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Tucson is a Pooch's Paradise, Too
Pet-friendly Places & Services
Tucson, Ariz. - Tucson enjoys more than 350 sunny days a year. Tucson's clear skies and easy access to recreational areas provide boundless opportunities for visitors and residents to get out and about with their pets. A variety of parks, trails, and play facilities welcome dogs (on- and off-leash); and the pampered pooch can even enjoy a spa treatment or shopping spree at one of numerous pet boutiques. Pet owners can indulge in Tucson's diverse culinary scene with their canine companions since many of the city's wonderful restaurants offer pet-friendly patio seating.
Pet-friendly Hotels
Vacations aren't just for humans anymore. To help welcome canine and feline guests, many of Tucson's hotels and resorts are pet-friendly; some even offer special programs for pets. A complete listing of Tucson's accommodations options is available on visitTucson.org, in the "Visitor" section; please call ahead to confirm pet policies. Here are a few properties that welcome pets:
Doubletree Reid Park455 S. Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 881-4200
The Doubletree in Tucson welcomes dogs up to 50 pounds, with a one-time $25 pet fee per room. Guests should notify the hotel at booking that they intend to bring a pet.
Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort
10000 N. Oracle Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85704
(520) 544-5000
This AAA Four Diamond resort allows large pets weighing up to 75 pounds for a $50 non-refundable fee. Exercise options for on-leash dogs are available nearby at Cañada del Oro Riverfront Park.
Lodge on the Desert
306 N. Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 325-3366
The Lodge on the Desert welcomes pets for an additional $15 per day, as well as a $50 refundable deposit. There are no restrictions on dog size, as long as the pooch is well behaved, and there are no restrictions on which rooms allow dogs.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
7000 N. Resort Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 299-2020
This resort is happy to host any well-behaved dog or cat, and there are no limits for weight or breed. The "Loews Loves Pets" program begins at check-in with a personal note from the general manager detailing pet services, which include treats and toys, specialized bedding, placemats with food and water bowls, nearby dog walking routes, lists of nearby pet-friendly places, and even room service.
Residence Inn by Marriott
6477 E. Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85710
(520) 790-6100
This extended-stay Tucson hotel allows all sizes of dogs for a $100 non-refundable fee. Guests who bring dogs must notify the hotel when booking, and must sign a pet policy upon check-in.
Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites
5151 E. Grant Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85712
(520) 323-6262
The Sheraton Tucson allows dogs of all sizes, for no additional pet fee. However, dogs may not be left alone in the room. Be sure to notify the hotel when booking if you plan on bringing Fido!
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa
245 E. Ina Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85704
(520) 297-1151
Westward Look Resort - a former 1912 guest ranch - is a great place for owners to relax, and their pets are also welcome for a $50 one-time fee.
Dog-friendly Restaurants
Most pet-friendly restaurants in Tucson are those with outdoor patios. Because of Southern Arizona's great year-round weather, a wide variety of unique restaurants offer patio seating where well-behaved pups can join their families. A few local favorites include:
Cup Café @ Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress St.
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 798-1618
This unique, funky restaurant is found in an historic hotel in downtown Tucson, and boasts tempting culinary creations. Dogs are permitted at outside tables.
Dakota Café
6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85715
(520) 298-7188
Dakota Café is found in fun, family-friendly "Trail Dust Town," a Wild West-themed town on Tucson's east side. Besides serving delicious food, the café allows dogs at outdoor tables and in the garden area.
El Charro Café
311 N. Court Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 622-1922
El Charro Cafe allows well-behaved dogs at its outdoor tables. This Mexican restaurant has been owned by the same family since 1922, and offers world-famous chimichangas, tacos, fajitas and margaritas.
Li'l Abner's Steakhouse
8500 N. Silverbell Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 744-2800
This down-home restaurant is found in far northwest Tucson, and serves up some of the best barbecue in town, plus live bluegrass on weekends. Dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.
Specialty Boutiques for Pets
Dogs and cats are increasingly becoming full-fledged members of their human families, and what creature doesn't need a little pampering from time to time? Tucson visitors and residents can indulge their furry family members in spa treatments, gourmet treats, fashion accessories and more at these unique pet boutiques.
Dirty Dawgs
2510 N. Campbell Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 777-6045
This self-service dog spa and green boutique specializes in all-natural shampoos, conditioners, dog food, treats, collars, leashes, and toys. No appointment needed.
Paws & Claws Pet Boutique & Bakery
1800 E. Fort Lowell Rd., Suite 144
Tucson AZ 85719
1-866-795-PAWS (7297)
A specialty dog boutique, bakery, and grooming service located in midtown Tucson, Paws & Claws offers dog and cat treats, grooming, toys, gifts, collars, clothes and more.
Doggie Day Care
Though dogs can accompany their traveling companions to a wide variety of Tucson hotels, restaurants and attractions, sometimes owners simply can't bring Fido along. In such cases, visitors can take advantage of these handy doggie day care facilities.
Barkin Garvin Dog Day Care
4967 E. 29th St.
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 790-1268
Dogs need companionship just as much as humans, so when owners can't be with their dogs, Barkin Garvin lets them play with their fellow canines. Dogs that stay at Barkin Garvin get exercise, gain self-esteem and learn to properly socialize with other dogs.
Camino Verde Pet Resort
6030 S. Camino Verde
Tucson, AZ 85757
(520) 883-8464
Camino Verde offers high-quality pet boarding for dogs at just $15 per day. All kennels are sanitary and clean, and have inside and outside areas. Cement flooring inside and out ensures pets will not escape, and the inside area is climate controlled year-round for a comfortable stay.
Dawg House Dog Daycare Service
2201 N. Stone Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705
(520) 903-2949
Dawg House operates much like a human daycare center, only with "dawgs." Guests drop off their dog in the morning, go about their daily routine, and pick up their happy, tired, well-adjusted and socialized pup on the way home. Dawg House also offers training.
