The most populous capital city in the United States, Phoenix is not only full of retirees but new families drawn to the warm and dry climate. The city also boasts an abundance of the beloved canine companions who accompany them. Rated among the top 10 cities for dogs in 2013, Phoenix pet sitters know that dog parks are plentiful for your pooch to play and get off the leash. Check out these seven great opportunities for four-legged fun: a different park for each day of the week!
Top 7 Dog Parks in Phoenix
- PetSmart Dog Park at Washington Park
- Steele Indian School Dog Park
- Echo Mountain Off Leash Arena
- Rose Mofford Sports Complex Dog Park
- RJ Dog Park at Pecos Park
- Hance Dog Park
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
1. PetSmart Dog Park at Washington Park
6655 North 23rd Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85015
Considered by many the best dog park in Phoenix, this park sponsored by PETsMART has a great layout and two watering stations. The park is ADA accessible and benches, shade, and mutt mitt dispensers are great for the human side of the equation. Heavy rainfall and flood irrigation mean occasional closures in this and many dog parks in Phoenix, so it’s not a bad idea to call ahead. PetSmart is partnering with Phoenix to create more pop up parks as well.
2. Steele Indian School Dog Park
300 E. Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Two acres of off-leash adventures await, divided to create socialization opportunities for both small and large dogs. Reviews have varied the last decade, but renovation and irrigation upgrades have made marked improvements. Some mentioned the lighting isn’t great, so a daytime trip may be the best bet. If you feel safe with your protective, pet, however, the park is gorgeous at night.
3. Echo Mountain Off Leash Arena
17447 N. 20th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85022
A neighborhood coalition pulled together this park in Grover’s Basin with more than two acres to exercise your large or small dog. New patrons even note regulars have left tennis balls and other toys so if you forget to pack your pooch’s favorite, there’s a good chance you’ll find a spare.
4. Rose Mofford Sports Complex Dog Park
9833 N. 25th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Your dog doesn’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy the acres of fun at the south end of the Rose Mofford Sports Complex. If you’re going to be in North Phoenix with your dog and need an exercise stop for your buddy, have a ball and score some time with similar-sized dogs in one of the gated off-leash areas.
5. RJ Dog Park at Pecos Park
48th Street and Pecos Parkway
Phoenix, AZ
Visiting this park will allow you and your canine to honor a K-9 who gave his life in the line of duty in 2005. R.J. served the Phoenix police department for more than 300 deployments and the park is named in his honor. Perhaps this is why some note that regulars take more care to clean up after their pets and respect the area.
6. Hance Dog Park
323 W Culver St
Phoenix, AZ 85003
A common complaint about Phoenix dog parks is inadequate lighting, but Hance provides great light for your four-legged friend to frolic by as the sun goes down. According to Friends of Hance Dog Park, it’s the first urban dog park built in Phoenix and their page not only posts routinely about closures but also dogs that get loose in the area. For nearby residents this park is a daily visit to burn off energy and socialize.
7. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
E Sky Harbor Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85034
If you’re visiting from out of town, this will be the first dog park Phoenix offers, right off the plane! If you’re not a frequent traveler, you might not know about a feature this and other airports are adding. In fact, you have three choices depending on your terminal: The Pet Patch, the Paw Pad, or The Boneyard provide places with drinking water for your dog and mitts and baggies for you to keep the area clean. It’s the dog equivalent of the red carpet treatment when you visit the city.
Notable dog parks also populate surrounding areas like Glendale, Chandler, and more. Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert has a lake the dogs love. Also, there are activities beyond parks for your dog to enjoy in the region too, from pool parties to farmer’s markets: check out happydogphoenix.com for creative ideas. Just be careful: if you don’t live here currently and let your four-legged family member find out about these dog parks in Phoenix, they might start barking for your early retirement and relocation.
Top image via Flickr/Taro the Shiba Inu
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