Here Are the Best Pet-Friendly Spots in Scottsdale to Enjoy With Your Dog
Scottsdale has been named the most dog-friendly city in the U.S.—and for good reason. With scenic desert trails, dog-welcoming patios, and walkable shopping areas, it’s a standout destination for travelers with pets. Here, dogs aren’t just allowed—they’re part of the experience.
To help you beat the Arizona heat, this guide even includes climate-controlled spots and safety tips for you and your dog. Read on for our favorite places, and be sure to book a stay at one of our pet-friendly vacation rentals.
Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
Before diving into activities around town, consider staying at one of our specially selected pet-friendly properties that offer the perfect retreat from Arizona’s summer heat!
Poolside Paradise
Welcome to Poolside Paradise, a modern Scottsdale retreat featuring a spacious yard perfect for your pup and a refreshing pool where pets are welcome. Located close to Old Town Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, the home is just minutes from Downtown Old Town and Fashion Square. This pet-friendly property blends modern design, premium amenities, and designer furnishings to offer a comfortable and memorable stay. The perfect home base for treating you and your pet to a more upscale experience!
This peaceful North Scottsdale retreat offers ample private outdoor space that is ideal for pet travelers. Enjoy a heated pool, BBQ grill, cozy patio seating, fire pit, bocce ball, and a putting green—great for relaxing and entertaining with your furry companions. With plenty of space to soak up the sun or hang out with guests and pets, this retreat feels like a true home away from home.
Hiking Trails & Recreation Areas
Hiking the trails around Scottsdale is an activity beloved by people and pets alike. Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert’s stunning scenery while your pet enjoys the fresh air and all the fascinating scents from local flora and fauna. Be sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your pup, and keep them close—especially if they’re not familiar with desert wildlife. Some plants and animals in Arizona can be harmful to pets, so it’s a good idea to brush up on what to avoid. In any case, hiking in Scottsdale is great exercise!
Learn more about heat and desert safety for pets here.
SUMMER HIKING TIPS: During Arizona’s hot summer months (May to September), it’s best to hike early in the morning (before 7 AM) or later in the evening (after 7 PM) when temperatures are cooler. Always check the pavement with your hand—if it’s too hot for your palm, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
One of the best places to hike with your dog is at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. So long as it’s not too hot (over 90°F) and you keep them on a leash, dogs are allowed on most trails within the preserve. With over 225+ miles of trails, some of the best trails for taking your dog are the Lost Dog Wash, Tom’s Thumb, and Sunrise trails. Find more of the best McDowell Sonoran Preserve dog-friendly trails here.
Another great hiking spot that’s a little closer to town is the Pinnacle Peak Trail. Although all hikes here are most scenic in the early morning light, Pinnacle Peak is one of the best trails for Scottsdale sunrise hiking. It’s easy to get to, moderate in length and difficulty to hike, and it gives one of the best dawn views in town for you and your pup.
In addition to recreation areas outside of town, it’s also great fun to visit a nearby dog park when traveling with your dog. Here is a list of good dog parks in Scottsdale.
Beat the Heat: Indoor and Climate-Controlled Activities
When Arizona’s summer temperatures soar, these indoor options ensure your furry friend can still get exercise and socialization in comfort:
For those days when outdoor exercise feels too risky, you can bring fitness right to your door with RunBuddy Mobile Dog Gym, which offers air-conditioned, on-site sessions designed for dogs of all sizes and fitness levels across the Phoenix metro area.
If you want your pup to stretch their legs in a safe, climate-controlled environment, the Mak Pack Indoor Dog Park in Chandler is a spacious facility where dogs can play freely regardless of the weather. With daily hours and affordable day passes or monthly memberships, it’s a great way to beat the heat while keeping your dog social and active.
Water-loving pups or those in need of low-impact activity will appreciate The Furshire Social Club in Peoria, which offers year-round swimming in an in-ground pool. Staff often join dogs in the water for playtime and pool therapy. With additional services like daycare and playgroups, it’s a great option for cooling off while staying active.
For dogs who enjoy swimming outdoors, Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert is a favorite destination. It features a dog-friendly swimming hole and nearly four fenced acres of off-leash space, including separate areas for active and timid dogs, washing stations, and trails. Although the lake and beach are closed for maintenance until late summer 2025, parts of the park remain open on a rotating schedule. Be sure to check their website for the latest access updates before visiting.
Markets & Shopping Areas
You don’t have to venture out into the wilderness to enjoy Scottsdale with your dog. In town, Scottsdale has plenty of shopping areas, parks, and attractions that are quite pet-friendly.
One of the best shopping areas to explore with your dog is the 5th Avenue Shopping District in Old Town Scottsdale. 5th Ave is a southwestern-themed shopping area that hosts around 60 small businesses and art galleries, many of which are very pet-friendly. You and your dog will love walking down the lively streets and checking out the many welcoming shops here.
For an indoor, air-conditioned option, head to Scottsdale Fashion Square. Dogs 12 pounds and under are welcome as long as they’re carried or in a stroller, and service dogs are always allowed to walk. This upscale mall features over 240 shops, an indoor playground, a food court, and a movie theater—just keep in mind that individual stores, especially the theater and some restaurants, may have their own pet policies. Bring your walking shoes—there’s plenty to explore!
If you’re a fan of farmers’ markets, there’s a great dog-friendly one close by in Phoenix called the RoadRunner Park Farmers’ Market. The market is open year-round on Saturdays, and it has a ton of fantastic locally produced and hand-crafted items for sale. It’s perfect for picking up a unique Arizona souvenir.
Restaurants & Bars
After a long desert hike or a full day exploring downtown, it’s nice to head straight to a dog-friendly restaurant with your furry friend. In Scottsdale, there are a ton of pet-friendly patios where you can eat with your dog.
If you’re looking for a nice, quaint cafe to enjoy a tasty brunch with your pet, then Arcadia Farms Cafe is the place for you. First opened in 1990, Arcadia Farms provides a welcoming atmosphere and delicious French-inspired brunch and lunch cuisine. Head out on the patio and enjoy a lovely meal with your dog by your side.
For a casual lunch or dinner, OHSO Brewery & Distillery has locations in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Gilbert. The Gilbert location includes a built-in dog park, making it especially popular with pet owners. They have great-tasting beers and craft cocktails that are oh so refreshing after a day in the Arizona sun. OHSO’s menu is also full of tasty classic pub food, and they have dog treats available for your furry friend to snack on, too.
Another great spot is Diego Pops, a dog-friendly Mexican restaurant in Scottsdale with a shaded outdoor patio and misting fans to keep things cool. Your pup can relax by your side while you enjoy modern, authentic Mexican dishes and drinks. Tacos and tequila make it a great choice for lunch or dinner with your four-legged friend.
Paws, Play, and Planning Ahead
When it comes to Scottsdale, there are too many dog-friendly places and activities to go over in a single post. The city is incredibly welcoming to anyone traveling with dogs, and you’ll find it’s almost harder to find a place that isn’t pet-friendly – especially with our expanded summer options to keep your furry friend comfortable year-round.
For your Scottsdale vacation, make sure you and your dog have the best accommodations by booking one of our pet-friendly vacation rentals. After you book your stay, feel free to contact our reservation specialists for more recommendations on places in Scottsdale where you can visit with your dog.
