Nicknamed The Silver State because of the silver mines that were so important to its economy and history, Nevada is a western state surrounded by California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. Although it is the driest state in the US and has incredibly hot summers, the winters are mild, with highs in the upper 50s. Perfect for outdoor fun with your fur baby.
Dogs are a common part of many families, with about one pooch in every three households. In fact, out of a population of 3.2 million people in approximately 1.1 million households, there are an estimated 355,645,376 fur babies in Nevada. Out of the 126 cities in the state, you can find 1,284 dog-friendly hotels, 441 restaurants with outdoor seating for pup parents, and more than 100 dog parks.
One of the most popular attractions in Nevada is gambling. It was the first state to allow it in 1931 and remained the only one until Atlantic City in New Jersey opened a casino in 1978. While almost all casinos are dog-free spaces, there are a select few that allow them. But for now, it is probably best to stick to the parks and other dog-friendly places. Here are the 15 top dog-friendly cities in Nevada.
Las Vegas, Nevada
You may know that Las Vegas is known as The City of Lights, but did you know that it is the brightest place on Earth? It can actually be seen from the International Space Station. But they cannot see all the fur babies hanging out in the parks and lakes in Vegas. According to records, there are approximately 107,000 pooches living in the city, and thousands more visit every year.
Las Vegas would be the perfect weekend getaway for you and your cuddly canine companion because there is so much to do and so many dog-friendly places to visit. You will not have trouble finding a place where Fido can join you since they have more than 300 vacation rentals & hotels. The most pup popular is Caesars Palace, which has a huge casino, shows, and even a salon. And dogs get their own bowls, food, and treats.
Be sure to take your fur puppy to some of the awesome dog parks, like the Bark Park at Heritage Park and Barx Parx, which both have agility equipment to play on. No leashes are needed!
Reno
Those who travel with their dogs know that it is essential to know all the dog parks and other pet-friendly places wherever they are going. Reno is a small city known as The Biggest Little City In The World, and it has a lot of casinos and tourist attractions similar to Las Vegas but on a much smaller scale. And with an estimated 15,000 fur babies living in town, you know there are going to be some dog-friendly attractions.
Reno has 120 vacation rentals to choose from, so you will be able to find your perfect place easily. For example, the Whitney Peak Hotel is just next to the Arch downtown and allows pups for $75 per stay. And the Hilton Garden Inn allows dogs up to 50 pounds for $50 a night. Those with a love of the outdoors will enjoy all the dog parks, like the Link Piazzo Dog Park in Washoe County.
After working up an appetite, stop by In-N-Out Burger, where they serve special burgers for canine companions. For something more extravagant, you can take Fido to the Wild River Grille for filet mignon or lobster ravioli.
Lake Las Vegas Henderson
Looking for a lakeside retreat to share with your fur baby? Lake Las Vegas is a 320-acre lake with about 3,500 acres of recreational space in Henderson. There are three resorts there, but Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa is the only one that allows pets. You can bring two dogs up to 50 pounds in total. It is a stunning place right on the lake with a garden, balcony, and a pool.
In most places around the water, pups are allowed to swim as long as they are supervised. Some require a leash, while others welcome pets off the leash. You can also take your cuddly canine shopping at Fashion Show Mall as long as they are on a leash and you take them outside to go potty.
Then, you can take him to run and play off the leash with other pups at Veterans Memorial Park, where they have a fenced play area at the southern end. The agility equipment here is great for a workout before going back to the lake to cool off.
Carson City
Speaking of lakes, Carson City is located on the northeastern corner of Lake Tahoe, where pups are also allowed to swim with supervision. Even with only about 9,000 pooches living in the city, you are bound to see some of them around the lake and dog parks. Chimney Beach is one of the areas on the lake that allow dogs and even has some dog beaches. Creek Beach, just to the south, is also pup popular.
Looking for an affordable hotel with no pet fee? Motel 6 is where to go. They have rooms for under $100 with a pool and free parking. For something more rustic, try Deerfield Lodge on the lake, where you can have two dogs for $45 per night.
The Historic Virginia and Truckee Trail is a fun activity to enjoy with your pooch for no charge. It is an easy paved trail of about two miles. Another free activity is the Dog Park at Fuji Park. They even have fishing, a playground, and picnic shelters. Remember the doggie bags.
Boulder City
In southern Nevada, just 25 miles south of Las Vegas, Boulder City is a small community in Clark County with about 15,000 residents and 1,600 fur babies. Even though it is small, there is a lot to do in Boulder City, including playing at some of the most interesting parks. It is located on the southeastern end of Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, which has 48,438 acres.
Also nearby, Lake Mead Recreation Area is another pet-friendly place, and it has miles of trails you and your fur baby can explore. The Sunset View Trail is easy and only one mile, but has incredible views. The Callville Trail is 1.8 miles long and is also easy. For more of a challenge, try the 9.2 Bowl of Fire Trail. But bring lots of water and doggie bags, of course.
