Hollywood Resident Creates Social Networking Site for L.A. Dog Owners

Owning a pet in an urban area can be a challenge. Many people have probably wished they could more easily have taken their animal friends along with them to the grocery store or a restaurant without worrying that they would get booted.

Elizabeth Lande, a Hollywood resident, has had that experience with her two dogs and decided to do something about it.

Lande’s creation is metroPUP, a social networking website created in March to bring dog supporters together. Since its launch, the site has gained more than 4,000 subscribers and 2,400 Facebook fans.

The site aims to be a “dog-lover's dream”  said Lande, who was working in real estate when she started the site. It offers people the ability to build profiles, upload photos, meet other local dog lovers, as well as check out articles, calendars with monthly events, chat sessions, veterinarians, groomers and doggie day cares.

Lande says that Hollywood dog lovers can benefit by knowing the hot spots that allow you to bring your dog along.

“Hollywood is so vibrant and energetic," Lande said. "The people here want to be creative—not sit still—and be able to bring their pups with them.” 

Throughout Los Angeles, the site has a running list of dog-friendly recreation areas, restaurants and shops.

In Hollywood, some of those locations include , and .

One of Lande's favorite Hollywood spots to take her dogs Maddie and Mia to is , which offers special dog treats called Woofles, made of Parmesan, parsley and whole wheat flour.

Along with the website’s main initiative to connect dog lovers, Lande also demonstrates her passion for charity and animal welfare by connecting with organizations such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (SPCALA), the Found Animals Foundation and even the .

“The American Cancer Society reached out to me about participating in the American Cancer Society’s 1st Annual Bark for Life,” Lande said. “People will get to bring dogs, socialize and raise awareness for cancer.”

The site currently caters to Southern California, but Lande is working on making ones for New York City and Houston.

“It may sound silly, but it inspires me to see all of these people that have such love for their pets,” she said. “Seeing people spending quality time with their pets amongst the hustle and bustle. I think that is the most powerful thing of all. There’s that saying that you got to love what you do. This site is the perfect example of that. Every time I talk about metroPUP, it's pure excitement for me because I get to see people feeling from the heart.”

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