Palm Springs is one of the easiest desert towns in California to visit with a dog, but the trip only feels easy when the home does. A fenced yard for the first sniff of the morning, a shaded patio for the hottest hours, cool air inside, and a quick walk to a patio that brings out a water bowl: that is what turns a rental that allows pets into one that feels made for them.
At Apek Rentals, our pet-friendly Palm Springs homes are chosen with that in mind. Below you will find the homes our guests book with their dogs, what a stay in each one actually feels like, and the parks, trails, and patios worth planning your days around.
Club 915 Getaway in the Racquet Club Neighborhood
This mid-century home is the kind of place where a dog relaxes within the first hour. The backyard is fully fenced, so the morning routine is simple: open the slider, let your pup explore the patio while the coffee brews, and watch the light move across the San Jacinto Mountains. By midday everyone retreats to the bright, open living space and central air, and by evening the fire pit and string lights set the scene for dinner off the grill with your dog stretched out nearby.
With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, room for six, and a dedicated workspace with fast WiFi, it suits couples, small families, and anyone who wants to bring the laptop and the leash. Covered parking fits three cars, and the private pool can be heated on request. The pet fee is $75 per pet.
Best for: Small families and remote workers who want a secure yard and mountain views
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3BR Mid-Century Home with Pool, Hot Tub, and Gym in Twin Palms
Twin Palms is one of the quietest, most walkable residential pockets in South Palm Springs, which makes it a natural base for early dog walks under the palms before the heat sets in. You can walk to a neighborhood coffee shop, then come home to a fully fenced yard with several covered patios, so there is always a shaded spot for your dog while you swim, soak in the hot tub, or practice on the two-hole putting green.
The home sleeps up to eight with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a converted garage gym means nobody skips a workout. The pet fee is $100 per pet, and house rules ask that dogs stay leashed outdoors and keep barking to a minimum, a good fit for calm, well-socialized pups.
Best for: Active travelers who want a quiet neighborhood and shaded outdoor space
View the Twin Palms Mid-Century Home
Nicola Oasis
Nicola Oasis feels like a small private resort, and the fully enclosed backyard is what makes it work so well with a dog. Mature landscaping frames a saltwater pool with a baja shelf, an oversized spa, a fire table, and several lounge and dining areas, so the humans can spread out while your pup settles into whichever corner catches the breeze. Cornhole and Giant Connect Four keep the afternoon lively, and the mountain views do the rest.
Inside, the recently renovated four-bedroom, two-bathroom home sleeps eight, with a gourmet kitchen and multiple workspaces. Downtown Palm Springs, Palm Canyon Drive, and the airport are all minutes away. The pet fee is $75 per pet.
Best for: Families and friend groups who want a resort-style yard without leaving the dog at home
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Luxury Palm Springs Estate with Pool, Spa, and Mini-Golf
Designed by David Rios, this estate is built for the big group trip where the dog is part of the crew. The backyard stretches out with a heated pool, in-ground spa, fire pit, full grill, an outdoor shower that comes in handy after a dusty trail, and a private mini-golf course with sand bunkers. Color LED lighting takes over at night, when the desert cools and it is finally time for one more lap around the yard with your pup.
Five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms sleep up to 16, including a rooftop artist loft with 360-degree views and a detached ADU with its own kitchen, a nice option if one part of the group wants a quieter space with their pet. It sits in an upscale residential area minutes from downtown. The pet fee is $75 per pet.
Best for: Large groups, reunions, and celebrations with dogs in tow
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Gated Boho Villa with Gym and Game Room
When the whole extended family is coming, dogs included, this gated villa is the answer. It welcomes up to three pets, and the gated community gives extra peace of mind for early and late walks on landscaped grounds. The covered outdoor living area and pool deck look out to the desert and mountains, and there is plenty of shade for your dog while the group takes turns between the pool, hot tub, and fire pit.
Nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms sleep 22, with eight king suites, a fitness center with a Peloton, and a game room with pool and ping pong tables. Downtown restaurants are about a 15-minute walk away, which makes evening strolls to dog-friendly patios easy once the sun goes down. The pet fee is $75 per pet.
Best for: Big groups traveling with up to three dogs
View the Gated Boho Villa
Serene Oasis Condo
For a longer winter in the desert with your dog, this mid-century condo is set up for stays of 28 nights or more. Mornings start on the private balcony with mountain views, and downtown Palm Springs is within walking distance, so daily walks can end at a café patio instead of back in the car. A bonus den works as a dedicated office, and the community adds a heated pool, spa, fitness center, and tennis and pickleball courts.
The condo has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and sleeps four. The HOA allows one pet per unit, with a $75 pet fee.
Best for: Snowbirds and remote workers staying a month or more with one dog
View Serene Oasis Condo
These are just a few favorites. Our full pet-friendly vacation rentals collection includes more than a dozen Palm Springs homes that welcome dogs, and you can narrow it down by what matters most for your trip, whether that is a private pool, a hot tub for after-hike soaks, or a home from our large stays collection with room for everyone plus the pup. Every home is prepped by our local team, and after more than 15,000 stays, we know how much a well-set-up home changes a trip with pets.
