Pets are not permitted in lodges, on shuttle buses, or on hiking trails below the rim. The only exceptions are service animals. (If you want to take a service animal below the rim, you must first check with the Backcountry Information Center.) At the South Rim, you can walk your pet on a leash on paved sections of the Rim Trail. On the North Rim, leashed pets are allowed on the Bridle Path. Pets are permitted in developed areas of the park, including campgrounds, but must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended. A violation can cost you $500.

When visiting the South Rim, you can board your dog or cat for the day or overnight at the kennel (928/638-0534, 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily), located off Rowe Well Road west of Maswik Lodge. Reservations are recommended, and proof of vaccination is required. You can make arrangements to pick up your pet later than 5 p.m. by calling 928/638-2631. There are no kennel services on the North Rim.

An alternative is to board your pet outside the canyon in Williams, 60 miles south of the South Rim, or in Flagstaff, 90 miles away. Canyon Pet Resort (928/214-9324, www.canyonpetresort.com) in Flagstaff offers day care and overnight boarding, with optional extras such as walks, treats, or an executive doggy suite. In Williams, Grand Canyon Railway’s air-conditioned Pet Resort (800/843-8724) is available to the general public as well as visitors staying at the adjacent RV park or riding the Grand Canyon Railway.

Never leave an animal alone inside a vehicle, even with the windows rolled down a few inches. During much of the year, Arizona’s intense sunshine can heat up the interior of a car to 130–180°F in a matter of minutes. Like you, your pet will need extra water to stay hydrated at Grand Canyon.