Tucked into the vibrant heart of Capitola Village is a shop that makes tails wag before the door even opens. Capitola Paws, owned by Serina Hughes, is more than a store—it’s a gathering spot for dogs and the people who love them. Since opening in June 2022, Serina has created a space that blends high-quality products with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
A Place Where Dogs Lead The Way
Screenshot
For Serina, the best part of running Capitola Paws is the joy of recognizing dogs and their owners by name. “We’ll see a dog spot the shop from down the street and start pulling their person right in,” she says. It’s that pure excitement—from both ends of the leash—that makes her work so rewarding.
A Name That Says It All
When it came time to name the business, Serina kept it simple: she wanted to highlight her love of animals and her connection to the village. “We knew we wanted ‘Capitola’ in the name, and we love all paws,” she explains. The result is a name that perfectly captures the store’s personality and purpose.
The Charm of Capitola
To Serina, Capitola is more than just a destination—it’s a mood. With its colorful storefronts, fresh ocean air, and friendly exchanges between locals and visitors, the town has a way of making every day feel like a special occasion. That same spirit spills into Capitola Paws, where conversations flow as easily as the treats from the display jars.
Living the Capitola Way
When she’s not behind the counter, Serina enjoys Capitola in much the same way her customers do. She often starts with a coffee, strolls along the shoreline with her two dogs, and browses other village shops. These moments, she says, keep her connected to the community and to the slower pace that makes beach town life so special.
More Than Just Pet Supplies
While Capitola Paws carries an array of unique, high-quality pet products that customers can’t always find elsewhere, Serina believes the shop’s appeal runs deeper. “It’s a place for dog lovers,” she says. “People know they’ll find great items here, but they also know they’ll be welcomed and understood.”
In a town where community is everything, Capitola Paws fits right in—offering a little joy, a lot of wagging tails, and a reminder that sometimes, the best part of the day is simply walking into a place where everyone’s happy to see you.