BY AIYANA HAVIR

The air is cooling, the leaves are changing, and pets are itching for some excitement after being stuck indoors all summer. With all of the scenic landscapes, opportunities for adventure, and pet-friendly hotels northern Arizona has to offer, now is the time to escape for a weekend with the whole family, furry friends included. Let’s face it, weekend getaways just aren’t the same when man’s best friend is left behind with a pet sitter – bring him along for the ride!

Sky Ranch Lodge | Sedona

Capitol Butte, Snoopy Rock, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, Mingus Mountain, the ghost town of Jerome – these amazing landmarks can all be seen from the comfort of Sky Ranch Lodge, in the heart of Sedona. Situated 500 feet above the town, atop Airport Mesa, the lodge’s spectacular grounds, incredible views of “Red Rock Country,” and a $10 per night pet policy make a trip to Sedona virtually irresistible.

A couple of pet-friendly eateries to keep in mind while in Sedona are the Heartline Café and the Chocola Tree. Heartline Café serves American cuisine in a relaxed, romantic atmosphere and was recently given the Customer Service Excellence Award by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. Chocola Tree prides itself on their 100 percent organic, vegetarian dishes with a vision to serve delicious, health-conscious food amidst the warmth and tranquility of the Red Rock County.

Wyndham Garden Prescott | Prescott

Set amid the Prescott National Forest, the Wyndham Garden Prescott will host pets for a one-time fee of $50. With the historic Whiskey Row minutes away, an indoor pool and whirlpool, and hiking trails just outside the back door, this hotel provides opportunities for you and your pet to experience the beauty, history, and serenity of Prescott Valley.

Artists and art connoisseurs are drawn to Prescott and, luckily, there are a handful of art galleries in Prescott that accommodate pets. Keep in mind, however, that if the wagging tail breaks anything, the paws will have to pay for it. Prescott is also home to a series of pet-friendly restaurants – Pasquale’s Place is a family-owned establishment that features an array of European dishes, or, for a more rustic option, try the Palace Restaurant and Saloon on Whiskey Row. With its authentic wooden bar and western swinging doors, this is a great alternative for a taste of western culture.

Comfort Inn & Suites Flagstaff | Flagstaff

There’s something for everyone in the city of Flagstaff, and this hotel’s convenient location makes every option easily accessible. Located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, the Comfort Inn & Suites Flagstaff acts as a pit stop for the many ventures in and around this quaint college town, from the Grand Canyon National Park to scenic hiking trails to historical downtown Flagstaff. Guests are privy to a complimentary hot breakfast, heated hot tubs, and fresh baked cookies every evening, all while breathing in Flagstaff’s clean mountain air. There is a $20 per night pet fee, and animals may not be left in the room unattended.

While the town of Flagstaff is generally a pet-friendly environment, two stand-out spots for animal lovers are Diablo Burger and Macy’s European Coffee House & Bakery. At Diablo Burger, burgers are made from 100 percent Flagstaff local, open range-raised, antibiotic-free and growth-hormone-free beef, with most of their produce coming from local farms. Dogs are allowed on the patio and will be provided fresh water. If vegetarian dishes and baked goods are more preferable, Macy’s European Coffee House & Bakery is the place to go. In its 30-plus years in the area, it’s been named “Best Coffeehouse” by the Arizona Daily Sun three years consecutively, as well as  “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” and “Best Coffee Roaster” for 2011.

Pet Travel Tips:

• Check before leaving. Before embarking on the journey, check the hotel’s pet policy. Be aware of any possible pet restrictions or fees.
• Know where to go. Locate emergency veterinary clinics or trusted veterinarians in the area.
• Keep tabs. Make sure to have the pet on a leash when outside of the car or hotel.
• Bring back-up. It’s not uncommon for pets to get upset stomachs when travelling. Consult the pet’s veterinarian for specific remedies or try ginger capsules available at health food stores. Ice cubes are also easier on pets’ stomachs than large amounts of water.
• Not too much. Minimal feeding is recommended during travel. Feed and exercise the pet prior to departure to relieve it of nerves, hunger, and excessive potty breaks.