Off-leash Dog Parks
Vacationing humans need exercise, fresh air and socialization, and their dogs are no different! These safe, fenced dog parks allow visitors to let their pups off the leash for some energy-expending fun with other playful pooches. For more information about off-leash dog parks in Metro Tucson, go to http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/parksandrec/offleash.
Northwest Tucson
Christopher Columbus Dog Park (4600 N. Silverbell Rd.)
This 1/3-acre, fenced park features lights and after-dark hours. There is a separate fenced area for smaller dogs, Fido Fountain, scrambling area, shaded area with ramada and scooper dispenser. Open from dawn until two or three hours after dusk. For more information, call the Northwest District at (520) 791-4873.
Jacobs Dog Park (3300 N. Fairview Ave.)
Small, off-leash, fenced-in area is located on west side of Jacobs Park. Open daylight hours only. For more information, call the Northwest District at (520) 791-4873.
Northeast Tucson
Udall Dog Park (7290 E. Tanque Verde Rd.)
This dog park offers pet owners a one-acre site, with a large turf area, fenced-in off-leash area with lights, water for dogs, seating area and after-dark hours. Open 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information, call the East District at (520) 791-5930 or Udall Center at (520) 791-4931.
McDonald District Park Off-Leash Area (4100 N. Harrison Road)
This off-leash area features double-entry gates, divided small and large dog areas, tables, water faucet and bowl, scooper dispenser and shaded areas. Dogs must be on leash when outside the off-leash area. Information: call (520) 749-2766.
Midtown Tucson
Gene C. Reid Park Off-Leash Area (900 S. Randolph Way)
Located at Country Club Drive and 22nd Street (use Picnic Place or Concert Place entrances off Country Club Road), this lighted, fenced dog park features trees, separate areas for large and small dogs, dog-friendly potable water fountains, scooper dispenser, and ramada with tables. Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call (520) 791-4873.
Sixth Avenue Dog Park (2075 N. 6th Avenue)
This fenced, half-acre dog park is located on the east side of Sixth Avenue across the street from Northwest Center and Mansfield Park. The park boasts double-entry gates ramada, tables and wash area Open daylight hours only. For more information, call the Northwest District at (520) 791-4873.
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park Off-leash Dog Park (3482 East River Road)
http://brandifentonmemorialpark.org/
Located in the east part of Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, easily accessible from Dodge Boulevard, this off-leash dog park features double-entry gates, divided small and large dog areas, water bowls, tables, rake and pail for scooping waste, plastic bag holder, shaded areas. For more details, call (520) 877-6000.
East Tucson
Palo Verde Park Off-Leash Area (300 S. Mann Avenue)
The Palo Verde Park off-leash area features graveled, fenced and lighted areas for small and large dogs, dog-friendly drinking fountains, picnic tables and Scooper dispensers. Open 6 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. For more information, call the East District at (520) 791-5930.
On-leash Dog Parks
Visitors who want to enjoy Tucson's great weather and outdoors activities with Fido in tow can head to these unique, expansive parks and trails for some fitness and fun under the Sonoran Desert sun.
Rillito River Park Trail
http://www.azroadrunners.org/hotspots/detail/rillito_river_path
This popular, mostly paved trail stretches for miles across midtown Tucson, from I-10 to Craycroft Road on the north and south banks of the Rillito Riverbed. The trail is frequented by walkers and bicyclists, and leashed dogs are welcome. The trail has some watering facilities, scooper dispensers, trash cans and picnic areas along the way.
Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, AZ 85749
(520) 749-3718
http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/eeduc/interpretive/aguacal.htm
This oasis in the desert on the Northeast Side of Tucson features flowing streams, large ponds, and many places to kick back and relax with your dog, on leash.
Cañada del Oro Riverfront Park
551 W. Lambert Lane.
Oro Valley 85737
(520) 229-5050
http://azstateparks.com/parks/cata/history.html
Oro Valley, north of Tucson, offers beautifully manicured parks where dogs are welcome, as long as they're on a leash. Trails, through and surrounding the park (in an adjacent wash), offer great exercise for pooches. Within the park, scooper dispensers and trash cans are available. Dog waste cleanup is legally required.
Catalina State Park
11570 N. Oracle Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85737
(520) 628-5798
http://azstateparks.com/Parks/CATA/index.html
Dogs on leash are welcome on all trails within Catalina State Park. Hiking, horseback riding and bicycling on the trails are popular activities, with eight trails varying in length and difficulty. All trails are multi-use except Romero Ruin. The 50-Year Trail (7.8 mi.) is popular with equestrians and mountain-bikers. Free trail guide available at Visitor Center.
James D. Kreigh Park
23 W. Calle Concordia
Oro Valley, AZ 85737
http://www.dogparkusa.com/arizona/tucson/james-d-kriegh-dog-park-oro-valley
This large, busy park welcomes on-leash dogs, and features some lights after dark as well as great trails for exercising pups. Dog waste cleanup is required by law.
Lincoln Park
3955 S. Pantano
Tucson, AZ 85730
http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/parksandrec/parkmap
Enjoy a desert nature walk with your dog (on leash) through the natural desert landscaping. There are bathrooms available at the entrance. There are seating areas towards the back areas.
For more travel planning information on Tucson and Southern Arizona, please visit the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau (MTCVB) website at http://www.visittucson.org/ or call the Tucson Visitor Information line at 1-800-638-8350.
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About the MTCVB
The Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau (MTCVB) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Tucson area as a convention, visitor, and film production destination. It is financially supported by the City of Tucson, Pima County, the Town of Oro Valley and its more than 600 individual and business members.