Don’t miss seeing the Hoover Dam while you are in town. It is on the Colorado River in Black Canyon and is an incredible sight to see. You can grab a bite on the patio at the Hoover Dam Cafe, where they have burgers and sandwiches.
Paradise
Paradise is actually an unincorporated town rather than a city, but it is larger than Boulder City, with 192,000 residents and 31,000 dogs. It has lots to offer the outdoor enthusiast as well as the gambler. It is just south of downtown Vegas, so you can get to the casinos in just a few minutes. In fact, it is the location of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, so you cannot miss it. But you do not have to go to Vegas. Paradise has casinos as well. And some of them are dog-friendly.
To get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors with your cuddle buddy, visit Sunset Park. It has 324 acres with five playgrounds, so it is perfect if you have the kids with you. There are also trails, a lake, disc golf, and the best part… a dog park. The fully-fenced park has separate spaces for large and small dogs, as well as a shaded picnic area.
Afterward, take your fuzzy pal to Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar at Festival Plaza for dinner. They even have a dog menu with chicken and burgers.
Sparks
If you want to take the family on vacation in Nevada, check out Sparks, just east of Reno. It is another small town with only 110,000 residents. But they also have an estimated 18,500 dogs, so there are plenty of pup popular places to keep you busy. There is a dog-friendly hotel right in town with a pool, garden, and nearby parks to enjoy.
The most visited place in Sparks is the Sparks Marina Park. With a billion gallons of water and 81 acres, most of the activities here are on, in, or by the water, such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. It even has a dog park on the southern end of the lake where you can take his leash off and let him run around and swim with other fur babies.
You and your family, including your furry family members, can also explore the Golden Eagle Regional Park or Pah Rah Mountain Park. Both are dog-friendly and have playgrounds for the kids.
Virginia City
For those who like to get more in touch with nature, bring your fur baby to Virginia City RV Park where they have 50 sites, some with RVs already in them. Most of them are dog-friendly as long as you keep them on a leash when outdoors. Also, bring plenty of doggie bags to pick up after your pup. It also has tent areas if you would rather sleep under the stars. With full hookups and two shower houses, you will not have to worry about keeping your pup clean.
Even though Virginia City is the largest in the county, it is a tiny town with just 787 residents. But one out of every three households has a fur baby, so there are probably about 130 dogs in the city. You can find this little community southeast of Reno and northeast of Lake Tahoe along Highway 341, also known as C Street.
While in town, visit the pooch popular Chollar Mine to learn the history of the city and see where they found gold. Don’t miss the Virginia & Truckee Railroad ride that takes you back into the Comstock Bonanza and 17 mine sites.
Elko
In northeast Nevada, you will find Elko, Nevada, another small city that is the largest in the county. But it is bigger than Virginia City, with 20,300 residents at last count. The little town runs along Interstate 80 and encompasses the Humboldt River, Riparian Hot Springs, and the Elko Regional Airport. You are likely to see some canine companions during your stay too, because there are an estimated 3,000 of them in town.
You will have several local pet-friendly hotels to choose from, including the Thunderbird Motel, Hampton Inn, Maverick Casino Hotel, Shilo Inn, and Best Western. Actually, there are 22 rental properties in town, including two campgrounds and some Airbnb. Just about all the eateries are pet-friendly too. If they have an outdoor seating area, pups are allowed.
There is also a nice-sized, fully-fenced dog park in the center of the city with lush green grass and lots of room for a game of fetch. Bring your own doggie bags and water, just in case.
Caliente
The second least populated city on this list, Caliente has just over 1,100 residents in southeastern Nevada, just north of Las Vegas. Most of the city is between Highway 93 and Meadow Valley Creek. Make it a weekend getaway with your cuddly canine companion by getting in touch with nature at Beaver Dam State Park where they have two campgrounds. Both are dog-friendly, but they are first-come, first-served, so you will need to get there early if you want a spot.
While you are at the park, you can go hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, or have a picnic. For more hiking trails, visit Kershaw-Ryan State Park, Cathedral Gorge, or Echo Canyon State Park. Then, stop at Side Track Restaurant on Clover Street, where you and Fido can share a burger or steak on the patio. They also have grilled salmon, fish and chips, and sandwiches.
For even more space to explore, the Basin and Range National Monument has 704,000 acres with valleys, canyons, and even some mountains you can climb if you and your pup are careful. Watch out for snakes and scorpions.
Lovelock
Lovelock is another small town, this one in northwestern Nevada. There are about 1,800 residents and 300 dogs living in Lovelock, so you and your pup will likely see some of them around town or at the Rye Patch State Recreation Area. The park has 72 miles of shoreline for boating, swimming, fishing, and skiing as well as a campground so you can stay. There are miles of trails to explore, too. It only costs $5 for parking, and everything else is free.
