I’ve lived in Arizona for over 16 years. All of my dog mom days have taken place in this beautiful state and after becoming a resident of Gilbert, a beautiful suburban area, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere in Gilbert! Or at least it seems that way.
If you are like my friends and I, then you are always looking for an opportunity to take your dog out and about. I know that many places are “dog friendly” but Gilbert has a ton of “dog welcoming” locations, which means they welcome dogs with open arms and even cater to them. Here are some great locations that make Gilbert, AZ a great place for dogs and their people:
Dog Friendly Locations in Gilbert, AZ
Restaurants: Gilbert has a plethora of restaurants that welcome dogs. Since we have beautiful weather all year round, it makes it easy to sit on the patio at your favorite restaurant with your pampered pooch. Some restaurants, such as Postino Wine Cafe, will even bring your dog a fresh cold bowl of water! It’s a dog mom’s dream. There are many other places that you and your dog can grab some grub including Joe’s Farm Grill, SoCal Fish Taco Company, The Coffee Shop at Agritopia and Joe’s Real BBQ.
Parks: Gilbert has several beautiful parks where dogs are welcome, including dog parks and preserves. A few include Cosmo Dog Park, Crossroads Dog Park and the Riparian Preserve (our favorite!). You will often find us at the Riparian Preserve when the weather is cooler, along with a ton of other people and their dogs! It’s a beautiful, peaceful place to have some fun and get exercise.
Events: Arizona has pet events year round (another dog mom’s dream!). In the fall you can take your dogs to the pumpkin patch at Vertruccio Farms or stroll the Gilbert Farmer’s Market for fresh product and homemade dog treats. Don’t forget to visit the annual Barktoberfest held in Downtown Gilbert in October! They are expecting over 7,500 people to attend this year! Gilbert is full of dog lovers 🙂
Outdoor malls: Arizona is full of outdoor malls. Gilbert has a beautiful one called SanTan Village Mall. It’s fairly new and it’s a great place for my friends and I to go train our dogs. You will find water bowls outside of many store fronts, and the Easter bunny even allowed our kids to take a picture with him this spring!
Stores: Public places are great for dog training. Dogs can learn how to act and stay calm in public, as well as be around strange people and noises. Stores are great options for training but it’s also very convenient if you like to take your dog everywhere! Some of the dog friendly stores in Gilbert include Home Depot, Lowes, Barnes & Noble, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabrics and Target. You will want to check out the policies where you live, but many of the big box stores and small businesses in Gilbert welcome dogs anytime.
If you happen to be traveling through Arizona or perhaps you’re a dog lover looking for some adventure, you must visit Gilbert! You can take your dog with you to do pretty much everything. From exploring to eating to shopping, Gilbert, AZ has it all for you and your fur kids.
SOO much fun to see pictures of us & all our friends about town… great post Amanda, thanks!!
We have one good lookin’ group of kids 😉
I’m SO jealous you have a dog-friendly Target and Barnes & Noble! Reading these types of posts always makes me want to move! I wouldn’t say Iowa is NOT dog-friendly…but there’s definitely not many public places where dogs are welcome. We JUST got our first dog park in the region last year, if you can believe it! I can’t wait to visit Arizona next year 🙂
Oh my goodness! There are dog parks everywhere in AZ. Probably every 3 miles or so, no joke. I’ve gotten so used to the dog friendliness, that I’m sure I’d be let down if I moved! I hope everyone checks out what AZ has to offer when they visit for BlogPaws next years. We are definitely a dog welcoming state 🙂
These are such awesome photos, I love your doggie Mimosa party! How’d you get them all to sit so perfectly for the photo?? I’ve lived in Phoenix for 9 years now, and hands down the best part is that Arizona is so dog friendly. I rarely see a “no dogs allowed” sign at parks. Sadly, we are moving back to Long Island, NY soon and this is the thing I will miss the MOST. Long Island is so NOT dog friendly! “No dogs allowed” is probably the most common sign there! I will miss AZ terribly. I’m sharing this on my Pet Travel Pinterest board.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Thanks for sharing Cathy! That’s a bummer that you’re moving back to NY!!! The East coast definitely hasn’t quite caught on to dog friendliness.
NICE DAY !
Hi,
Enjoyed reading your article. My husband (retired military) and I are considering purchasing a home in the Gilbert area of Arizona. We have two Shetland Sheepdog, often known as the Sheltie, and two miniature Panamanians. My question is what are some of the best Subdivisions / HOA ran areas that are pet friendly for a situation like ours? Our dogs will stay in the house for the most part. However, we want to try to pick a residential area that is safe, and secured as possible that is also pet friendly.
Thank You.
Hi! Gilbert is incredibly dog-friendly and safe no matter where you live. The newer areas of Gilbert have a ton of dog-friendly restaurants, stores and parks. You really can’t go wrong anywhere in Gilbert. It’s an amazing place to live with dogs!