Grand Canyon Pet Friendly Travel Guide

Grand Canyon Travel with Pets

If you want to take a trip to the Grand Canyon, you might not have to leave your dog at home after all! Grand Canyon National Park offers some surprisingly good options for pets and their owners to enjoy and explore the park together, but you should read the following information before you go to make your trip truly enjoyable for both humans and furry friends alike. Remember that park regulations require dogs to be on 6 foot or shorter leashes at all times and you must clean up after your pets. Read the guide below to learn more about traveling to the Grand Canyon with pets.

Grand Canyon Guru is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks.

Where Are Pets Allowed at Grand Canyon?

Where can you bring your Pet at Grand Canyon National Park?

The best and most popular option for viewing Grand Canyon with your pet is along the South Rim's 'Rim Trail' which extends 13 miles from Yaki Point to Hermit's Rest. The trail varies from paved to unpaved and however far you want to walk is up to you and your furry companions! The most populated parts of the trail are from Yaki Point to Grand Canyon Village, with fewer and fewer people along the trail as you head west of Grand Canyon Village. If you're not up for a hike and just need a place to let your dogs out of the car, pets are also permitted in parking lots, paved overlooks and park campgrounds if they are on a leash.

On the North Rim, your options are much more limited; here, dogs are restricted to the bridle trail (greenway) that connects the lodge with the North Kaibab Trail, and the portion of the Arizona Trail that continues north from there to the park entrance station. Like the South Rim, leashed dogs are also permitted in parking lots, paved overlooks and park campgrounds as well. If you and your pets make it as far as Tuweep, pets are restricted to established and open roads and the campground.

Where CAN'T you bring your Pet at Grand Canyon National Park?

While there are many places for you and your pets to enjoy the fresh air and incredible views together, it is important to know that there are many places that you cannot go with your pets. These include any trail that goes below the rim of the canyon, inside federal buildings or park hotels and facilities, or on the park's free shuttle buses. Please remember that it is unsafe to leave your pets in your vehicle, even with the windows open, for any length of time. If you need to leave your pets for more than a few minutes, please refer to the information on boarding at the Grand Canyon South Rim Kennel below. For more information go to Grand Canyon National Parks Pet Information page.

Read below to learn about Pet Friendly Lodging and Kennels.

Custom Grand Canyon and Southwest Self-Drive Tours

Bespoke Self-Drive Tours

Handcrafted Self-Drive Tours designed by our Destination Experts for a stress free adventure.

Pet Friendly Lodging and Kennels

Grand Canyon dog and pet friendly hotels

Grand Canyon National Park only has one hotel that provides pet-friendly rooms for those that want to bring their furry family and stay close to the canyon on the South Rim. Just 7 miles south of Grand Canyon's South Rim, the town of Tusayan, AZ also has three hotels that can accommodate you and your pets. For more information on these and other South Rim and Tusayan Lodging read about South Rim Hotels.

Yavapai Lodge (inside the park)

Yavapai Lodge offers a number of rooms that can accommodate up to 2 dogs with an additional $25 pet fee charged at check in. For an additional fee, they also offer the 'Pets in Parks' package which includes:  loaner kennel, loaner leash, waste bags, loaner food  and water dishes, and a dog treat in the room. It is important that you request a pet friendly room when you make your reservation, as these popular rooms tend to book up in advance!

Grand Canyon Squire Inn (in Tusayan, AZ)

  • Pets are allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to two dogs (80lbs max) in a rented room. Other pet types (e.g. cats) may be allowed upon the hotel’s approval prior to arrival. The pet friendly rate is $20.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum. A refundable cleaning and damage deposit of $50.00 is required upon check-in.

Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel (in Tusayan, AZ)

  • Two pets (<40lbs) allowed per room. Non-refundable $50 pet fee.

Red Feather Lodge (in Tusayan, AZ)

  • Two to three pets per room, depending on size. Non-refundable pet fee of $25 for one pet and $5 for each additional pet.

Grand Canyon South Rim Kennel

Sometimes your Grand Canyon plans include places that your pets cannot go. Luckily, there is a boarding kennel located on the park's South Rim that can board your pets either just for the day or as long as you need to explore and enjoy the park. The kennel accepts cats or dogs and food is provided if you don't bring your own.

  • Location: The South Rim Kennel is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts and is located in Grand Canyon Village near the Maswick Lodge.
  • Season: The kennel is open year-round. Reservations are highly recommended during summer months and on holidays.
  • Hours: Open daily 7:30am-5:00pm.
  • 928-638-0534

Proof of vaccination must be provide as follows:

  • Dogs need proof of current inoculation against rabies, DHLP, bordetella, and parvo.
  • Cats need proof of current inoculation against rabies, feline leukemia, and distemper combo (FDVR).
Private Grand Canyon and Southwest Tours

Private Southwest Tours

The ultimate Tailor-Made Private Tour to the Grand Canyon and top Southwest National Parks.

Get Grand Canyon ready

Small Group Grand Canyon Tours

Small Group Adventures

Have the Grand Canyon Guru find the perfect small group tour for your Grand Canyon adventure.

Self-Drive Grand Canyon Tours

Self-Drive Tour Design

Work with our Professional Trip Designers to create a custom Self-Drive Grand Canyon vacation.

DIY Grand Canyon Tour

DIY Adventure Planning

Grand Canyon Guru’s self-guided itineraries will help you plan the ultimate DIY road trip.

Private Grand Canyon Tours

Custom Private Tour Design

Have our Destination Experts design a hand-crafted private tour for a fully guided Grand Canyon experience.

adventure awaits

Download our free guide to the best of the Grand Canyon

Get the guide