Small cities are always more inexpensive, and Lovelock is one of the cheapest. You can stay at the Surestay Hotel in Lovelock for $66, and the fee for pets is only $30. You get two queen beds, a microwave, and a fridge. It is close to everything, including the Gold Diggers Saloon and Grub House. They have great pizza and live music.
If you plan your visit right, you can be there for the Lovers Aloft Hot Air Balloon Race in February, the Portuguese Festival in May, the Street Fever Car Show in June, or Frontier Days in July.
Fernley
What started out as a ranching community in 1904 is now a growing community of families and their fur babies (2200 of them) with shopping, dining, and several large parks. There are two dog parks, one in Green Valley Park and one at Out of Town Park. Green Valley has six acres with two playgrounds for the kids and a fun off-leash dog park at the northern end.
The largest park in town is Out of Town Park, with 50 acres of space for ball, concessions, and even a rodeo area. The kids will love the two playgrounds with swings, monkey bars, and slides. It also has a large dog park called PAW-sitive Play Dog Park in the southeast corner of the park. You and your fur baby can stop and get recharged at Starbucks on Penny Lane, where they serve Puppuccinos for fur babies.
There are several dog-friendly hotels in town too, including Comfort Suites, which has a pool a large modern gym and only charges $20 per night for dogs. Sure Stay Hotel also has a pool and allows dogs for just $25 per night.
Ely
With a current population of 3,924 humans and approximately 650 fur babies, Ely is a small but pup popular town in eastern Nevada. The city runs along highways 50 and 6, so it is easy to reach from anywhere. It got its name from J.W. Long, who discovered gold in the area and decided to set up a camp, naming it after his hometown of Ely, Vermont.
With an average high of 50 in the winter, this is the perfect place to go to get away from the below-freezing temperatures of many other states in the US. The city may be small but it has lots of outdoor activities to enjoy any time of the year with parks like Cave Lake State Park, Great Basin National Park, and Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park. The last one is named for the six charcoal ovens from 1876 that you can still see. And dogs are welcome on a leash.
When you get hungry, take Fido to Racks Bar and Grill, where pups are welcome on the patio. They have delicious battered cod, southwest burgers, and buffalo wings. Always bring doggie bags wherever you go.
Pahrump
If you like warm winters, the best time to go to Pahrump is in January when the highs are in the 60s and lows are not much lower. During the summer, it often reaches triple digits so it is not the ideal place for many breeds of dogs like brachycephalic (flat faces) such as Bulldogs and Pugs or dogs with thick coats, such as the Siberian Husky, St. Bernard, and Samoyed. But with 7,400 dogs living here, you probably will not see many of these breeds.
There are numerous dog-friendly hotels in town, including the Holiday Inn Express, Best Western, and Casa Pahrump. Or you can choose from several pet popular campgrounds like Preferred RV Resort, Wine Ridge RV and Cottages, Nevada Treasure RV Resort, and Pahrump RV Park & Lodging.
Be sure to take your cuddle buddy to Blosser Park where they have a fantastic dog park with picnic tables and lots of open space. But bring your own water and poop bags because they do not have them here.
Laughlin
At the very bottom tip of Nevada, you will find Laughlin, a small town with a big personality and an estimated 1,400 dogs. It is considered to be a resort town and has quite a few attractions like parks, museums, and casinos. Speaking of casinos, Harrah’s Casino Motel welcomes dogs and has a large casino with over 750 slot machines and 22 table games as well as two pools. Unfortunately, pups are not allowed in the casino or the pool area.
Since your pooch cannot join you in the fun at the hotel, take him to one (or more) of the dog parks in town. Rotary Dog Park is full of soft sand and agility equipment with a special section for small dogs. It also has a giant bone-shaped water pad with a fire hydrant and several sprinklers to run through. It is the perfect way to cool off in the summer.
You can also visit Big Bend of the Colorado River, which is the last state park in Nevada, before reaching Arizona. It has two miles of shoreline on the Colorado River, as well as picnic areas, fishing, hiking, and even camping.
The Final Woof
If you are planning to visit Nevada for the casinos, Las Vegas and Reno are the best places to go. They have awesome hotels and activities to share with your pooch. Lake Las Vegas, Carson City, and Boulder City have the lakefront property that is dog-friendly. For a family vacation with the kiddos, check out Paradise or Sparks. They both have some fantastic playgrounds and parks to enjoy. Camping in Nevada is also a pup popular activity and you will find some of the best places for that in Elko, Lovelock, Pahrump, and Laughlin. Just remember that Nevada is hot and dry so pack plenty of water wherever you go and always have doggie bags on hand to clean up after your pup.
