It’s hot out there! No, really. Tucson is known to have highs of 100 degrees or more throughout most of the summer. So, how do we deal with that heat as dog owners? There’s a lot of ways we all handle it. We’ll walk earlier and later in the day, we’ll find spots with shade and pack plenty of water… and we’ll find every possible to stay inside. However, that makes it a little hard to walk your dog.
Let’s talk about that! Here are some great, dog-friendly places to take your pup for a walk INSIDE here in Tucson:
1. Every Bookman’s location
Browse aisles of books, comics, music, games, and more with your best furriend! There’s plenty of room to walk, sit, and relax for a while inside– plus, their staff keeps dog treats!
2. Hardware Stores
Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and other hardware stores are known for being welcoming to pups! They’re spacious, large, and perfect for a stroll through any section you’re interested in.
3. Pet Supply Stores
An obvious choice would be pet supply stores! PetSmart, Petco, Tractor Supply, and other similar stores are great places to bring your pup. They’re usually large with plenty of things to go browse with your dog! Plus, some have dog-friendly activities like training sessions, a grooming salon, and store events to enjoy.
4. Local Thrift Stores and Antique Malls
Tucson Antique Mall, Speedway Antique Mall, Harrison Road Antiques, St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Store, and the HSSA Thrift Store are all great options for this! Spend some time walking the aisles and picking some unique finds while getting in some quality time with your dog.
5. Park Place Mall
Park Place Mall is dog-friendly, plus it’s also home to PAWSH Park Place, a nonprofit pet supply store that houses adoptable dogs. You can browse around the store and walk the mall with your pup, though individual stores may have different pet policies.
6. Dogs of Tucson
For a place that’s MADE for dogs to enjoy the AC year-round, look into Dogs of Tucson! They’re an indoor dog park, a dog daycare, and a place where the local dog community comes together. They host staycations (dog boarding), local events, training and classes, and a barkery, which is their on-site shop with local vendors. They’ve got it all, in terms of keeping you and your pup happy and comfortable while socializing!
They also take safety seriously! All dogs MUST be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, & pass a social evaluation to join our pack. Learn more here!
When you’re looking for dog-friendly, indoor locations, the safest bet is to call ahead of your visit. While some malls and stores do generally allow on-leash dogs that are well-behaved, it may depend on the manager. The above list can give you a reliable variety to start with, but we recommend getting involved with Dogs of Tucson if you’re looking for an indoor, air conditioned space where your dog can socialize, exercise, and play!