By Stacey Wittig
Now is the ideal time for you and your sweet pup to explore the desert oasis of Lake Havasu City. Known as the Spring Break Party Capital of the western United States, this river town offers a laid-back vibe beyond its seasonal festivities on the water. When the university crowd dissipates, the city and its lake transform into the perfect watery setting for your pet-friendly paw-ty.
Located on the shores of Lake Havasu and the magnificent Colorado River, the city promises scenic beauty and a warm welcome for you and your furry companion. Share the joy of being on the water with your four-legged traveling companion.
Don’t have a boat? Not to worry: Getmyboat.com, the world’s largest boat rental and charter marketplace, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries, covers 9,300 destinations, including Lake Havasu City.
A Getmyboat report named Lake Havasu City 2023’s sixteenth most popular boating city in the United States! Getmyboat.com makes it easy for you to rent a boat from an owner the same way you rent an apartment on Airbnb. Some of the options that are dog-friendly on Lake Havasu include:
Pontoon rental on Lake Havasu, a dog-friendly pontoon rental from Aaron, with prices starting at $550/day, holds up to twelve (human) passengers!
Rent a furry friend-friendly wake-surfing/wakeboarding boat on Lake Havasu from Omar, with prices starting at $150/hour.
Dog-accompanied patrons are welcome on the four-hour charter offered on the 28’ Magic Deck Boat from Havasu Excursion, with prices starting at $150/hour. You must discuss this with the owner before your dog is approved. Pet fees apply, so check the listing for details.
Boating Tips for You and Your Four-Legged Sailor
Some hosts require pets to wear life safety vests at all times, while others want toenails filed. Make an appointment with your groomer before you go or call PetSmart Grooming in Lake Havasu City at 928-764-2500 to schedule a Nail Trim and Grind.
Ideal weather conditions and times for wake surfing and wakeboarding are sunrise, 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., as conditions on the river get windy and choppy in the afternoon.
Pet-friendly accommodations include Days Inn by Wyndham Lake Havasu, Havasu Falls RV Resort, and The Nautical Beachfront Resort. As usual, check pet policies in advance.
Pet policies vary significantly, so look for information on pet fees, weight limits, breed restrictions, and the number of pets allowed per room. Then, call the hotel directly to book or make online reservations through the hotel’s specific page for pet-friendly accommodations. This can sometimes offer more detailed information and even special packages for pets.
When visiting Lake Havasu City with your four-legged friends, avoid The Dog Days of Summer, the most oppressive summer period, between July 3 and August 11 when the average high temperature is 109° and the average low is 84°. That’s why local pups need an INDOOR dog park. Check it out at That Dane Bar.
Lake Havasu City has four off-leash dog parks, if you include the one at Love’s Truck Stop on I-40 and Hwy 95. But it seems we found the local favorite off-leash dog park at Lions Dog Park on Bridgewater Channel near London Bridge. The off-leash, enclosed, shady lawn is part of the London Bridge Beach park.
We enjoyed noshing at Javelina Cantina right off of the London Bridge. Yes, that’s a familiar name since their sister restaurant in Sedona also has pet-friendly patio seating. Your server will even bring a water bowl for Fido with your order of margs! Or grab a pet-friendly outdoor table at Hangar 24, a casual brewery, bar, and grill in an airport hangar-themed space.
Stacey Wittig loves writing about traveling with pets from her home outside Flagstaff, Arizona. Follow her globetrotting adventures at UnstoppableStaceyTravel.com.
