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The Conejo Valley ranks among California's most dog friendly communities, with four official off-leash dog parks in Thousand Oaks alone, plus the larger Conejo Creek Dog Park spanning 3.5 acres . For families moving to the area with pets, this translates to exceptional quality of life for both humans and their four-legged companions. With the average home value at $994,477 and median home prices reaching $1,116,250 as of November 2026, up 2.9% year over year, according to Redfin, the Conejo Valley offers a premium lifestyle where dog parks Conejo Valley residents can access are notably "dog friendly which is a huge plus" according to local trail enthusiasts.

Which Dog Parks in the Conejo Valley Are Best for Different Dog Sizes?

The crown jewel is Conejo Creek Dog Park at 1350 E Avenida De Las Flores, featuring 3.5 acres with separate large dog and small dog areas, plus water faucets with dog attachments . Originally opened in June 2001, the park divides into sections for small dogs (30 lbs and under) and large dogs (more than 30 lbs) . Currently undergoing construction for the next 2-3 months to add shade structures, a restroom, and paved parking , this park remains the area's most popular destination.

Three additional off-leash areas opened in 2015 at Estella Park (300 Erbes Road), Kimber Park (3295 Bear Creek Road, Newbury Park), and Walnut Grove Park (400 Windtree Avenue) . These areas feature compacted natural earth surfacing rather than grass , making them ideal for dogs who prefer different terrain.

The newest addition is Westlake Village Dog Park, which opened July 21, 2018, featuring 1.2 acres with small and large dog areas, shade shelters with seating, and pet wash stations at the southwest corner of West Oak Crest Drive and Agoura Road .

Conejo Valley Dog Park Features Comparison

012343.51.23.0SmallSmallConejo CreekWestlake VillageOak CanyonEstella ParkWalnut GroveMajor Parks (acres)Small Off-leash Areas

Source: Conejo Recreation and Park District, April 2026

Wildwood Regional Park spans 1,765 acres across southern Moorpark, northern Newbury Park and western Thousand Oaks, offering 14 well-groomed hiking trails that attract everyone from avid naturalists to families with young children . Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times , but some areas allow dogs to be off-leash .

The most popular destinations include:

  • Paradise Falls Trail: About three miles round trip taking approximately 75 minutes , leading to a beautiful waterfall that plunges into a pool at the end of the North Fork of the Arroyo Conejo, with options to explore Indian Creek, Indian Cave, and Lizard Rock
  • Lizard Rock Trail: A 4.2-mile loop trail noted as moderately challenging, taking the average hiker close to 2 hours to complete
  • Mesa Trail Loop: 2.5 miles offering easier terrain perfect for dogs and families
  • Wildwood Canyon Trail Loop: 5.8-mile loop near Thousand Oaks, generally considered moderately challenging, taking an average of 2 hours 33 minutes with 862 feet of elevation gain

The park features a large 58-stall, no-cost dirt parking lot and is open from 7:00am until dusk every day . Wildlife includes 22 species of reptiles and amphibians, 37 species of mammals, and over 60 species of birds, including large animals like bobcats, coyotes and mountain lions .

Where Can You Dine with Your Dog in the Conejo Valley?

There are 57 pet friendly restaurants in Thousand Oaks , offering diverse options for dining with your four-legged companion. Top local favorites include:

Lazy Dog Café in Thousand Oaks stands out as "a favorite among both locals and visitors for their seriously pet-friendly vibe, with comfortable patio seating available for people and pups along with great food menus for both humans and bonus points for the dog-loving staff" .

Other standout options include:

  • Honey & Herb Belgian Waffle House at Conejo Gateway Plaza, welcoming furry companions at umbrella-shaded patio tables, with favorites including Benny Had a Little Ham and Hass Queen avocado toast
  • Harold's House of Omelettes, offering four pet-friendly outdoor tables while you enjoy breakfast dishes like the Nopalitos Omelette
  • Marmalade Cafe on Promenade Way, a pet-friendly establishment with numerous outdoor tables serving American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Local cafes with "airy, dog-friendly patios" where you can enjoy freshly baked bagels and expertly crafted coffee

For coffee lovers, Makenna Koffee opened in North Ranch Shopping Center at 2825 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village in October 2025 , with a second Conejo Valley location planned for spring 2026 at 2700 Teller Road, Newbury Park . Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters at 111 N. Reino Road in Newbury Park offers espresso drinks and food items, open 7am-6pm Mon-Sat and 8am-3pm Sunday . If you're looking for sports bars in the Conejo Valley for game night with friends, many local venues also welcome well-behaved dogs on their patios.

What Pet Services and Amenities Are Available in Thousand Oaks?

