Traveling with your Pet in the Coachella Valley

By: Kaylarie Gallerie llc

Life is great but pets make it better.

If you’ve ever traveled with your furry companion, you’re all too familiar with the challenge of finding truly “pet-friendly” accommodations. It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when your pet’s comfort and happiness are just as important as your own. As someone who adores the Coachella Valley nearly as much as I adore my pets, I decided to create a comprehensive guide to the best pet-friendly activities and accommodations in the area—and a few nearby spots as well. I’ll do my best to keep this list fresh and up-to-date, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back often to discover new and exciting pet-pawsitive gems!

Hotels

Some hotels charge a pet fee and some welcome dogs only. Check out this list but also double check the hotels pet policies at the time of booking.

Pet fee per night (not including human booking fees)
♥ Free ¢ $1-24 $ $25-49 $$ $50-74 $$$ $75-99 $$$$ $100+

hotel ZOSO
$$-$$$
2 dogs (other pets not specified)

“Guests traveling with a dog are responsible for a one-time non-refundable fee of $50 plus tax per small dog (0-50lbs) and $75 plus tax per large dog (51+lbs).
Reservations and a signed waiver are required for all stays including a dog.
Maximum of two dogs allowed per guestroom.
Dogs are welcome throughout the hotel with the exception of the pool, dining areas, and any other areas labeled as such on property.
Dogs must remain on a leash at all times.
Guests traveling with a dog are responsible for cleaning up after their canine. Waste bag receptacles are available around the property.
When dogs are left unattended in guestrooms, we kindly request to crate your dog. Dogs cannot be left unattended in vehicles.
Complaints of excessive noise by your dog, such as barking, may result in the termination of your stay at hotel ZOSO.
The dog owner is responsible for any compensation given to other hotel guests due to noise complaints resulting from unattended or barking dogs.”

Hilton
$$$
2 dogs/cats

“Furry friends are family, too. We get it. Which is why we’re welcoming four-legged guests at over 5,000 hotels across the U.S. and Canada with open arms and belly rubs.
*Fees apply and vary by hotel.”

There are many Hilton hotels in the Coachella Valley. When I looked into booking a room for one night during “festival season” the pet fee was $85.47 per night on top of the room fees.

ARRIVE
$$$$
1 dog (no other pets)

“We are an “adults only” resort. All guests must be 21 or older. There are no exceptions, unless you are a pawrent and you’d like to being your well-behaved dog.
Well-behaved dogs 30lbs and under are welcome with a one-time, $100 + tax non-refundable pet cleaning fee per stay. Use of a plush dog bed and ceramic bowls during your stay are included, as well as courtesy bags, organic treats, and a custom chew toy to enjoy and take home! *Limit 1 dog per room. We’d love to see photos of your cats, ferrets, and other non-canine pets, but they cannot stay with us.”

Desert Hot Springs Inn
♥*
dogs/cats (unspecified amount)

“Our casual bed-and-breakfast style inn offers pet friendly policies. Dogs are like family, so there are no additional fees to bring them along. No extra room charge, No size limits, and No breed restrictions is our unique offering. Please fill out our Pet Policy Agreement before your check-in.

Our private adult-only unique location makes us cannabis friendly. The City of Desert Hot Springs has some of the most progressive cannabis industry professionals in California. They work hand-in-hand with city government to make a place like our boutique hotel totally cannabis friendly.

We are California’s Spa City – located only 15 minutes from exciting downtown Palm Springs. Enjoy the view from our private backyard park area and rest assured the pool and spa are never crowded – even when we are fully booked. That makes us the perfect weekend get-a-way for spa lovers.

*There is a $100 deposit per stay. This is a refundable pet fee. This fee will be charged to your account to cover the cost of deep cleaning the room if pet hair is found in the drain in preparation for our next guest.*“

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
♥
any pet, the whole pack

“Looking for pet friendly hotels in Palm Springs? Well, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs simply goes wild for pets. At Kimpton hotels, every guest, be they on two legs or four, is greeted with open arms and cozy accommodations. So bring your best friend along! Doesn’t matter if your extra family member is furry, feathery or scaly. It’s okay by us, and there is no extra charge — no matter their size, weight or breed. We not only allow dogs, cats, and other pets at our hotels, we welcome them. You’ll never see extra cleaning charges or pet deposits at a Kimpton hotel.

We don’t impose restrictions on the size or the number of pets you can bring along, so your Great Dane can stretch out as much as your kitten. We don’t choose sides, we’re just as proud to be a dog-friendly hotel as we are to be a cat-friendly hotel. Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay, rest assured that our hotel is not just pet-friendly, but pet-celebrated. Here, every day is an opportunity to create joyful memories with your beloved companions by your side.

