Traveling to Phoenix & Scottsdale with a Pet
Phoenix and Scottsdale are popular winter escapes for travelers with pets. Resort grounds and desert scenery are major advantages, but heat can be dangerous from late spring through early fall. In warm periods, outdoor activity should be concentrated near sunrise and after dark.
Where to Stay
- Old Town Scottsdale for restaurants and resort access
- Downtown Phoenix for sports, arts and city hotels
- North Scottsdale for larger resorts and easier access to desert recreation
Pet-Friendly Hotel Starting Points
Best Western pet-friendly hotels
A broad Arizona directory with many participating pet-friendly properties.
Check the current pet policy →La Quinta pet-friendly hotels
Practical pet-friendly option for desert road trips.
Check the current pet policy →Tips for a Better Trip
- Hot pavement can burn paws quickly.
- Carry more water than usual on desert walks.
- Watch for cactus, snakes and other desert hazards on trails.
Before You Leave Home
Keep vaccination information, identification and your veterinarian's contact details easy to reach. For interstate travel, the USDA notes that individual states and territories can set animal-health requirements, so check the rules for your destination when planning a longer trip. USDA interstate pet travel information.
More Phoenix & Scottsdale Travel Planning
For general destination information, events and visitor planning, see the official or primary visitor resource for Phoenix & Scottsdale. You can also review our pet travel checklist, flying with pets guide and pet-friendly hotel chain guide.