With spring quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to bring your pup on an adventure for pet-friendly excursions. Bringing your dog along on an outing can instill confidence, teach them manners, strengthen your bond, encourage socialization, and provide much-needed mental stimulation.
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The Valley has plenty of pet-friendly excursions for you and your dog to embark on this season, but there are a few things to keep in mind first before you head out on a new adventure. Here at the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL), we have a few popular activities you can do with your dog and here’s how you can do them safely.
Hike One of Arizona’s Many Trails
Arizona is home to many hiking trails with stunning views of the desert, from Dreamy Draw to Double Butte Loop Trail in Papago Park. A hike is a great way to explore the outdoors. When bringing your dog hiking for the first time, make sure to start with a shorter trail and pack the essentials. Bring boots for your pup’s paws, lots of water, and sun protection. Remember to keep your pet protected from fleas and ticks, as well. Lastly, keep the temperature in mind. On a warm day, start early in the morning when it’s cooler outside. But before you go, check the park’s website to ensure it’s pet friendly!
Explore a Local Farmer’s Market
Support local growers and artisans by checking out a farmer’s market. Before you go, make sure that the farmer’s market you’re visiting allows pets, even if it’s open air. Also, keep your pup’s personality in mind. Farmer’s markets can be very overwhelming for a lot of dogs with loud noises and lots of people. If your dog tends to be nervous or reactive to new things, they will probably prefer to stay in the comfort of their own home!
Go on a Camping Excursion
Here in Arizona, we’re lucky to be surrounded by a diverse selection of state parks. If you’re unsure of how your pet will acclimate to camping, try taking a few day trips before planning a campout. Before you go, make sure to do your research to find dog-friendly campgrounds and trails. Keep leash laws in mind— we suggest keeping your dog on leash to protect them from the wilderness. Plus, don’t forget to make sure they are up to date on their flea & tick medication, and ensure their I.D. tag and microchip have the correct contact information. Lastly, make sure to pack a dog first aid kit and find a nearby vet or emergency clinic in case anything happens.
Dine at an Outdoor, Dog-Friendly Patio
There are tons of outdoor patios that accommodate furry friends across the Valley, like U.S. Egg, El Patron, Arboleda, Pedal Haus Brewery, The Lodge, and Phoenix Beer Co. Before you visit an outdoor patio, ensure it is dog-friendly and pack a tasty treat for your pup to enjoy. While dining out, be aware of other diners and dogs to help ensure a calm experience for you and others.
If your dog is easily overwhelmed or reactive, it might be difficult to take them on an adventure. Some dogs just aren’t adventure dogs and prefer to stay close to home in an environment that is comfortable for them. However, some of these pups may benefit from one of AAWL’s low-cost training courses like ‘feisty fido’ or ‘shy pup’ to help them build confidence and refine their manners. To learn more about the training courses offered by Arizona Animal Welfare League, please visit https://aawl.org/dogtraining.
Author: Kimberly Vermillion is the director of marketing and communications at Arizona Animal Welfare League. The Arizona Animal Welfare League is the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in the state. Founded in 1971, AAWL has saved the lives of over 100,000 cats and dogs by providing a full range of services for animals and pet owners, including adoptions, behavior training, and low-cost medical care. These life-saving programs are only possible because of the dedicated AAWL community, who support the shelter through volunteering, adopting, fostering, and donating. For more information, visit aawl.org
