physical exams, vaccines and more, and it seeks to provide the best possible care.
1882 Plaza del Sur Drive, (505) 471-2888