Now that the dog days of summer are coming to an end, squeeze one last celebration into your summer plans for National Dog Day (Monday, August 26). Here are eight ways to paw-ty it up with your pup.
Pamper your pooch at Royal Palms Resort & Spa.
Known for its “Royal Paws” program, the iconic luxury resort is celebrating National Dog Day in style. From August 23 through September 1, canine guests will get the royal treatment, including a gourmet doggy menu with delicious bites like the “Rebarkable Burger” and “Chew-dité,” complimentary pup cups at check-in, treats from Tugs & Tails, stainless steel branded dog bowl and more. 5200 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-283-1234, royalpalmshotel.com
Spoil your pup with a frozen treat at Salt & Straw.
Stop by this artisanal ice cream shop in the Epicenter at Agritopia shopping complex to snag a frozen Pup Cup, “human-grade deliciousness made for your favorite four-legged friend” featuring coconut ice cream with app and carrot chunks and sweet potato ribbons. While you’re there, get yourself a cone of one of Salt & Straw’s refreshing seasonal flavors. 3150 E. Ray Rd., #178, Gilbert, 623-256-7552, saltandstraw.com
Take your dog to an award-winning park…
This Gilbert oasis is consistently touted as the Valley’s best dog park for a reason. Named and designed for the town’s first police dog, Cosmo, every inch of this 17-acre park is dedicated to dogs, from paw print designs on the lights to benches shapes like bones. The park also features a lake, dog “beach,” pet drinking fountains, dog-washing stations and more. 2502 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert, 480-503-6200, gilbertaz.gov
…or the Valley’s only indoor puppy play place.
A perennial Best of the Valley winner, Mak Pack Dog Boarding & Training features a large, air-conditioned space for your pups to exercise and socialize. All breeds, ages and sizes are welcome with a completed behavior evaluation and proof of vaccinations. 3050 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler, 602-374-3388, makpackaz.com
Volunteer at the Arizona Humane Society.
No experience is necessary to spend the day with an animal in need at one of Arizona Humane Society’s three campuses. The Valley nonprofit offers a field trip program, where volunteers take adorable, adoptable dogs on fun outings to local, pet-friendly spots like hiking trails and coffee shops. If you want to take a furry friend home, the organization is also waiving all adoption fees August 23-25. azhumane.org
Dine at the Valley’s premier dog-friendly restaurant.
O.H.S.O Brewery & Distillery’s six Valley locations are just as beloved for their locally brewed beers as they are for their pup-friendly patios. Pay a visit on National Dog Day for beers, burgers and lots of wagging tails. ohsobrewery.com
Capture lasting memories with professional pet portraits…
Scottsdale photographer Sarah McGraw specializes in candid portraits of pets of all shapes and sizes. Her portfolio features photos of dogs splashing in the ocean, hiking in the mountains and frolicking in fields. Book a session to capture your pup’s distinct charm and personality. mcgrawphotography.com
…and check out our Cutest Pet Photo Contest for some inspo.
Voting for PHOENIX magazine’s 2024 Cutest Pet Photo Contest may be over, but you can still check out the adorable gallery of pugs, pit bulls, dalmatians and goldendoodles on our website to start planning your own fur baby’s photo shoot.
