Pets in Camp Verde

Heritage Park and its volunteers are dedicated to the conservation and protection of wildlife, caring for more than 150 indigenous and exotic mammals, reptiles, and birds in a 10-acre haven. Many of Heritage Park's animals were previously injured, abandoned, or marked with a human imprint that prevents them from rejoining their packs without bringing personalized coffee mugs for everyone. While prowling through the sanctuary, visitors might spy a mountain lion that was kept as a pet, a black bear that was orphaned by his mother, or a fox rescued from a swimming pool. Emus, tarantulas, and ring-tailed lemurs also run free in their habitats, serenading onlookers with their wild cries.

Heritage Park also plays an important role in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, granting asylum to critically endangered Mexican gray wolves, which are being reintroduced into the wild after a 20-year absence. The zoological sanctuary is open every day, with extended hours from May 1 to October 31 to give guests a chance to see animals that are usually out running errands during business hours.

Sonoran Desert Pet Resort's 1,500-square-foot, air-conditioned indoor dog park simulates the outdoors with the same artificial turf used for professional football fields so pooches can wrestle, dive for balls, or perform elaborate touchdown dances safely during daycare hours.

Overnight guests bed in private rooms, some equipped with televisions playing soothing music, movies, or the NYSE ticker. They enjoy two meals a day, playtime with dogs of similar size and temperament, and air-conditioned quarters. Feline patrons lounge in two-room suites; their litter boxes are in a separate area from sleeping quarters, which are both well ventilated.

Pet parents can also opt for extras for their pooches, such as more one-on-one time with the human staff or a nice bone to gnaw on. Certified groomers primp four-legged friends with FURminator treatments to reduce shedding and ramped bathtubs for less stressful baths. Pets and owners can even attend the pet resort's training sessions to teach basic obedience or correct behavioral problems such as anxiety or refusing to salivate when a bell rings.

Anthem Pet Medical Center is not different just because it cares for all kinds of family pets, but because it provides truly comprehensive care. That includes medical, surgical, and dental treatments, as well as holistic care, such as acupuncture. Whether families bring in a pooch, feline, rabbit, or rat, staff members perform treatments suited to the furry loved one with compassion and expertise.

Amid the saguaro cactus and abundant foliage, Michelle McVey operates the Desert Palms Equestrian Center facility with a deep passion for horseback riding, a hobby and career that began when she was five years old. Michelle and her team specialize in showing every level of rider proper saddle technique, as she’s coached students ranging from first-timers to Triple Crown winners. Inside two large outdoor arenas, private lessons focus on the student’s goals, whether that’s to have vigorous exercise or to simply learn the basics. Additionally, the center holds camps throughout the year, allowing kids to get a more in-depth experience with horse riding. During these camps, students ride twice daily, and receive education on horse care, tack components, and equine physiology.