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Who Can Use Santa Cruz’s Free Pet Clinic on November 15?
The Street Dog Coalition will offer limited free care for pets of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Santa Cruz on November 15.
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Salt Hound Journal
Stories about surf, dogs, coastal towns, rescue culture and the places that keep pulling us back to the water.
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November 2026
Can You Walk Your Dog at Junipero Serra Park During the Closures?
Dogs remain allowed on designated Junipero Serra Park trails, but most internal roads and parking are closed through November 6. Here are the current access, hours and leash...
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Can Dogs Go to the Beach at Fort Ord Dunes State Park?
Dogs may use Fort Ord Dunes State Park’s north–south recreation trail on leash, but not the beach or spur trails. Here’s the exact boundary, current closures, and what...
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Santa Cruz’s November Spay/Neuter Clinic Is Full. What Can Dog Owners Do?
Santa Cruz County’s November 6–8 spay/neuter clinic is fully booked. Here are the next official dates, the shelter’s fluctuating waitlist guidance and a current Watsonville alternative.
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Where Can Monterey County Dogs Get a Free Microchip This November?
Monterey County residents can get free pet microchips and $25 vaccines at SPCA Monterey County’s walk-in clinic on November 13.
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Can You Walk Your Dog at Pillar Point Bluff After 5 PM?
Pillar Point Bluff’s Airport Street lot closes at 5 PM beginning November 2, but trail hours differ. Here is what dog walkers need to know.
Read the storyOctober 2026
Can You Bring Your Dog on Quail Hollow Ranch’s New Trails?
Quail Hollow Ranch’s new Pace Family Wilderness trails are open, but dogs are not allowed on the park’s trails. Here is what visitors need to know.
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Is an SPCA Facility Opening in Greenfield?
Greenfield’s October 27 zoning vote moved a planned South County SPCA facility forward. It is not open yet; here are the next steps and current clinic dates.
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What Comes With a Santa Cruz County Shelter Dog Adoption?
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter dog adoptions include core veterinary care, identification and a current $200 reward-based training voucher.
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What Does It Take to Foster a Senior Dog in Monterey Bay?
POMDR’s current foster needs, support and senior-dog home preparation—verified October 28, 2026 for Monterey Bay volunteers.
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Can You Walk Your Dog on Tilden’s South Park Drive During Newt Season?
South Park Drive closes to vehicles for Tilden’s newt migration but remains open to dog walkers. Here are the dates, park rules and precautions to take.
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Can You Walk Your Dog at Crown Beach After Bird Flu Was Found?
Bird flu was confirmed in geese collected at Crown Beach. Here is where dogs are allowed, how to keep distance from birds and what to do after possible...
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What Should You Do If Your Dog Goes Over a Cliff at Fort Funston?
A dog and its person were rescued uninjured from a Fort Funston cliff. Here is the park’s exact warning, who to call and how to reduce the risk.
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Should You Take Your Dog to a Halloween Event?
A costume and a leash are not enough. Use organizer rules and your dog’s comfort to decide whether a Halloween event—or a quiet night home—is safer.
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Can You Bring Your Dog to Marina State Beach During the Shark Advisory?
Dogs are not allowed at Marina State Beach, even while this week’s shark advisory draws attention. Here are the current rule and nearby leashed alternatives.
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How Can You Protect Your Dog During Immigration Enforcement?
A calm emergency plan can protect a dog if immigration detention or deportation separates a family. Here are the caregiver, identification and record steps to take now.
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Are Wild Mushrooms Dangerous to Dogs After Central Coast Rain?
Central Coast rain can bring fast-growing wild mushrooms. Here is the immediate, veterinarian-guided response if your dog may have eaten one—and how to lower the risk on damp...
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What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Afraid of Thunder?
Thunderstorms are only a small possibility on the southern Central Coast this week, but noise-sensitive dogs benefit from a plan made before the first rumble. Here is what...
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Should Your Dog Swim in Monterey Bay After This Week’s Rain?
Rain is forecast for Monterey Bay Tuesday through Thursday. Here’s when to keep your dog out of the water and where to check current advisories.
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Where Can Santa Cruz County Dog Owners Get Free Pet Food?
Santa Cruz SPCA’s Sunday pantry offers one week of free dog or cat food, with no appointment required. Here are the current hours, access details and weekday partner...
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Can You Meet Your Next Dog at a Busy Adoption Event?
Peace of Mind Dog Rescue has two Central Coast adoption events today. Here’s how to use a first meeting without rushing a lifelong match.
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What Should Dog Owners Do During Central Coast Fire Weather?
Near-critical fire weather will affect higher Central Coast elevations through Saturday. Here is how dog owners can plan walks, check smoke and prepare to leave safely.
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What Should You Do If Your Dog Finds a Bat in Santa Cruz County?
Santa Cruz County is warning about rabies-positive bats. Learn what to do if your dog finds one, who to call and why prompt action matters.
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Should You Visit Moss Landing While Sea Lions Are Blocking Sandholdt Road?
Sea lions are disrupting Sandholdt Road in Moss Landing. Here’s why visitors—especially those traveling with dogs—should avoid adding to the congestion and give wildlife room.
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