Our pet-friendly hotel in Palm Springs welcomes your pet with:

A pet bed and treats in your guest room
Door hangers to alert other guests and staff that your pet is in the room
Courtesy bags for walking your dog
No additional charge for pets, no deposit required
No size, weight, or breed restrictions
Nightly hosted wine reception — pets are welcome to join the party!
We’ve partnered with Wag! Enjoy complimentary access during your stay”

Food/Restaurants

Weather permitting, most restaurants typically allow pets to sit with their owners (leashed) on their outdoor patios. Definitely call ahead to make sure the place you want to visit allows pets. Be aware of outside temperatures here in the Coachella Valley, as this is a desert and if the outside temperature is hot, the pavement is scorching.

Boozehounds
“open air atrium” and patio

“Where dogs bring their people!”
They even offer a small menu of dog safe food items like “Beef & Spinach Bites” and a “Teriyaki Salmon Bowl” to name a couple.

Bongo Johnny’s
patio only

Bongo Johnny’s welcomes pets on their patio and has a full dog menu with 7 items. Quite impressive!

Gastro Grind Burgers
patio only

Gastro Grind Burgers welcomes pets on their patio and has a “Pupper Patty” on the kids menu. One of their unseasoned burger patties for your furry friend.

The following restaurants offer patio seating to pets:

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
Lulu California Bistro
Spencer’s
Cheeky’s
Jake’s
Fisherman’s Market and Grill
Koffi
Coachella Valley Brewing Company
There are many more here in the Valley, just call ahead to double check pets are okay on the patio!

Local fast food* with secret (and not so secret) pet menu items:

Starbucks – “Puppuccino” a cup of heavy whipped cream.
In-n-Out Burger – “Pup-Patty” an unsalted, unseasoned, broiled burger patty.
Handel’s – “Dogsters” Peanut Butter Ice cream style treats for dogs. Low fat. Contains no artificial flavors or colors.
Shake Shack – “Poochini” This delightful dessert consists of ShackBurger dog biscuits, peanut butter sauce, and creamy vanilla custard. “Bag O’ Bones” – made in collaboration with Bocce’s Bakery. This treat offers a crunchy, bone-shaped snack that dogs love.
Dairy Queen – “Pup Cup” a cup of vanilla ice cream topped with a dog bone treat.
Sonic – “Vanilla Cup” a cup of plain vanilla ice cream. Some Sonic locations offer a plain burger patty.
Chick-fil-A – “Grilled Chicken Nuggets” Bite-sized pieces of freshly marinated boneless breast of chicken, grilled for a tender and juicy backyard-smoky taste. This is actually a regular menu item but is suitable for pets without the sauce.
Ben & Jerry’s – “Pontch’s Mix” – Frozen Dog Treat With Peanut Butter & Pretzel Swirls. “Rosies’s Batch” – Frozen Dog Treat With Pumpkin & Mini Cookies

*As with people, fast food should not be consumed regularly or as a replacement for nutritious food.

Hiking with dog near Salton Sea Coachella Valley travel pet

Hikes around the Valley

Whitewater Preserve – Whitewater Preserve is 2,246 acres surrounded by the Bureau of Land Management’s San Gorgonio Wilderness and includes the year-round Whitewater River. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Cross Loop/Homestead Trail – The Cross Loop Trail in Palm Desert has become a local landmark. Hikers, bikers, and their leashed pups make the 2.7-mile trek through the lower reaches of the Santa Rosa Mountains for Instagram-worthy pics with a giant lit-up cross, which can be seen for miles when illuminating the night sky.

Bear Creek Nature Trail – For a family-friendly outing or a little alfresco aerobics, head to La Quinta and set out on the Bear Creek Nature Trail, a paved pathway that stretches 4.8 miles along the base of the Southern Santa Rosa Mountains and meanders through a protected nature preserve.

Mission Creek Preserve – The Preserve hosts deer, bear, big horn sheep and mountain lions, and has spectacular displays of spring wildflowers in wet years. The trail system leads onto the Pacific Crest Trail, which is two miles from the Stone House Group Campground.

La Quinta Cove Oasis Trail – Cove Oasis Trailhead is a 114 acre natural open space area that is located at the southernmost part of the Cove. Access to the Cove Oasis area is located on Calle Tecate. Trails such as the Boo Hoff and Bear Creek can be accessed from the trailhead.

There are many more hiking opportunities around the Valley as well. Just be sure to double check if dogs are allowed beforehand.

Other places in the Coachella Valley

Palm Springs Air Museum – “We are pet friendly to friendly pets.” The Palm Springs Air Museum is a nonprofit living history museum dedicated to educating the public about the role Air Power played in preserving American liberties and way of life.

Moorten Botanical Garden – Welcome to leashed, well-behaved dogs. Please clean up after your pet. Established in Palm Springs since 1938, this privately-owned arboretum was created to share the beauty and extraordinary varieties of desert plants with everyone who visits. The featured desert trees, plants, and cacti come from around the world and range in size from miniature to giants!

