Flagstaff continues to earn a reputation for being pet-friendly.
Flagstaff did very well in 2024 in terms of being highly rated as a great place for pets, especially dogs.
The city has long been admired by tourists and residents alike for its crisp alpine air, clear skies, adventurous foot trails, and cozy restaurants and lodging.
The benefits of these gifts also benefit the well-being and health of countless pets who live here or visit our town.
Earlier this year, a USA Today Blueprint study analyzed six data points to arrive at the most dog-friendly vacation destinations in the United States. The report was released on March 13 and revealed that Flagstaff was named the best overall destination for dog-friendly vacations. , received full marks for analysis based on available data.
More good news for pets, a Sept. 4 news release from Discover Flagstaff, the official profile of the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Flagstaff is becoming a city through Mars Petcare’s “Better Cities For Pets” program. It was announced that the certification had been obtained.
“We love Flagstaff’s pets, and city certification means we welcome four-legged visitors to our mountain city just as we welcome more than 5 million visitors annually. “We’re making it clear that there are,” Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said.
The City of Flagstaff’s website lists some of the city’s pet-friendly attractions. “Enjoy a meal at one of our 20+ pet-friendly restaurants and breweries before relaxing at one of our 50+ pet-friendly accommodations in Flagstaff.
While you’re in Flagstaff, take advantage of one of our 132 pet-friendly trails. ” is written.
Plus, you can redeem a free dog bowl at the Flagstaff Visitor Center when you show proof of lodging.
According to a press release from Discover Flagstaff, pets are increasingly considered part of the family, with at least 60% of households in the U.S. and Canada owning a pet.
Discover Flagstaff media relations and marketing project manager Ryan Randazzo said Mars Petcare has clear guidelines for achieving city certification through the Better Cities For Pets program.
“In addition to some of the expected criteria, such as whether a city’s parks and green spaces include pet-friendly facilities, there are also some interesting aspects to this certification. “Some of the things Mars measures for this certification include whether a city has partners to work with to address homeless pets and whether a company supports pets in the workplace.” Mars also considers whether there is support for pet owners to make responsible choices for their pets and whether there is support available to help people keep their pets during difficult times. .”
City Certification was launched in 2019 by Mars Petcare, “a leading provider of high-quality, science-backed nutritional and therapeutic health products,” according to its website, and is all about “a better world for pets.” is to make.
As an extension of our Better Cities For Pets program, which works with governments, businesses and nonprofits to help communities become pet-friendly.
City Certification recognizes and celebrates cities that have programs and policies in place to improve the lives of people and pets.
According to a news release from Discover Flagstaff, City Certification was “created in partnership with Civic Design Center, a leader in public space design, and includes input from government and animal welfare experts.”
At Mars Petcare, Lisa Campbell, senior vice president of corporate affairs, explained the mission of the City Certification Initiative. “We celebrate cities that are creating positive and welcoming environments for people and their pets, and to encourage more cities to recognize the benefits of our four-legged friends. Established Better Cities Certification for Pets.”
Approximately 166 cities nationwide have been registered on the City Certification List. In addition to Flagstaff, the list includes Arizona cities such as Tucson, Tempe, and Phoenix.
““Another important aspect of certification is that cities, which now include Flagstaff, can apply for grants to continue to make improvements and become more pet-friendly,” Randazzo said. FBN
For a list of cities with this certification, please visit https://www.bettercitiesforpets.com/government-official/.
Courtesy photo: Dogs ride in bicycle baskets downtown and enjoy the mountain air in alpine meadows, making Flagstaff an overall destination for a pet-friendly vacation. .
