Bringing your dog to Las Vegas? You absolutely can—but it’s not quite like taking them to a beach town or a sleepy mountain village. Vegas is bold, bustling, hot, crowded, and constantly in motion. It’s a city built on extremes, and that includes the experience of traveling here with a dog. If it’s your first time visiting with a pup, you’ll want to arrive with a solid game plan. That means understanding leash laws, being aware of where (and when) dogs are allowed on the Strip, making smart choices about where your dog can cool off or do their business, and knowing how to avoid the heat. And if you’re planning to hit up casinos or indoor attractions, you’ll definitely need to sort out pet sitting. The good news? With the right prep, Las Vegas can be a surprisingly enjoyable destination for both you and your four-legged co-pilot.

Leash Laws and Strip Access

Before you even step outside your hotel, it’s important to understand how leash laws work in Las Vegas. Clark County requires that dogs be kept on a leash no longer than six feet when in public. This is a non-negotiable rule—there are no exceptions for retractable leashes that stretch out longer, and even the most obedient off-leash-trained dog still needs to be physically restrained. Whether you’re walking through a quiet residential neighborhood, across a hotel parking lot, or down a busy sidewalk on the Strip, that leash needs to be clipped on and under your control. This isn’t just about following the law; it’s about protecting your dog in a city full of sudden distractions—loud music, flashing lights, performers, food carts, and a crowd that moves fast and unpredictably.

It’s also important to know that dogs are only allowed on the Strip during limited hours. From 5 a.m. to 12 noon, leashed dogs are permitted to walk along Las Vegas Boulevard between Sahara Avenue and Sunset Road. Outside of that early-morning window, dogs are not legally allowed on this stretch of the Strip—even if they’re leashed. It’s one of those local rules that catches visitors by surprise, and it’s strictly enforced. If you’re staying at a hotel on the Strip and your dog needs an afternoon walk, you’ll want to head off the Boulevard itself or find your hotel’s designated pet relief area. This is why planning ahead is so important here—Las Vegas can be a fantastic place to visit with a dog, but it definitely comes with a few more logistics than your average vacation spot.

The Heat Here Is Real

The desert heat is something every pet parent needs to take seriously in Las Vegas. In the summer, daytime highs regularly hit triple digits, and the temperature of asphalt or pavement can be as much as 40 to 60 degrees hotter than the air. That means even a 90°F day can turn sidewalks into scorching surfaces that can burn paw pads in seconds. It’s a risk that catches a lot of visitors off guard, especially those coming from cooler or more humid parts of the country.

To protect your dog, avoid walking them in the middle of the day—period. Early mornings and late evenings are your safest bet. Some pet parents also use dog booties or paw balm to create a barrier between the heat and their dog’s feet. If you’re not sure if the ground is too hot, place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s uncomfortable, it’s not safe for paws. Bring water every time you go out, not just for hydration, but also in case you need to quickly rinse and cool your dog’s feet.

Dog Relief Areas Are Few and Far Between

Another challenge people often overlook is the lack of green space on the Strip. Unless you’re staying at a hotel that offers a dedicated dog relief area, you may be walking several blocks just to find a small patch of artificial turf. And let’s be honest: trying to find a dog-friendly spot for a potty break when your pup is already squatting is nobody’s idea of a good time.

Hotels like Vdara, The Cosmopolitan, and The LINQ do a great job of accommodating dogs, offering small but convenient relief areas that are fenced, cleaned regularly, and easy to access. If you’re staying at a different property, we strongly recommend checking out our relief area field reports ahead of time—they’ll help you find the nearest grassy spots (or at least the ones with fake turf that dogs don’t mind using). And remember: always bring waste bags. Vegas is not forgiving when it comes to leaving a mess behind.

Dogs Aren’t Allowed Inside Casinos or Most Indoor Spaces

Despite its growing pet-friendliness, Las Vegas is still very much a city built for people—not pets. That means most indoor public spaces, including casinos, shopping malls, and restaurants, do not allow dogs. This holds true even at pet-friendly hotels. Your dog may be welcome in your room and in designated outdoor areas, but don’t expect to carry them through the gaming floor or have them under the table while you dine. The only exception to these rules is for service animals, which are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Some restaurants do have patios that allow dogs, and a few local cafés even provide pup menus with treats or house-made biscuits. If dining with your dog is important to you, look for places that advertise a pet-friendly patio, or head off-Strip where regulations are often a little more relaxed.

When You Need a Break: Pet Sitters and Daycare Options

Let’s face it: Vegas is filled with things you’ll want to do that simply aren’t dog-friendly. Shows, nightclubs, casinos, fine dining—all of these are best enjoyed without a leash in your hand. Most hotels don’t allow you to leave your dog alone in your room, either, especially for extended periods. That’s where pet sitting and daycare services come in. And thankfully, Vegas has options.

Apps like Rover and Wag! are widely used here, and many sitters offer pickup and drop-off directly at your hotel. Some luxury properties even have partnerships with vetted local providers and can arrange in-room pet sitting, so your dog can stay in the comfort of their hotel bed while you enjoy dinner and a Cirque du Soleil show. There are also boutique daycare centers in town, like Doggie District and A-VIP Pet Resort, that cater to visitors. If you’re planning a long day out, consider scheduling a “dog day out” too—one filled with supervised playtime, shade, snacks, and naps.

Want Nature? Vegas Has Parks — and They’re Stunning

Vegas may be a city of neon, but you don’t have to drive far to find nature. In fact, the surrounding desert is home to some of the most beautiful—and dog-friendly—parks in the country. Red Rock Canyon, about 30 minutes from the Strip, is the local favorite. With scenic drives, panoramic overlooks, and several leashed dog-friendly hiking trails, it’s an ideal escape if you want to give your pup some fresh air and jaw-dropping views.

Then there’s Valley of Fire State Park, an hour northeast of town. With its fiery sandstone formations, pet-accessible trails, and wide-open desert silence, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re on another planet. Dogs are welcome on all trails here, as long as they’re leashed, though they can’t go inside the visitor center. And because it’s the desert, again—bring water. Lots of it.

Need some cool air instead? Mount Charleston is just 45 minutes north and rises over 11,000 feet above sea level. It’s often 20-30 degrees cooler than Las Vegas, with pine trees, creeks, and shaded trails perfect for dogs who aren’t built for desert heat. Other notable spots include Lake Mead (which has beaches and shaded trails), Sloan Canyon (with rugged backcountry hiking), and the Desert National Wildlife Refuge (an underrated gem that’s incredibly peaceful and open to leashed dogs).

Las Vegas with a Dog Is Totally Doable — with the Right Prep

Visiting Las Vegas with a dog requires a bit more planning and a lot more water, but it’s far from impossible. With pet-friendly hotels, a few well-placed relief areas, and easy access to incredible natural parks, you can absolutely have a memorable time here with your pup. Just go in with the mindset that Las Vegas wasn’t built for dogs—but with a little effort, you can carve out a version of the city that works beautifully for both of you. Walk early, rest often, avoid the hottest parts of the day, and line up a pet sitter for those special nights out. Do that, and your Las Vegas adventure might just end up being as tail-waggingly great as any mountain retreat or lakeside cabin.