David H. Ready Dog Park – This dog park is located behind the Palm Springs City Hall. While there are many wonderful dog parks here in the Coachella Valley, this one is special because of their agility equipment like weaving poles and seesaws.

Places outside the Coachella Valley

Idyllwild – Idyllwild actually has a dog mayor! Mayor Max, III. During the day, there are a variety of things to do, from shopping in our eclectic, artisan town to exploring the wilderness! There are a lot of choices for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and other recreational fun. At night you can enjoy some local live music at one of our many unique restaurants!

Borrego Springs – the only California town that is completely surrounded by a state park. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, although dog-friendly in some areas, pups must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under immediate control. Pets must be in a tent or vehicle during nighttime hours and are not allowed cross-country or on hiking trails. Borrego Springs County Park offers a fenced in experience for your dogs in the desert landscape.

Pioneertown – Pioneertown was established in 1946 when Dick Curtis shared his dream for a “Living Breathing Movie Set”. The goal was simple and unique: to create a place where they could work (and play) with friends, family and co-workers. A functioning 188o’s themed town which was easily accessible from both Los Angeles & Palm Springs and would serve as a filming location, vacation destination & permanent residence for people working in the entertainment industry, ranchers and desert lovers alike. There have been over 2oo productions in town – the total number is unknown as entertainment production records were not as well documented as they are these days. All of the Gene Autry Flying A television productions through the 195o’s were shot here; the Pioneertown Bowling Alley being a favorite filming location of Autry’s. Some other local titles were “Cisco Kid”, “The Range Rider”, “Annie Oakley”, “Cody of the Pony Express”, “The Adventures of Judge Roy Bean” and “Buffalo Bill Jr.” – All animals of all shapes and sizes are allowed in Pioneertown and inside just about every business. But there is a Strict Leash Law In Effect and All Animals, of all shapes and sizes, Are Required To Be Leashed While Inside Pioneertown.

Joshua Tree National Park – We recognize pets play an important part of many people’s lives and provide companionship, love, and joy. However, due to park regulations, pets are not allowed on hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in park buildings. Alternatively, the park offers many great areas to explore on a pet-friendly visit to Joshua Tree National Park. Leashed pets are allowed as long as they remain within 100 feet (30.5 m) of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Check the park map for acceptable locations. Pet Safety: Abundant cactus spines, rattlesnakes, and sharp rocks will harm your pet. Dogs are natural hunters but can easily become the hunted. Predators, such as coyotes and mountain lions, can kill pets, even during daylight hours.

Salton Sea – Check out places like Salvation Mountain in Slab City or the ruins at Bombay Beach. Just be respectful of the locals who call this place home and clean up after your pet.

Travel Tips

Always check with your vet beforehand to make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel. Be sure your pets are up to date with vaccines and get copies of their paperwork from your vet. Pets who are too anxious may become ill due to stress and might be better left at home with a sitter.

Remember to pack pet supplies like your pets favorite food, treats and fresh water. Bring a bag or carrier for smaller animals and a leash/harness and crate for larger animals. Setup any pee pads or litter boxes on arrival to prevent accidents. It’s also a good idea to bring cleaning products. You never know when nature will call! Don’t forget to bring them a bed and a few toys to keep them occupied as well.

Train your pet to walk on a harness. Many dogs are already trained to walk with a harness and do so easily. Cats take a bit more practice. If you want your cat to walk with leash and harness, you’ll have to take a few weeks or months before the trip to practice. (Never walk cats with a collar and leash as they can slip out or choke themselves. A harness should be tight enough that your cat wont slip out but loose enough that you can run a couple fingers between the cat and under the harness.)

It’s a good idea to have your pet microchipped. If your pet becomes lost or escapes, having them microchipped gives a small piece of mind that you will be reunited eventually. Be sure to keep your pets microchip updated if you change numbers or address. Another good idea is to attach a gps tag to your pets harness or collar. Some tags have an accompanying app that allows you to see the location of the tag on a map. I frequently use gps on my cat Jasper when he runs out of the house. We use the YIP smart tag that’s available at PetSmart for around $35. It has truly brought me so much relief. Also be sure to have a pet id tag with information to contact you. More often than not, a concerned citizen will find your lost or escaped pet and give you a call!

Consider the time of year. This is a desert. In the Coachella Valley during summertime, there have been reports of over 125º weather with the low in the mid 90’s! This is not ideal for pets and if you are travelling here in the summertime with your pet they will be stuck inside most of the time. Please plan accordingly.

With a little planning and preparation, you and your furry companion can enjoy a seamless adventure filled with unforgettable moments and shared experiences.

We’d be thrilled to see your pet exploring the beauty of the Coachella Valley! Capture those special memories and share them on social media using #travelgallerie Don’t forget to like and follow our pages to stay connected!