“The journey of life is much sweeter when traveled with a dog.”
-unknown
On the cusp of entering middle age (my 40s, ugh), I can still remember my first dog, Charlie. I met him when I was 6. My family and I were going home after one of our weekly trips to Toys R’ Us (yes, I said weekly), and there was a shopping cart full of puppies parked right at the main entrance.
Being 6, of course, I immediately picked up a potbellied, blue-eyed ball of cute. And that sealed the deal…or maybe it was the fact that these puppies were free.
Charlie was family. We showered him with love, attention, and walks until he passed away. When his hoomans made important decisions, Charlie was included. Going out of town? Charlie needed care.
If you’re a dog owner planning a trip to Las Vegas, you’ll have to make the same decision: Should you check your furry friend into a kennel or bring them to your Vegas hotel room?
I’m here to present a few pros and cons of bringing your dog along on your trip to the 702.
I have to warn you, though—you might not like my answer.
1. Is Vegas a good place for dogs?
You can walk your dog on the Strip between Sahara Rd and Sunset Rd from 5am to 12pm, but that’s it. And honestly, you probably don’t even want to do that.
Here’s some personal experience on this one. The Strip is basically just a playground for adults, and, as with any other playground, there’s always some garbage strewn about. Much of this garbage consists of discarded drinks and cocktail glasses, and not all of them are plastic. Broken, shattered, or fractured glass can easily slash your dog’s paws when walking the Strip.
2. Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Las Vegas?
Planning on bringing Fido along to your visit to The Grand Luxe or Brio Tuscan Grill for brunch? Too bad, dogs are not allowed in most restaurants. Your poor pup will be stuck in the hotel room while you’re out exploring Vegas.
Now, there are a few dog-friendly restaurants in town, but none are near the Strip.
3. Is Vegas too hot for dogs?
The answer to this question is a resounding YES-sometimes. During the summer months in Vegas (and thanks to climate change, even September and the first part of October), daytime temperatures soar to 110 degrees and beyond. Do you want to walk around in that heat?
And, if you think it’s too hot for YOU to walk barefoot on scorching Vegas summer sidewalks, why would it be okay for your pup? Of course, you can invest in some doggy booties to protect their paws, but most people don’t.
Leave Fido at home
We know you love your dog and want to take their furry face on your trip. But, ultimately, it’s better to look into hiring a dog sitter while you and the clan come to Vegas to get crunk, hit the clubs, and let the previous night’s remnants of alcohol get soaked up by award-winning, noteworthy restaurants.
Trust me, it’ll be more stress than necessary to bring Fido or Bella with you.