Off-Leash Mornings Near Your Rental
David H. Ready Palm Springs Dog Park
Right next to City Hall, this is the most convenient off-leash park in town, with separate grassy areas for small and large dogs, double-gated entries, water fountains, and shaded benches. It is an easy first stop before a downtown lunch.
Demuth Park
On the south side of town, Demuth has two fenced dog areas, one for small dogs and one for larger dogs. The surfaces lean gravelly, so it suits pups already comfortable on desert footing, and it is a handy option if you are staying in South Palm Springs.
Cap Homme / Ralph Adams Park
About 25 to 30 minutes east in Palm Desert, this 27-acre park at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains pairs an easy loop trail with an off-leash area. It is also the trailhead for the Homestead Trail, known locally as The Cross Hike.
Trails That Welcome Dogs
Many of the most famous canyons around Palm Springs, including Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon, do not allow dogs. These trails do, all within about 45 minutes of downtown, and dogs must stay leashed on each of them.
Whitewater Preserve runs along the Whitewater River north of town and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. The river-adjacent walks are a rare chance for dogs to cool off near water on a warm day.
Mission Creek Preserve in Desert Hot Springs offers more than 17 miles of wide, mostly flat trails through desert scrub and riparian areas, a relaxed choice for older dogs or puppies still learning trail manners.
Araby Trail is a short, photogenic hike right out of South Palm Springs, with a view of the Bob Hope house on the ridge. Dogs are only allowed on the first 1.5 miles, so plan a 3-mile out-and-back and turn around at the posted sign.
Bear Creek Nature Trail in La Quinta, about 30 minutes south, is a mellow trail with mountain views that locals pair with brunch on a dog-friendly patio afterward.
Patios, Treats, and Pit Stops
Downtown Palm Springs has one of the highest concentrations of dog-welcoming patios in the desert, which is part of why a home close to town makes such a difference.
Start the day at Koffi Palm Springs North, where the shady back courtyard stays cool even as downtown warms up. For weekend brunch, Cheeky’s welcomes leashed dogs on its patio; put your name in and walk your pup up the block while you wait. Trio Restaurant is a longtime favorite for dinner on a bustling sidewalk patio, and Lulu California Bistro has a wide, lively patio and a popular happy hour. On the walk home, stop at Great Shakes for a shake at its dog-friendly patio counter.
Before you settle into your rental, swing by Bones-N-Scones, a beloved local pet shop with a dog bakery, healthy chews, and anything you forgot to pack. A welcome treat on day one goes a long way toward making the house feel like your dog’s turf.
Staying Cool in the Desert Heat
From late May through September, midday temperatures in Palm Springs regularly pass 100 degrees, and pavement, gravel, and pool decks can burn paw pads within a minute or two. Plan walks before 8 or 9 AM and after sunset, and test the ground with the back of your hand: if you cannot hold it there for five seconds, it is too hot for paws. Carry a collapsible bowl and more water than you think you need, and never leave your dog in the car, even with the AC running.
This is also where the right home matters most. Central air, covered patios, and a fenced yard mean your dog can spend the hottest hours comfortably at home while you enjoy the pool. If your rental has one, walk your dog around the pool on the first day and show them where the steps are, and save the number of a nearby vet, such as VCA Desert Animal Hospital or Village Park Animal Hospital, before you arrive.
Plan Your Stay with Your Dog
The best trips with a dog are the ones where the home does half the work: a secure yard, shade when the sun is high, cool air inside, and downtown patios just a short drive or stroll away. Browse our pet-friendly vacation rentals in Palm Springs to find the home that fits your dates, your group, and your pup, or reach out to our team and we will help you match the right house to your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the pet fee at Apek Rentals in Palm Springs?
Most of our pet-friendly Palm Springs homes charge a non-refundable fee of $75 per pet to cover additional deep cleaning, and some homes charge $100 per pet. The exact fee is listed on each property page, and every pet should be disclosed at booking.
Which Apek Rentals homes in Palm Springs have fenced yards?
Club 915 Getaway and the 3BR Mid-Century Home in Twin Palms both have fully fenced yards, and Nicola Oasis has a fully enclosed private backyard. If a secure yard is a must for your dog, check the outdoor space details on each listing or ask our team before you book.
Can I bring more than one dog?
Many of our homes welcome multiple pets, and the Gated Boho Villa allows up to three. Some condos, like Serene Oasis Condo, follow HOA rules that limit stays to one pet, so check the pet policy on the listing or contact our team to confirm.
What are the best dog-friendly things to do in Palm Springs?
Start at David H. Ready Palm Springs Dog Park for off-leash time, hike Whitewater Preserve or Mission Creek Preserve for cooler trails, and end the day on a patio at Cheeky’s, Lulu California Bistro, or Trio Restaurant. Pick up treats at Bones-N-Scones on the way back to your rental.
Are Indian Canyons or Tahquitz Canyon dog friendly?
No. Indian Canyons, Tahquitz Canyon, and stretches of bighorn sheep habitat do not permit dogs, even on a leash. Stick to the trails above, and remember that Araby Trail only allows dogs on the first 1.5 miles.
