questions - ixtapa and zihua

how much is the little bus that goes from Ixtapa to Zihua? what time does it run from until daily? are dogs allowed on the bus?

The combis and autobuses are very reasonable, usually less than MXN$20 pesos. Bring lots of change and small bills (MXN$20's and MXN$50's). I have never seen anyone bring a dog on any of the autobuses or combis in town. (The combi from Los Achotes to Barra de Potosi was the exception.) I have never tried to find a combi after about 8:30 / 9 pm.

Is there more to do at night in Ixtapa or Zihua? any live bands? what side has more restaurants?

In Zihua, there are numerous night life destinations. There are some locations that have live bands. One very popular spot is Daniel's Restaurant next to the downtown basketball court. They post on this forum when they plan to have their next evening soiree complete with dancing. There are more restaurants in Zihua than you will have time to visit. Most are awesome. Many are okay. A few (especially in the Mercado) are forgetable.

Any recommendations for hiking trails or biking trails (mountain biking)?
Any bike groups or hiking groups?

There is a hiking group for locals. I was fortunate enough to be invited one evening. The hike was awesome as we ascended one of the local hills and were treated to a sunset over Zihua Bay and Ixtapa simultaneously. This Grateful Gringo offered the organizer a propina and he accepted it. I was a bit afraid it might be seen as an insult. I told him that Gringos and Canadians would be happy to donate for this experience. Someone on this forum asked me about this a couple of weeks ago. I need to contact the friend who invited me and then contact the organizer to ask if it would be okay to publish their information.

There is a bike path that starts in Zihua and runs all the way to Ixtapa. Highly recommended for bikers or hikers.

I heard car rentals are near the hotels and airport? I suspect its cheaper to rent at the airport?

My only experience with a car rental was at Green Motion Car Rental in Zihuatanejo. I do not recommend them. (Keep your back to the wall. The gentleman attempted to scam me. Luckily, the credit card company backed me up.)

What's the approximate cost of a taxi from the airport to ixtapa ? we're bringing a dog and possibly bikes (in a box) are there vans available? we were weighing the options of buying or renting bikes though and still might.

The official taxis are the airport are quite expensive by local standards. If you walk out of the airport and cross the parking lot, there will be local taxis who will vie for your business. I don't know the costs to Ixtapa. Outside the parking lot, you will find a combi to downtown Zihua and another to Barra de Potosi. Bikes can be rented at Bi-Zihuanas Bikes in Ixtapa.

best place to get fresh fruits and veggies? and groceries in ixtapa

In and around the Mercado Municipal is my favorite haunt.

I think this site contains reference to vets and to dentists?

Others on this site and I can heartily recommend Doctora Elizabeth Ortiz for your dental work. Her office may be a bit more expensive than others but they give excellent service and their work is very professional.

Any villages we should/must visit nearby?

A trip to Troncones/Majahua and another trip to Barra de Potosi will be in order. There are fascinating ruins nearby but you will need a guide.

Travel time to acapulco? by car or by bus

I took a bus to Acapulco once. It was approximately 4 hours. Recommend staying in Zihua.