For travelers who don’t want to leave Fifi or Fido behind, Grand Canyon National Park is dog-friendly and encourages visitors to be active with their pets.
For those traveling with pets, the Grand Canyon offers options. Visitors planning on hiking below the rim, or those who want to see the sights without their dogs, can leave their animals at the park’s kennel, operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts.
The kennel cares for pets daily between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. for $22 per dog and $17.50 for cats. Pets are not permitted in most guest rooms at the park, with the exception of Yavapai Lodge, and the kennel offers overnight boarding for dogs and cats. For those staying in Williams and taking the train to the canyon, the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel also has an on-site kennel offering daily and overnight pet boarding.
Reservations are recommended, especially for overnight boarding during the busy summer season from May to September. Pet owners must be able to provide proof of vaccinations for their animals, including distemper/parvo, rabies and Bordetella for dogs and rabies, rhinotracheitis, Calici Virus, feline distemper and leukemia for cats.
Because of heavy mule and foot traffic on popular hiking trails, anyone planning on hiking trails into the canyon or trekking into the backcountry should be aware that pets are not allowed unless they are designated service animals. Mules can become skittish or unpredictable around dogs and spook, endangering the mule, the rider and the dog. Popular trails such as Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail experience several mule trains a day.
Leashed pets are allowed on all trails above the rim, as well as Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village, and all developed areas. Dogs are not allowed inside buildings unless they are designated service animals.