If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas and bringing your dog along, one of the most confusing parts of your stay might be figuring out where your dog is actually allowed. While many resorts on the Strip are becoming increasingly pet-friendly, there’s still a lot of fine print when it comes to where dogs can—and can’t—go inside casino resorts. From navigating public spaces to understanding where dogs are completely off-limits, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about bringing your furry friend into Las Vegas casinos.

Are Dogs Allowed in Casinos in Las Vegas?

Let’s start with the part most people wonder about: Can I take my dog onto the casino floor? The short answer is no — dogs are not allowed on any part of the casino floor unless they are trained service animals.

This isn’t just a hotel policy: it’s tied to state law. Nevada’s gaming regulations and health codes prohibit non-service animals from being in areas where gambling takes place, which includes the main casino floor, slot machine areas, table games, poker rooms, sportsbooks, and even bars or lounges connected to the gaming floor.

While this might be disappointing for pet owners hoping to enjoy some playtime at the slots with their pup nearby, there’s good reason behind it. Casinos are high-traffic environments with large crowds, loud noises, and the kind of unpredictability that makes them risky for animals. Combine that with strict health and safety standards, and it’s easy to see why the rules are so firm.

If you have a registered service dog trained to perform tasks related to a disability, you are legally allowed to bring them into the casino. But emotional support animals, therapy dogs, or pets in carriers don’t qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act and must follow the hotel’s standard pet policies.

Where Dogs Are Allowed Inside Casino Resorts

Just because your dog can’t hang out by the blackjack tables doesn’t mean they’re banned from the entire property. In fact, several Las Vegas hotels and casinos allow dogs in designated public areas and offer pet-friendly accommodations with thoughtful amenities and services.

If you’re staying at a hotel like The Cosmopolitan, Vdara, or W Hotel, you’ll find that dogs are permitted in many parts of the resort—as long as you’re using clearly marked dog-friendly paths and heading to or from your room, a pet relief area, or an outdoor exit. Most resorts require your dog to be leashed or in a carrier at all times while in public spaces. You may be asked to avoid busy lobbies, escalators, or shops—but passing through to get from point A to point B is typically allowed.

These designated areas often include:

• Hotel corridors and elevators
• Valet entrances and lobbies
• Designated outdoor pet relief zones
• Some restaurant patios or lounges with outdoor seating

The experience is much smoother when you stay at a hotel that clearly outlines where your dog is allowed and provides helpful signage. And in most cases, the front desk or concierge will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Pet Relief Areas and Facilities

One of the most important things to plan for when staying in Vegas with your dog is where they’ll go to the bathroom. Luckily, many dog-friendly hotels on the Strip now offer dedicated pet relief areas, and a few of them go above and beyond.

For example, The Cosmopolitan offers two fenced-in pet relief areas—one near the Chelsea Tower and another by the Boulevard Tower valet. These aren’t just patches of turf—they’re shaded, gated spaces with artificial grass, waste bag dispensers, and even benches for pet owners.

Vdara also impresses with a private fenced-in dog park exclusive to guests staying in their pet-friendly suites. It’s a rare find in Las Vegas and provides a quiet, convenient space for dogs to stretch their legs and relieve themselves without needing to leave the property.

If your hotel doesn’t have a dedicated relief area, you may need to venture off-site. The Strip isn’t known for its green space, so it’s smart to locate a nearby dog park or public grass area ahead of time. A quick search on Google Maps for “dog park” or “pet relief station” near your hotel can save you from a stressful, last-minute scramble.

Leaving Your Dog in the Room: Know the Rules

While it might seem like an easy solution to leave your dog in the room while you go enjoy the casino, it’s not always allowed—and it’s definitely not always safe. Some hotels, like Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood, require that pets never be left unattended in the room unless they are securely crated. Others may allow short periods of alone time, but they reserve the right to intervene (or charge a fee) if your dog causes a disturbance.

If you plan to spend a few hours away from your room, your best bet is to use a dog-sitting or pet daycare service. Many pet-friendly hotels in Las Vegas partner with local pet care providers who offer on-call walking, feeding, and sitting services. You can also use apps like Rover or Wag! to schedule in-room visits, or even arrange for your dog to be picked up and brought to a local daycare facility for the day.

Not only does this give you peace of mind, but it ensures your dog is safe, engaged, and cared for while you enjoy your time out.

The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels With Casinos

If you’re looking to stay in a pet-friendly hotel that’s close to casino action, here are a few standout options that balance convenience for humans with comfort for dogs:

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Easily one of the most dog-friendly resorts in Las Vegas, The Cosmopolitan allows two dogs of any size with no extra pet fee. This is virtually unheard of in Vegas. With designated walking paths, on-site pet relief areas, and even a concierge who can help arrange pet services, it’s a luxurious and hassle-free choice for travelers with pets. While your dog can’t join you at the tables, they’ll enjoy the stay just as much as you will.

Vdara Hotel & Spa

Located just behind The Cosmopolitan and across from the Waldorf Astoria, Vdara is a non-gaming, smoke-free property that still offers proximity to Aria and Bellagio casinos. Their pet program is one of the best in town, welcoming two dogs with a combined weight of up to 100 pounds. The on-site dog park and available pet-sitting services make this a calm and comfortable base for pet owners who want the Vegas experience without the chaos.

W Hotel Las Vegas (formerly Delano)

Part of the Mandalay Bay complex, W Hotel (formerly Delano) is sleek, modern, and dog-friendly. It offers spacious suites and welcomes dogs with custom food bowls, treats, and a designated relief area near the valet entrance. While the hotel itself doesn’t have a casino floor, you’re just steps from Mandalay Bay’s gaming areas (remember: your dog still can’t enter those).

In a Nuthshell

While your dog won’t be pulling up a seat at the poker table anytime soon, that doesn’t mean they can’t join you on your Vegas adventure. The key is understanding the limits: casino floors are off-limits, but hallways, relief areas, and designated public spaces at dog-friendly hotels are usually fair game.

As long as you plan ahead—choosing the right hotel, prepping for the weather, and arranging for care when needed—Vegas with your dog is not just doable, it can be genuinely fun. And if you’re smart about where you stay, you can still enjoy the best parts of the Strip without ever needing to leave your furry friend behind.