America’s Most Pet-Friendly City Is Officially This Gorgeous Destination
According to Forbes Advisor, 66% of American households, or 86.9 million homes, own a pet. Dogs are the most popular, with 65.1 million U.S. households owning one and 46.5 million with cats. Pets have then become an important factor in most Americans’ travel plans. Unfortunately, 56% of U.S. pet owners have had to travel less since getting a pet, per Trusted Housesitters.
Finding pet-friendly destinations could still be a little tricky these days, as some would rather leave their own partners at home to care for them so that they can travel. But in 2024, WalletHub released a list of the most pet-friendly cities in the U.S. On top of the list is one of the most stunning desert towns in Arizona. In Scottsdale, AZ, visitors are encouraged to bring their pets with them, whether it’s a cat or a dog.
Known as “The West’s Most Western Town,” Scottsdale boasts one of Arizona’s best historic downtowns, numerous natural areas for various outdoor activities, and unique artsy, cultural, and gastronomical experiences. And yes, you can bring your pets along. How did Scottsdale, Arizona, become the most pet-friendly city in the U.S., with top pet-friendly attractions?
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America’s Most Pet-Friendly City
Urban sunset over downtown Scottsdale Arizona
WalletHub evaluated the pet-friendliness of the largest 100 U.S. cities across 23 key metrics, including pet budget, pet health & wellness, and outdoor pet-friendliness. Scottsdale, Arizona, ranked first, with an excellent total score of 68.70.
It’s followed by Tampa, Florida (64.85); Las Vegas, Nevada (63.46); Birmingham, Alabama (61.47); and Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky (60.07). While affordable access to pet care was a major factor in the study, WalletHub emphasized that an ideal outdoor environment for pets is also an important consideration in a city’s pet-friendliness.
“Many factors contribute to a good environment for pets, from the availability of vets and pet-friendly stores to the prevalence of parks and how walkable each city is,” said Wallethub analyst, Cassandra Happe.
Scottsdale has an “extremely high number” of pet businesses and pet-friendly shops, with the city having the eighth-most dog-friendly restaurants per capita. 98% of rental listings in the city also allow pets, and they’re pretty spacious, with an average square footage of over 2,400, giving your fur babies plenty of room. When it comes to outdoor pet-friendliness, 27% of Scottsdale is notably parkland, the fourth in the U.S.
However, Scottsdale didn’t make the top five list of cities with the lowest veterinary costs. Columbus, Ohio ranked as the best city for veterinary costs, while Plano, Texas is the worst with a two-times difference from Columbus.
According to a report by insurance company Lemonade, the average cost of a veterinary visit in Arizona is $73, which is the same as the national average. For comparison, the average veterinary cost in Massachusetts—home to the least pet-friendly city in the U.S. (Boston)—is $86.
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Pet-Friendly Things To Do In Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ, is a fun town in itself, but its many pet-friendly attractions and activities make it an even more worthy vacation spot. There’s an abundance of pet-friendly hotels in Scottsdale. They have lush spaces for dog walking, resort-style landscapes, as well as special pet brands and amenities for your stay. These hotels are also located in Scottsdale’s best areas: Royal Palms Resort & Spa is right alongside the Camelback Mountai,n and Hotel Valley Ho is in the vibrant Old Town’s Art District.
Once you’re settled, Scottsdale is brimming with dog-friendly restaurant patios, parks, and trails worth exploring. Start with a farm-to-table meal at Farm & Craft, which also offers a special Dog Bowl for your fur baby on the patio. After a filling breakfast or lunch, spend your afternoon in Chaparral Dog Park, Scottsdale’s most popular, which has separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as benches, play features, and water fountains.
For a more adventurous hike, you can take your dog with you to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It has 30,500 acres of Sonoran Desert habitat, with interconnected trails for multi-level, pet-friendly hikes, biking, and even horseback riding. Then end your day with a night out in North Scottsdale’s OHSO Brewery + Distillery, which lets you hang out with your dog as you enjoy their famous spent grain-processed beer.
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Best Time To Visit Scottsdale, Arizona With Pets
The best time to visit Scottsdale, AZ, with a pet is during spring and fall for mild and comfortable weather. These are the best seasons for some outdoor strolls, hiking in the Sonoran Desert, and hanging out in pet-friendly patios and parks.
Summers in Scottsdale can get dangerously hot for pets, with temperatures going over 100°F. If you decide to visit during this period, you’ll need to plan your outings with your pet for early morning or late evening, when it’s cooler.
A winter visit to Scottsdale is better than a summer trip, especially with pets. Average daytime temperatures range from 65°F to 75°F, which is ideal for extended outdoor recreation. Evenings are cooler at around 40°F to 50°F, and community holiday events make the town extra colorful. It’s also said to be the best time for golfing.
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Scottsdale, Arizona, is truly a must-visit for those looking for a destination that has exciting experiences you can share with your dogs. While the town has a reputation for being expensive for tourists, you can book pet-friendly lodging for as low as $50.
Many of the parks are also free, including Chaparral Park, the lakefront Eldorado Park, and Vista Del Camino Park—home to a free full-length disc golf course for all levels. With proper planning, you can certainly pull off a budget-friendly and pet-friendly trip to Scottsdale, Arizona.
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