The Conejo Valley offers comprehensive pet services, from premium boarding facilities to mobile grooming. Laughing Dog Inn has provided Thousand Oaks with professional dog boarding, daycare, grooming, and training services for over 30 years , featuring an outdoor playground with cage-free doggie supervision by experienced, well-trained staff .

Dioji in Agoura Hills serves as the area's premier cage-free dog daycare and boarding facility, providing "a fun, safe, and stress-free environment for dogs" with experienced pet-loving professionals . Their professional grooming staff offers baths, brushing, nail trims, and more .

Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital offers "top notch boarding and grooming services" with specialized care and compassionate staff, treating "every pet as if they were our very own family pet" . They provide pet boarding with deluxe, standard, or junior suites, with guests receiving 4 to 5 walks a day and one-on-one time with Resort team members at no extra charge .

For convenience, mobile grooming services come to your home throughout Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, and Newbury Park .

Service Type Top Provider Location Special Features
Dog Parks Conejo Creek Dog Park 1350 E Avenida De Las Flores 3.5 acres, separate areas for large/small dogs
Boarding & Daycare Laughing Dog Inn Thousand Oaks 30+ years experience, outdoor playground
Veterinary & Boarding Conejo Valley Veterinary 3580 Willow Lane Medical care + luxury suites
Mobile Grooming Mobile Dog Grooming Serves entire Conejo Valley At-home convenience
Hiking Trails Wildwood Regional Park 928 W Avenida De Los Arboles 1,765 acres, 14 trails, leash required

What Does It Cost to Live in This Dog Friendly Community?

Living in Thousand Oaks with pets comes with premium costs reflecting the area's desirability. The average home value is $994,477, down 1.1% over the past year, with homes going to pending in around 10 days . The median sale price per square foot is $539, down 2.3% since last year .

Recent market data shows homes sold for a median price of $992,000 in February 2026, with properties selling after an average of 38 days on market compared to 37 days last year . Local market expert data indicates the median Conejo Valley home price reached $1,116,250 in November, up 2.9% from $1,085,000 the previous November .

Current inventory shows 444 active listings compared to 361 last year (a 23% increase), with homes taking an average of 65 days to sell, up 29% from last November . Interest rates are expected to average 6.0% in 2026, settling into the high-5s to low-6s range.

The Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura metro area ranks among the hottest housing markets expected for 2026 in terms of combined home price and sales growth , indicating continued demand for this pet-friendly region.

The area's appeal extends beyond housing costs. The median rent price is $2,664 with most residents owning their homes, and the community is walkable with numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and parks nearby . This walkability particularly benefits dog owners who prefer neighborhoods where they can easily access amenities on foot with their pets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Parks and Pet Life in the Conejo Valley

Are there dog parks open late for working pet owners?

Conejo Creek Dog Park operates Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm, with Thursday hours from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm due to maintenance . The park closes every Thursday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and all day on the 3rd Thursday of every month for maintenance . The park features lighted areas for evening strolls , making it accessible for after-work visits.

What hiking trails allow dogs off-leash in Wildwood Regional Park?

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times throughout most of Wildwood Regional Park. However, some areas allow dogs to be off-leash , though specific locations aren't officially designated. Mountain bikers, dog walkers and equestrians frequent these trails, and hikers are expected to yield to horses when their paths cross .

Which restaurants in Thousand Oaks have dog menus?

Lazy Dog Café offers "great food menus for both humans and" dogs with "bonus points for the dog-loving staff" . Their dog-friendly patio includes "tasty menu items for your pup including chicken, hamburger and brown rice" . Most other pet-friendly restaurants focus on patio seating rather than specific dog menus, though many will accommodate special requests for plain proteins for your pet. After dining, families often head to the best parks and playgrounds in the Conejo Valley where families spend their weekends to enjoy the outdoors together.

How much does pet boarding cost in the Conejo Valley?

Boarding costs vary significantly based on accommodations and services. Dioji offers their Signature Social Suite for $99/night with 2+ dogs receiving a 10% discount . Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital provides pet boarding with deluxe, standard, or junior suites, with guests receiving 4 to 5 walks a day and one-on-one time at no extra charge . Premium facilities typically range from $75-150 per night depending on suite type and additional services like grooming or training. For families with special needs children who own pets, the Conejo Valley also offers excellent special education resources, programs, and services that create supportive environments for both children and their therapy or companion animals.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Thousand Oaks?

Davis Bartels and the DB Real Estate Group have helped nearly 1,000 families navigate the local market since 2009. Whether you're exploring your options or ready to make a move, reach out for a no-pressure conversation about your goals. After closing on your new home, you can celebrate with a meal at one of the area's best brunch spots in the Conejo Valley for weekend mornings.

Contact Davis: davisbartels.com