Best Puppy Party Resource
Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue
Phoenix canine advocacy center Almost There rescues, fosters and adopts out dogs. One of its ingenious ways of finding animals a forever home? Hosting puppy parties. For a tax-deductible donation, you can hire the nonprofit to bring puppies to your soirée for guests to adopt, and also learn about the rescue center and how to help. 2611 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 480-336-9860, almostthererescue.org
Best Doggy Daycare
24/7
What if you could drop your dog off at daycare any time without a reservation? Like, midnight on a Tuesday. Or en route to Thanksgiving dinner at Mom’s. And 24/7 isn’t just convenient. These folks treat your dog like their own; no cages, ever, even when you’re boarding. Fifi can’t wait to go back. Multiple Valley locations, 833-364-7247, 247.dog
Best Pet Photographer
Sarah McGraw Photography
Scroll through Sarah McGraw’s Instagram (@sarah_mcgraw_photography) for serious cuteness overload: ethereal shots of sprightly pups frolicking through sun-dappled fields. Wise old cats lounging in cozy corners. Though she specializes in dogs, McGraw has captured Valley pets of all kinds, including birds, lizards and horses. Each one-hour session yields 25-30 edited digital images, with options to transform your favorites into keepsake coffee table albums, glass display boxes and more. sarahmcgrawphotography.com
Best Dog Park for Phoenix Summers
Mak Pack
If you don’t want to run around outside in the middle of the Phoenix summer, why would your furry four-legged friend? Finally, some genius thought to open an indoor dog park. Clean and well-run, Mak Pack is the place to see and be seen – sniffing butts. Two Valley locations, 602-374-3388, makpackaz.com/indoor-dog-park
Best Animal Welfare Advocate
Heidi’s Village
It takes a village, they say. This is especially true of finding forever homes for Phoenix’s thousands of homeless dogs and cats. Enter Heidi’s Village, whose mission is “uniting the animal welfare community to find a home for every pet.” Operations manager Lori Wahl refrains from calling it a rescue, shelter or sanctuary. Instead, Heidi’s Village serves as a “support system” for the more than 120 local animal rescues that operate out of its 48,000-square-foot no-kill facility. Resources like a veterinary clinic, outdoor play areas, grooming spaces and training rooms give vulnerable animals the chance to survive and thrive under its roof. 600 N. 40th St., Phoenix, 602-241-4640, heidisvillage.org
Best Place to Do Yoga with Cats
PHX Cat Café
Yes, yoga with goats is fun – but nothing beats a room full of curious cats rubbing on your legs during downward dog. Phoenix Cat Café hosts monthly yoga sessions with adoptable cats, offering the purrfect blend of relaxation, feline affection and fun. It’s a uniquely Zen – and paws-itively joyful – experience. 147 E. Garfield St., Phoenix, 602-374-3380, phxcatcafe.org
