San José may be the political capital of Costa Rica, but the western suburb of Escazú seems like the dog capital of the nation. Dogs and their owners seem to be everywhere, as are pet stores and businesses offering pet services.
Why are pet dogs so prominent in Escazú? Victoria Jiménez of Cabaña Pets & Shop in Guachipelín de Escazú says, “There are three things needed to keep a pet healthy and happy: time, money and space. Escazú has all three. Plus a conscience to want to keep the dog neat and clean, healthy, smelling good and beautiful.”
Here are a few of the many pet stores and services offered in Escazú:
Cabaña Pets & Shop
Location: 50 m east of entrance to Urbanización Cerro Alto, Guachipelín de Escazú
Contact: Victoria Arca, 2289-5296, cabpets_shop@hotmail.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Offers: Dog food, supplements, accessories, beds, kennels, hair cut, wash and dry, nail filing, dental care, sterilization, transfer of dogs to other countries, vaccinations, surgeries.
Doggi Divino
Location: Near Auto Mercado, Escazú
Contact: Laurie Sklar, 2289-2162, doggidivino@yahoo.com
Offers: Professional pet grooming services, bath, fluff dry, haircut all included as well as a free blueberry facial, bandanna or bow for each pet. Gift certificates available.
Dr. Bitter Veterinary Clinic
Location: 200 m east of ICE, San Rafael de Escazú
Contact: 2228-1753, info@drbitter.com, www.drbitter.com
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Offers: Examinations, checkups, vaccination, deworming, neutering/spaying, general and specialized surgery, hospitalization, sonograms, X-rays and laboratory tests, overnight and extended boarding, import/export documentation, logistics and transportation to/from overseas or within Costa Rica, grooming and flea and tick bath, pet food and supplies. Makes house calls.
Pet’s Market
Location: La Paco commercial center, old road to Santa Ana
Contact: José María Ureña, 2289-4322, pmpaco@grupomelo.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Offers: Dog food, supplements, accessories, beds, kennels, hair trimming, wash and dry, nail filing, dental care, sterilization, transfer of dogs to other countries, sleeping mats, vaccinations, surgeries.
Pet’s Market
Location: San Rafael de Escazú, next to McDonald’s
Contact: 2289-0252, www.petsmarketgroup.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Offers: Dog food and accessories, a resident veterinarian, grooming and other services.
Pet’s Place
Location: Plaza Florencia, 200 m north of La Paco commercial center, Guachipelín de Escazú
Contact: Juan Pablo Díaz, 2289-4328, 8969-0546, petsplaceescazu@hotmail.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Offers: Dog food, accessories, beds, kennels, hair trimming, nail filing, wash and dry, dental care, sterilization, transfer of dogs to other countries, sleeping mats, vaccinations, surgeries.
Vet Chang Díaz
Location: 800 m south of Multiplaza Escazú, end of boulevard, in front of Autos Star
Contact: Dr. Elsa Chang Díaz, 2228-4971, 2288-5616, info@vetchangdiaz.com, www.vetchangdiaz.com
Hours: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Offers: Primarily veterinary services, also branded dog food and some accessories.
Veterinaria Nova Pet
Location: Plaza San Rafael, San Rafael de Escazú
Contact: Dr. Wilbert Núñez, 2228-5373, 2228-8141, doc.wn28@hotmail.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Offers: Dog accessories, food and supplements, general consultation, dental care, laboratory tests, transfers abroad.
