Arizona is one of the easiest states to explore with your dog, and Scottsdale has even been ranked the #1 pet-friendly city (source: WalletHub). You’re never too far from a scenic trail, a shaded patio, or a wide-open park where your pup can stretch their legs. From the red rocks of Sedona to the cool pines of Flagstaff, and even right here in the Valley, there are endless ways to turn a simple day out into a shared adventure.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for a few new spots to explore, here are some of the best dog-friendly places in Arizona to add to your list!
Sedona: Red Rocks, Trails & Scenic Stops
Sedona is one of the most iconic dog-friendly destinations in Arizona, especially for travelers who want scenery and easy outdoor access.
Many trails in the Coconino National Forest, including Bell Rock Pathway, Cathedral Rock, and West Fork, allow leashed dogs, making it easy to explore the red rock landscape together.
Beyond hiking, Sedona also offers a mix of pet-friendly stops throughout town. At Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, many outdoor areas and select shops welcome dogs, making it a relaxed place to wander between breaks.
For something more unique, Pink Jeep Tours even allows small dogs (under 15 lbs) on select tours, so your pup can quite literally ride along for the views.
Dog-Friendly Dining in Sedona
- Creekside American Bistro: Known for its shaded patio and gourmet dog menu (yes, your pup gets a full dining experience too)
- Mesa Grill: A pet-friendly patio restaurant perched above Airport Mesa with sweeping views and a dedicated dog menu
Travel tip: In the summer months, Sedona gets hot quickly. Always bring extra water, avoid midday hikes, and watch for hot pavement and cactus along trails.
Flagstaff: Cooler Temps & Pine Tree Adventures
If Sedona is red rock energy, Flagstaff is all about fresh mountain air and forest trails.
Start with Buffalo Park, a wide-open 2-mile loop with incredible views of the San Francisco Peaks, perfect for easy walks with your dog. For something more adventurous, Picture Canyon offers scenic trails with petroglyphs and even small waterfalls.
In-town, Heritage Square is a great place to slow down, relax, and explore seasonal events surrounded by dog-friendly patios and local shops.
For off-leash time, Thorpe Bark Park is a favorite among locals, offering separate play areas and plenty of space to run.
Dog-Friendly Dining in Flagstaff
- Route 66 Dog Haus: Casual Flagstaff favorite with a laid-back patio atmosphere where dogs are welcomed with treats and plenty of space to relax beside you.
- Dark Sky Brewing Co.: Downtown brewery with a spacious dog-friendly patio serving craft beer and pizza, often hosting pet-friendly events like puppy yoga and adoption pop-ups.
Central Arizona: Unique Desert & Garden Experiences
Some of Arizona’s most memorable dog-friendly experiences sit just outside the cities, waiting a short drive away.
One standout is the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, about an hour from Scottsdale. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout its scenic desert and botanical trails, making it a peaceful escape filled with shaded paths and global plant collections.
Scottsdale & The Valley: Local Favorites & Easy Outings
Closer to home, the Phoenix metro area is full of easy, dog-friendly places that fit seamlessly into everyday travel.
At the Desert Botanical Garden, special events like Dog Days and Dog Days After Dark give pups the chance to explore desert trails alongside you during select mornings and evenings throughout the season. It’s one of the most unique dog-friendly experiences in the Valley.
For everyday outings:
- Tempe Beach Park: Lakeside walking paths along Tempe Town Lake make this an easygoing spot for relaxed, leashed strolls with your dog.
- Cosmo Dog Park: A local favorite featuring a rare dog-friendly lake, off-leash swim areas, and open space designed for dogs to run, play, and cool off.
- Mountain View Park: Neighborhood park with open grassy fields and walking paths that make it an easy stop for casual outdoor time with your pup.
Dog-Friendly Food Stops in the Valley
- Hungry Hound Café: Located inside the Arizona Humane Society, this café pairs casual bites and pup cups with a mission that directly supports shelter animals.
- Morning Squeeze: Scottsdale brunch staple featuring a shaded patio and a dedicated dog menu, perfect for slow mornings with your pup.
Make Summer Travel Easier for You and Your Pup
If you’re traveling in Arizona during the summer months, a few simple steps can help keep your dog cool and comfortable. Hot pavement and desert ground can be tough on paws, so dog booties are a great way to protect them during walks. Always bring water and offer it often to keep your pup hydrated, especially after time outdoors. Planning outings for early mornings or evenings, sticking to shaded paths, and packing a portable water bowl or cooling towel can also make a big difference in the heat.
Sweet Treat Stops for Your Pup
When it’s time for a little reward, Arizona has plenty of spots where your pup can join in on the fun with their own special menu items and treats made just for them.
- D’Lite Healthy On The Go offers a “Doggie Bag” with a simple mix of protein and rice, making it an easy grab-and-go snack for pups after a morning walk or outing around town.
- Salt & Straw serves a dog-friendly “Pup Cup,” a dairy-free coconut-based treat blended with fruits and veggies for a refreshing sweet stop that dogs can enjoy alongside their owners.
- Shake Shack is known for its “Pooch-ini,” a pup-friendly dessert made with vanilla custard, peanut butter, and dog biscuits, plus a Bag O’ Bones for an extra treat to take home.
- Happy Tails Barkery, located a bit further south in Gilbert, this place offers a doggie cupcake option with fresh, all-natural, preservative-free ingredients, giving pups a bakery-style moment of their own.
Pet-Friendly Stays for Your Arizona Getaway
What makes Arizona special isn’t just the number of dog-friendly places; it’s how naturally they shape your day. A morning hike turns into a shaded lunch stop, then a quiet afternoon by the pool or a sunset walk through town. Whether you’re exploring the cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale, or heading out to the natural beauty of Sedona or Flagstaff, everything feels easier with the right home base. Here are a few pet-friendly homes to help you plan your getaway.
4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | Sleeps 12
With a blend of outdoor living and comfortable indoor spaces, Kierland Charm makes it easy to settle into Scottsdale with your pup by your side. The private backyard gives your dog room to enjoy fresh air while you relax by the sparkling pool, gather on the covered patio, or unwind around the fire pit after a day out. Inside, two bright living areas and a fully equipped kitchen create a comfortable space to settle in together, with room to relax between outings. Just minutes from Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, and nearby parks and walking areas, it keeps pet-friendly travel simple, relaxed, and easy to enjoy.
3 Beds | 2 Baths | Sleeps 10
Located in the peaceful setting of Fountain Hills, this inviting retreat offers the kind of space both you and your dog will appreciate. Enjoy slow mornings with fresh air, easy neighborhood walks, and time spent outdoors by the private pool or in the shaded seating areas. With Fountain Park just a short walk away, it’s easy to get out and explore scenic paths with your pup before heading back to unwind. Between the open space, quiet surroundings, and room to relax, it’s a great option for a more laid-back, pet-friendly getaway just outside of Scottsdale.
Arizona makes it easy to travel with your dog year-round, with everything from scenic desert hikes and mountain trails to relaxed patio dining and indoor escapes. The best trips aren’t just about where you go, but how seamlessly your dog is part of every moment. To make the most of your stay, book one of our pet-friendly homes designed to keep both you and your pup comfortable between adventures!
