According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend more than $60 billion on their furry, winged and scaled sidekicks, making it safe to say pets are family. With 330 days of sunshine annually, over 40 dog-friendly resorts, three dog parks and a plethora of restaurants and recreational areas, Scottsdale is an excellent playground for man’s best friend. Canines, cats and other furry buddies are welcome to enjoy pampering, adventure, relaxation and dining in their proper place – right by their human’s side.
WHERE TO STAY: FEE-FREE
- V.I.P. (Very Important Pup) Treatment: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa accommodates all cats and dogs into its Kierland Companion’s Club, a home away from home, for free. Pups receive a complimentary Westin Heavenly Dog Welcome Kit including clean-up bags, food dishes and most importantly, a Westin Heavenly dog bed.
- Other resorts without a pet fee include:
WHERE TO STAY: FOR A FEE (UNDER $100)
- The Hot Ticket: For only a $100 fee, The Hermosa Inn, a Boutique Hideaway greets pups with a letter from the Director of Guest Experience, accompanied by a plush bed, bowls, water and natural treats. A partnership with Pawsitive Vacation Pet Sitting makes dog sitting and/or walking services available at a nominal fee, too. Two pets per room; 50 lbs. each.
- Other cost-effective options for bringing the fur kid(s) along include:
- Bespoke Inn – $35 per pet, per stay. Up to two pets per room. No weight limit.
- Hotel Adeline – $50 per accommodation, per stay. Up to two pets per room. 50 lbs. weight limit.
- The Scottsdale Plaza Resort – $75 per pet, per stay. 50 lbs. per pet.
- CIVANA – $100 cleaning fee. Up to two pets per room. 75 lbs. weight limit.
- Additional animal-friendly, world-class resorts in Scottsdale include Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains, W Scottsdale, The Scott Resort & Spa, The Phoenician and Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows and Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch.
WHERE TO EAT
- At Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace on the Scottsdale Waterfront, humans can choose from the market’s Mediterranean-influenced menu items while pups can delight in some sunshine on the patio and complimentary doggie bones fresh from the marketplace.
- Just down the street, people and animals alike go gaga over the sweet treats at Sprinkles Cupcakes. The bakery offers doggie cupcakes made with eggs, honey and vanilla and topped with a yogurt frosting.
- Spoil pooches with a fresh chicken and grain Dog Bowl at Farm & Craft in Old Town Scottsdale – they deserve it!
- Hit the patio with a pup in Old Town Scottsdale at Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, Brat Haus, Daily Dose Grill, Breakfast Club, Sip Coffee & Beer House or Virtù Honest Craft.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Looking to commune with nature? Take the furry friend to Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, totaling approximately 35,500 acres of protected Sonoran Desert land featuring miles of untouched terrain, perfect for leisurely walks or heart-pumping hikes (on- or off-leash).
- Chaparral Park offers a three-acre, off-leash doggie arena that includes grass frolic zones, turf areas, seating (for people), play features and water fountains. More furry fun can be found at the City’s other two dog parks, Horizon Park and Vista del Camino Park.
- The Arizona Canal Path is one of the longest multi-use trails – popular with pups, on- or off-leash – in Maricopa County, running between Scottsdale, the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community, Phoenix, Peoria and Glendale along both sides of the Arizona Canal, one of the county's vital waterways. The trail is paved at some parts and unpaved at others. Run, Fido, run!
