Best Dog Walkers in Flagstaff Townsite of Flagstaff, AZ | Wag!
The town of Flagstaff is the product of the growth and commerce in the U.S. during the 19th century that drove settlers westward. Flagstaff was particularly profitable due to its natural lumber resource - the area is riddled with ponderosa pines - and a great pit stop for what would become the Santa Fe railroad. Among this history is the suburban neighborhood of Flagstaff Townsite, resting just west of the city's downtown.
Flagstaff Townsite is ideal for families as it has elementary, middle, and high schools all within its region and parks that are close enough to walk, jog or bike to. Houses in the neighborhood showcase architecture spanning the decades since its realization in the early 1900's, giving you some scenery to enjoy while you tour the area. Community buildings reside in Townsite as well, such as the public library and City Hall, which sits just opposite of Wheeler Park.
In addition to the picturesque architecture, veterinarians and dog groomers are nearby should a medical or beauty emergency strike. And when time can't be spent with your four-legged friend, local doggie daycares will be happy to open their kennel doors. Joys for two-legged creatures are close, too; with downtown's proximity, you're walking distance to a number of breweries and restaurants, many of which have dog-friendly patios.
Flagstaff is surrounded by national forests, mountains, and inactive volcanoes, giving many the impression that its terrain would be rocky. The town, however, and with it, the Townsite neighborhood, are over 3,000 feet lower than the surrounding peaks. This means the residents can define their preferred level of difficulty by walking within the downtown area or choosing to drive a little outward and seek some more challenging hikes.
A large majority of the region is well-lit in late evenings and is equipped with maintained sidewalks and crosswalks at intersections. Walking with a dog in Flagstaff Townsite shouldn't overexert the dog nor its human unless of course, you chance upon a squirrel or another canine friend. Keeping a dog properly exercised not only helps them stay mentally and physically healthy, but also makes them a more well-behaved canine family member.
If you own a high-energy or athletic, working breed - Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Husky, Viszla, or any type of Terrier - chances are you'll need more than just a neighborhood stroll, which is when venturing outside of Townsite may be requested or even necessary. Luckily for you, it won't require a long car ride to access some more ambitious trails.
Wheeler Park is a staple in the Flagstaff Townsite community and for a reason. During every season, the park is taken advantage of by locals: snowman-building in the winter, picnics in the spring, flag football in the fall, and a number of food and craft festivals in the summer. Parts of the park are wide and open, with mature trees dispersed here and there, making them ideal for a game of fetch as long as the dog is well-trained off leash and has no history of aggression towards others.
Frances Short Pond is just a little northwest of Flagstaff Townsite and a popular destination for bird-watching, fishing, and walking. The pond has a lot to offer: mountains peek over hedges, ducks quack happily in the water, and citizens walk their dogs or hold their fishing poles steady at the pond's earthy edges. It can be a bit muddy after a thaw or rain, so be sure to pack some towels in the car or your backpack to dab off muddy paws.
Thorpe Bark Park is inside of Thorpe Park, a large center for all things recreational. The park has tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, picnic areas complete with grills and garbage cans, restrooms, a playground, and disc golf. You're welcome to walk your pet through the trails of Thorpe Park, leashed, but head over to the Bark Park to give them a little off-leash freedom and opportunities to meet new friends.