If it’s off-leash parks you are looking for, Tacoma offers two: Rogers off leash dog park located at 3151 East L Street in Tacoma or the Fort Steilacoom off-leash park located at 8714 87th Avenue SW in Lakewood. Rogers Park offers approximately 1.5 acres and is fully fenced with a drinking fountain, bench and shelter. Fort Steilacoom is two, large fenced in areas for you and your dog to roam and play. One section, just around 3 acres, is designated more for the small dogs. The large playfield, around 7 acres is a fun and safe place for all.
If Olympia, Lacey or Tumwater is where your next home purchase takes you, your dog or cat won’t lack for a thing! My hands-down favorite retail store in these areas is Mud Bay. They’ve been in the community selling healthy food, supplements and supplies for dogs and cats since they opened a tiny farm store on Mud Bay Road (thus the name) in Olympia back in 1988. Their staff is very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to selecting the right food for your pets needs. The store is always well-stocked and they have a superb selection of healthy treats too! And I love that they help you carry your purchase to the car. Mud Bay locations include Lacey, West Olympia and several locations in the Tacoma area (University Place and Sumner).
The Olympia and Lacey areas have also recently recognized the need for off-leash dog parks in the community and now offer two locations for dogs to get their “run and play” on. The Olympia park is nearly 6 acres located at 500 Birch Street NW. The area includes a 6’ chain link fenced enclosure, separate areas for small and large dogs, dog/human drinking fountains, an area for hosing off dogs, picnic tables, and interior paths.
Lacey’s park is located at 2418 Hogum Bay Road NW next to the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center. It’s a 5 acre fenced area that has separate sections for large and small dogs, drinking areas and clean-up hoses for muddy dogs.
There are a multitude of great veterinary care facilities for your pets in Lacey, Olympia and Tacoma, but Tumwater offers a unique place for animals needing special care. Four Paws Animal Rehabilitation located at 712 Trosper Road SW provides professional rehabilitation medicine for animals recovering from orthopedic or neurological problems and surgery.
They also help improve mobility and reduce pain for pets with chronic conditions. Some of the specialized services they provide include:
· Therapeutic exercise
· Conditioning/weight loss programs
· Management of the geriatric patient
· Client education for specific orthopedic and neurological conditions
· Stretching/passive range of motion and massage
· Thermal therapy
· Home exercise programs
· Therapeutic ultrasound
· Cold laser therapy
· Neuromuscular stimulation
· Mobility Cart Rental/Sales
Obviously if you’re an animal lover, you’ve made a great decision to move to this area!
