Feel free to bring your four-legged friends with you on your next vacation to Arizona! The state is very dog-friendly, with lots of hotels that permit animals, and even spas dedicated to pampering your puppy (that will be the subject of an upcoming entry)! Nearly every city in Arizona has one or several “bark parks” which allow your dog to stretch his or her legs, and some freedom from the leash so they can explore every olfactory nuance of their playground. Here is a small selection of those dog-friendly parks:

The PETsMART Dog Park at Washington Park in Phoenix offers a spacious 2.65 acres in which your dog can frolic. The six-foot high perimeter fencing keeps your dog safe, while the watering station and shady trees keep your dog comfortable. There’s even a separate fenced area especially for small dogs.

The Echo Mountain Off Leash Arena in Phoenix is two acres of grassy landscape, divided evenly for large dogs and small dogs. Water fountains are installed throughout the park, and waste disposal mitts and containers are available for free.

The Shawnee Park in Chandler is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The park includes an obstacle course for your dog to challenge himself, plus watering holes and waste disposal supplies.

The Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert is an enclosed leash-free park where dogs can swim in the lake and then be bathed by their owners at the wash stations.

Chaparral Park in Scottsdale is one of the largest dog parks in the state (four total acres, three acres of grass). The park has benches and picnic areas, separate areas for large dogs and small dogs, drinking fountains, and waste disposal supplies.

The Rose Mofford Sports Complex in Phoenix is 2.5 acres divided into separate, double-gated areas for large and small dogs. There are water fountains, benches, trees, mutt mitt stations, and the park is accessible to people with disabilities.

The Sky Harbor International Airport is extremely pet friendly. Terminal 3 has the “Paw Pad” and Terminal 4 offer the “Bone Yard”, where traveling pets can stretch their legs, relieve themselves, get a quick drink and play a quick game of fetch. Each yard is near the baggage terminal, is lit at night, and offers waste disposal supplies.

Here are the general rules for any dog park in Arizona; additional rules at individual parks may apply:
1. Aggressive dogs are not welcome.
2. Dogs in heat are not welcome.
3. Your dog should be under voice control.
4. Dogs should have current vaccinations.
5. Don’t bring more dogs than you can handle.
6. Always clean up after your dog.
7. Fill any holes your dog digs.
8. Don’t bring young children. These are not playgrounds for humans.
9. Keep your pet on a leash until you are into the fenced area.
10. Watch your dog while in the fenced area.
11. Offer your dog water.
12. Abide by any local park rules.

This article at About.com offers a very comprehensive list of dog parks in Arizona. If you are staying overnight in Arizona with you furry friend, check out this site for luxury dog hotels.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
- “Nashville’s Dog Park” by Brent Nashville on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Dog Park 2009-05-15″ by Jesse Michael Nix on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Doggie Lifeguard at the Dog Park” by Walkadog on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “New Alburquerque Dog Park” by Jon Hurd on Flickr Creative Commons.

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