18 Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the US

Written By Jill Taylor

If you’re a dog owner, then you may need to know which cities are the most dog-friendly as it allows you to plan where to go if you want to vacation with your dog. Here are the 18 most dog-friendly cities in the U.S.

Scottsdale, Arizona

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Scottsdale has a high pet population and many pet-friendly businesses. For example, there are many dog-friendly restaurants and plenty of outdoor spaces for your pet to run around in. Scottsdale is also a great city for affordable pet care and will welcome all dogs and their owners.

Tampa, Florida

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Tampa has a high number of parks that are suitable for taking your dog for a walk. This is supported by Pawlicy Advisor, which tells us that Tampa has 4.1 parks per 100,000 people. Tampa is also ranked highly for pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants. It has an active community of dog lovers with regular special events.

Charleston, South Carolina

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Charleston is a leader when it comes to having dog-friendly breweries and restaurants. Not only this, but there are many dog-friendly beaches to take your pet for a walk along or campsites if you want to stay for a vacation. The city has a high percentage of dog ownership and community engagement.

Portland, Oregon

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Lolo Pass writes, “Portland has a reputation for being one of the most pet-friendly cities in the U.S.” The city is known for having the most dog parks per capita in the country and offers a variety of dog-friendly places and activities. You’ll be pleased to know Portland offers a strong sense of pet inclusion in the city.

San Francisco, California

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San Francisco actually has more dogs than children. So, you could say it’s more dog-friendly than it is child-friendly. There are many off-leash dog parks to pick from and pet-friendly restaurants. Not only this, but you’ll find many dog-friendly events and communities in San Francisco.

Seattle, Washington

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There’s a high pet population in Seattle with extensive pet ownership. Seattle even has dog-friendly water activities for you and your pet to take part in. For example, you could spend an afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding with your dog. There are also many dog parks and hotels you can stay at that are dog friendly.

Phoenix, Arizona

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Phoenix has many dog-friendly areas for your pet. For example, Hepper writes, “You’ll find 168 dog-friendly establishments to eat and socialize at in Phoenix. You can also visit the 14 off-leash dog parks in Phoenix where your dog can play.” Pet-friendly attractions include the Pioneer Living History Museum and Shaw Butte.

Austin, Texas

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Austin is home to a large number of dog-friendly shopping malls and restaurants. You can even take part in unique dog activities such as puppy yoga, which incorporates both puppies and yoga into an exercise session. If you’re looking to rent, there may be a higher deposit to pay for a home, but many landlords do allow dogs.

Denver, Colorado

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You’ll find a high number of pet-friendly restaurants and hotels in Denver. There are also many outdoor places for you to walk your pet, such as dog parks. Along with this, Denver is also a great option if you want to rent with a dog, as the city has many dog-friendly policies.

Las Vegas, Nevada

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Go Pet Friendly writes about Las Vegas, “From upscale restaurants to hole-in-the-wall joints, there are plenty of eateries offering dog-friendly outdoor seating.” There are also many dog parks, so they can get enough exercise. However, it may be best to avoid Vegas with your dog during the summer months because of the heat.

San Diego, California

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San Diego is full of dog-friendly places such as beaches, parks, and a welcoming ocean. It has a strong pet culture and always makes pet owners feel included in the city’s public spaces. If you’re looking to head to San Diego for a vacation, there are many pet-friendly hotels and events to take part in.

Miami, Florida

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Miami has a high dog population and a pet-friendly culture. The city offers many dog-friendly parks for your pet to stretch their legs in and beaches for them to dip their paws into the ocean. It’s also a notable city for having a variety of dog-friendly restaurants and accommodations.

Madison, Wisconsin

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In Business writes, “A study from CoworkingCafe has named Madison the second-best U.S. city for pets and their owners.” This can be thanks to Madison being an affordable city to live in, so more people can afford to have a dog. The city is also surrounded by many lakes, making it perfect for dog walking.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Colorado Springs is an outdoorsy city with many natural places for dogs to explore. It was even the first city in the state to have a dog park and bar. Colorado Springs is a great place to vacation with your dog, as it also has iconic pet-friendly hotels such as The Broadmoor.

Atlanta, Georgia

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Atlanta has a variety of dog-friendly parks and recreational areas. There’s an active social scene for dogs and their owners, which includes regular meetups and activities. Atlanta also has dog-friendly shopping options and plenty of restaurants that you can take your pet to.

Raleigh, North Carolina

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Raleigh Realty Homes writes, “Owning a dog here comes with many resources and things to do, from all the pet-friendly activities to enjoying the spacious Raleigh and fresh air.” Raleigh is becoming more and more recognized for its pet-friendly amenities and communities. It has a strong commitment to pet-friendly policies and plenty of accommodations if you choose to vacation.

St. Louis, Missouri

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St. Louis is home to many diverse options to keep you and your dog happy, such as dog-friendly restaurants and hotels. There are also many parks and recreational areas, making it easy to find somewhere to take your dog for a walk. There’s even a strong pet community for you to engage in.

Boise, Idaho

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Boise is a great city to head to for dog-friendly trails, making room for many dog walks that your pet will love. There are many outdoor activities that are suitable for dogs, thanks to a strong dog community. You’ll also find many pet-friendly businesses, such as restaurants and cafés.