The 10 Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the U.S., According to a Recent Study
Do you have a four-legged bestie who goes everywhere with you? In some cities, this is quite normal—even expected.
Research suggests that dogs boost happiness, reduce stress, and even help humans live longer. They’re not just adorable house companions but are practically family, and as responsible pet parents, it’s only normal to prioritize their comfort and well-being.
If you ever find yourself looking to move or planning a well-deserved vacay with your pup, these cities in the U.S. are vetted by a recent study as having the most dog-friendly environment.
Depending on your dog’s breed, energy, and routine, you can expect walkable neighborhoods, doggie daycares, pet-friendly housing, off-leash parks, and pup-approved hiking trails in the cities below to keep you and your furry friend happy.
1. Tampa, FL
Tampa, Florida takes the cake as the top pet-friendly destination due to its impressive 264 dog-friendly hotels and high number of restaurants and open parks. Add in the city’s year-round mild weather, beautiful sun-soaked beaches, and historical landmarks and it’s a doggie paradise you and Fido will never tire of strolling through.
For extra treats, some dog parks double as a bar so you can sip on a cold one while your pawtner-in-crime plays.
2. Austin, TX
It’s all wagging tails and happy barks in the city of Austin, Texas where you’ll find 389 dog-friendly hotels and amenities to pamper your pooch. The Texas capital has year-round warm weather so there’ll be plenty of time for your furry companion to enjoy playing in the outdoors.
After a day of playing fetch under the Texan sun from one of the city’s local parks or splashing around Red Bull Isle Park, you can take your pooch to a fancy spa to relax.
3. Portland, OR
Another dog haven worth visiting in the Pacific Northwest is Portland, Oregon where this city boasts 108 dog-friendly hotels and 451 restaurants. Your pups will have endless trails and parks to explore with Oregon’s massive 1,000-acre Forest Park and the sandy shores of Cannon Beach at their disposal.
With Portland having the most dog-friendly business per capita, there’ll always be coffee shops, restaurants, or breweries hosting the Pug Crawl (Oregon Humane Society) welcoming your furry friend.
4. Miami, FL
With warm weather, sunshine, and salty breezes all year round, your pups have plenty of opportunities to swim and wag their tails in Miami, Florida. You can hit the beach any day in Hobie Island Beach Park which lets your pup run leash-free right by the ocean or go for an airboat ride together safely in Florida’s unique Everglades.
In the city, Miami has 234 dog-friendly restaurants—from Cuban cafes to waterfront bars—where your pup can lounge on the patios as you sip a mojito.
5. Tucson, AZ
With its vast selection of scenic parks, dog-friendly eateries, and majestic hiking trails, Tucson, Arizona is a desert dream for adventure-loving dogs.
It’s mostly sunny every day of the year so you and your pup can explore the trails whenever you want including Saguaro National Park or Tanque Verde Falls—but just ensure to hydrate and bring extra water to keep the Arizona heat at bay.
You can also cool down in dog-friendly breweries or hotels, and treat your pup to a special doggie ice cream in one of the local cafes right after.
6. Atlanta, GA
If you and your pup are all about the mild weather and some good old Southern hospitality, Atlanta, Georgia’s dog-friendly vibe runs deep. Piedmont Dog Park lets your pup roam and play freely off-leash with other dogs while the Chattahoochee River lets you both hike the scenic trails or kayak safely to your heart’s content.
Meanwhile, some Georgia-grown restaurants never run out of locally-made Southern-style treats just for pets, so you can stock up on those to bring during pet-friendly movie nights being hosted frequently in town.
7. Raleigh, NC
Dogs who love adventure, fresh air, and endless trails will love Raleigh, North Carolina’s green spaces and dog-obsessed community. The weather’s mild year-round but summers can get toasty, which is the perfect time for your pups to splash around Jordan Lake or relax in the Neuse River Greenway and Oakwood Dog Park.
For some hiking and backpacking adventure, dogs are most welcome to tag along in the Mountains-to-Sea Trail that stretches across the entire state.
8. Seattle, WA
Rain or shine, Seattle, Washington is dog nirvana. With off-leash parks on every corner including Magnuson Park and Marymoor Park that offers beaches and scenic wooded trails, your pups will never run out of open spaces to explore and bond with other dogs.
Even during Rainy Days, Dogwood Play Park offers a dedicated indoor space for your furry friends to play while you sip on cider or wine. Plus, with Seattle’s bustling dog-friendly coffee shops including the Seattle Barkery, your pups will never run out of freshly baked treats and cakes.
9. Nashville, TN
Welcoming dogs of all shapes and sizes, Nashville, Tennessee has plenty of dog-friendly spots to eat, drink, and stay the night. Dog-friendly outings include the Urban Dog Bar where you can truly sit and dine with your pups and have them indulge in “doggy dinner” and pup cream; for warmer months, there are Paddle Dog’s kayak, canoe, and paddle boat rentals to keep them occupied.
With over 406 dog-friendly hotels, 279 restaurants, and the famous Centennial Park hosting concerts and outdoor movies year-round, Nashville is every canine’s country dream.
10. Washington, D.C.
With four distinct seasons, your pups get to roam, play, and experience everything in Washington D.C.’s open parks and scenic trails. In the summer, you and your pup can take a stroll along Capital Crescent Trail and the National Mall’s monuments and memorials.
Pups can also splash in Shirlington Dog Park’s creek and lounge in one of the posh 132 hotels including historic ones like The Hay-Adams; four-legged friends of any breed are pampered and welcomed with beds, dog bowls, treats, and more.
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