Summer’s here and it’s time to get out and have some fun! While you’re planning summer activities, why not plan a few that your pet can participate in too? After all, everything's better when you get to bring a pet along! Dog parks are always fun, but why not try something new!? There are tons of pet friendly activities in the Phoenix area… whether you love just being outdoors or having a fun-filled family outing with something for everyone!
We’ve saved you time and have put together a list of some pet friendly activities near Phoenix (or just an easy drive away). Keeping your pet active is an important part of their health and wellbeing, so a lot of these activities are going to be just that… active. But these are just some ideas. Phoenix and the surrounding areas have so much to offer!
Pet Friendly Summer Activities Near Phoenix
Check out these pet friendly summertime ideas near Phoenix. Plus, we’ve included some fun activities that are just an easy drive away!
If you enjoy an early morning walk and you want a change of scenery, then mark your calendar! You and your pup can take a trip to the Desert Botanical Garden. Dogs are allowed in the gardens only on special Dog Days, so be sure to take a look at their calendar to find the next dog friendly day. Make trips to the Desert Garden part of your summer routine, exploring the many trails and enjoying the scenery. Your dog will love all the new smells, and you’ll be dazzled by the beauty of the exhibits.
For a fun family day trip, take your pet back in time and visit Petrified Forest National Park. Dogs, cats, and horses are welcome to join you as you explore the trails and learn more about the history of the area. You can take multiple days during the summer to explore the park and still have new things to see. You’ll want to get an early start since the Petrified Forest is a 3 hour's drive from Phoenix. You can even make it a camping trip since there are dog friendly camping areas very close to the park. Don’t forget to bring water, your camera, and plenty of poop bags.
Get a feel for Arizona’s Old West roots, and exercise your dog while you’re at it! Just a 45-minute drive away, Goldfield Ghost Town is near the foot of Arizona’s famous Superstition Mountains and is a great stop for history buffs, ghost hunters, and families. Dogs are allowed on walking and train tours. If you want to visit any of the stores, you’ll need a second pair of hands since these are one of the few areas in which dogs are not allowed. If you have a cat that enjoys traveling with you, you will need to call and inquire directly since cats are not specifically mentioned.
Trust us; it’s worth the cost of the permit to explore this beautiful wetland, which was carefully designed to prevent flooding and restore native plants. Pack some water and a snack and bring your leashed pet. There are trails where horses are permitted, or you can bike or walk with your dog. As you explore the trails, don’t be surprised if you spot a roadrunner hiding in the mesquite.
Does your dog love to swim? If you want to help your pup beat the heat on a hot day, and you don’t have a pool, book your dog some time at the Hunter Canine pool. You can arrange a meet-up with your dog’s best pal, and they can splash around together. Or you can work with your dog on catching balls before they hit the water, work on their agility, and even just paddle back and forth. Hunter Canine even offers swimming lessons to help your dog get more confident in the water.
If you’re looking for a scenic hike close to home, then you don’t have far to go. Papago Park is made up of easy trails and is great for a quick outing with your pet. The sandstone rock structures are part of what makes Arizona so unique, and we’re lucky to be able to enjoy them right in our own backyard! Be sure to visit the most recognizable feature of the park, the Hole in the Rock Trail. This is a perfect activity for an early morning to get in some movement and enjoy nature.
What better way to stay cool in the desert heat than to drift down the river? Did you know that you can take your pet with you as you kayak, paddle, or float along the lower Salt River? If you start early enough in the day, you may be lucky enough to spot the wild horses the area is famous for. Don’t forget to keep the area clean by cleaning up after your pet, and use best safety practices by keeping your pet in a life jacket.
We’ve barely scratched the surface! There’s always more to see. For more pet friendly activities closer to Scottsdale, check out this helpful resource.
Don’t forget lunch or dinner! With all this activity you’re going to work up an appetite. Finish planning out your day or weekend by finding a pet friendly restaurant to stop in after your outing. You can find restaurant ideas here.
We also know that, as much as you want to, you can't take your pet everywhere. That’s where we come in! With Karen’s Pawsome Pet Care, your pet will be in good hands, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that they’re comfortable and safe at home. Read more about why hiring a professional pet sitter here in Phoenix, AZ is so important! You can also learn more about what makes Karen’s Pawsome Pet Care so unique here.
And finally, take a look at our pet care services and service areas to see how we can help.