For many buyers today, choosing a home isn’t just about square footage or school districts — it’s about lifestyle. And increasingly, that lifestyle includes four-legged family members. Across California, pet-friendly living has become a major decision driver, and in Ventura County, it’s one of the region’s greatest strengths.
Ventura County doesn’t just tolerate pets — it’s built for them. From dog-friendly beaches and hiking trails to neighborhoods with yards, parks, and walkable streets, this is a place where pets are genuinely part of everyday life. For buyers relocating from Los Angeles, Orange County, or more urban environments, that difference is immediately noticeable.
At Realty ONE Group Summit, we hear it all the time: “We want a home where our dog can actually live a good life.” Ventura County delivers exactly that.
The county’s coastal geography plays a huge role. In Ventura, locals and their dogs walk the promenade along Surfer’s Point, gather at Marina Park, and spend mornings along the shoreline where leashed dogs are welcome during designated hours. Oxnard’s beaches, including Hollywood Beach and Mandalay Shores, are known for being wide, open, and far less crowded than their Los Angeles counterparts — making them ideal for long walks and active pets.
External reference: https://visitventuraca.com/
Beyond the coast, Ventura County offers an exceptional network of trails and open space. Ojai’s valley trails, Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura, and the Santa Monica Mountains near Thousand Oaks provide miles of scenic hiking where pets are welcome on leash. This access to nature is one of the biggest reasons pet owners are choosing Ventura County over denser, more restrictive cities.
External reference: https://www.venturacountytrails.org/
Neighborhood design also matters. Many Ventura County communities were built with wider streets, larger lots, and nearby parks — features that naturally support pet ownership. Camarillo and Thousand Oaks, in particular, attract buyers seeking suburban comfort, fenced yards, and proximity to veterinary care, grooming services, and pet-friendly shopping centers.
Explore Camarillo homes: https://rogsummit.com/camarillo
Explore Thousand Oaks homes: https://rogsummit.com/thousand-oaks
For renters-turned-buyers, Ventura County offers something increasingly rare: homes where pets aren’t an obstacle. In many Los Angeles rentals, breed restrictions, weight limits, and pet fees make ownership difficult. Purchasing a home in Ventura often removes those barriers entirely, allowing families and their pets to settle into long-term stability.
Pet-friendly living also impacts real estate value more than many realize. Homes with yards, easy outdoor access, durable flooring, and nearby green space consistently attract stronger interest from buyers. According to Realtor.com, pet-friendly features are among the most searched lifestyle filters nationwide — a trend that continues to grow year over year.
External reference: https://www.realtor.com/research/
Ventura County’s pet culture is reinforced by its community. Farmers markets, outdoor cafes, neighborhood events, and walkable downtown areas regularly welcome pets. Ventura’s Main Street, Ojai’s village core, and Camarillo’s outdoor shopping centers all reflect a lifestyle where pets are visible, accepted, and included.
From a resale perspective, this matters. Homes that support pet-friendly living appeal to a broader buyer pool, especially among millennials and Gen X buyers who prioritize lifestyle alignment. Properties near parks, trails, and beaches tend to retain value and sell faster — not because they’re “pet homes,” but because they support a healthier, more outdoor-oriented way of living.
Ventura County’s greatest advantage is that pet-friendly living doesn’t feel forced here — it feels natural. The climate supports year-round outdoor time. The communities are designed for walking and connection. And the culture values balance, wellness, and quality of life.
If you’re buying a home and your pet is part of the decision, Ventura County offers one of the most welcoming environments in California. Whether you’re drawn to a beachside neighborhood in Ventura, a harbor community in Oxnard, a trail-adjacent home in Ojai, or a family-friendly street in Camarillo or Thousand Oaks, there’s a place here where both you and your pet can thrive.
At Realty ONE Group Summit, we help buyers find homes that fit their entire household — pets included.
Start exploring pet-friendly homes in Ventura County here:
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