BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ certified cities have programs and policies that make it easier for pets and pet owners to live a happy, healthy life together. Certified in the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program in 2021, Phoenix, AZ, scored especially well in the Shelters and Parks traits of our pet-friendly cities model.

Phoenix is also a BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ grant recipient. The city received a grant in 2022 to hire a Homeless Community Counselor to help unhoused pet parents find housing, temporary boarding, pet supplies and other support to keep their pets.

Home to over 36 public and off-leash dog parks, Phoenix provides plenty of green space for pups to run free. For those who prefer the more solitary and adventurous lifestyle, the city boasts 41,000 acres of parks and preserves, including 200 miles of scenic and accessible trails.

Phoenix is also known for its pet-friendly business policies. Many of the city’s restaurants and bars have patios where pets are welcome.

Plus, the city has also developed a culture of care for its homeless dogs and cats through progressive sheltering practices, along with community-based programs like TNR and free spay/neuter for low-income families. Local alliances between animal welfare and human service agencies have gained national attention as they pave the way toward the future of protecting the human-animal bond. 

Find Out More

• Phoenix city website
• Phoenix dog parks
• Pet housing help
• The Arizona Pet Project