When it comes to where you will move next, we know how many of you have considered your furry friend too. Dog-friendly cities are essential to those who consider our pets like family. Whether you like to run trails or sit by a beach, we have scoured the country for the best dog-friendly cities in the US.
Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon, has more dog parks per capita than anywhere else in the States!
Do your dogs like getting their paws in the sand, frolicking through water, or even going on a long hike? Well, you’re in luck because Portland has ALL these things!
While you can’t go into establishments serving food with Fido, there are many restaurants and bars with patios to enjoy.
Bonus: Many of the wineries allow pups in their tasting rooms!
Worth noting: Dogs must be on leashes unless in designated parks that allow them off leash, and you must clean up after your dog. The leash and scoop laws have a fine of $150.
Lastly, check out this list of places to get drunk with your dog in Portland.
St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg, Florida really loves its pets! With over 100 dog-friendly restaurants, you won’t have to go anywhere without your fur baby!
St. Pete is the 5th highest place in the country regarding pet stores and vet care. No need to worry about finding essentials or getting Spot their shots.
Not only are there off-leash parks – but even a beach too! Fort De Soto Park is the place to go swimming with your pups!
There are on-leash attractions to bring your dog to as well. Check out St. Pete Pier, Vinoy Park, and the Saturday Morning Market.
San Diego, CA
Turn any which way in San Diego, and there will be someone with a pooch. I even sat at breakfast with my friend’s dog in my lap!
One of the first off-leash dog parks in the country is in San Diego too. Make sure you don’t miss the Original Dog Beach!
Dogs can be spotted at eateries, beaches, and parks. Pet-friendly kayaking even exists at Fiesta Island.
Dogs are also allowed in outdoor dining spaces as long as the restaurant allows – and any of them do!
Austin, TX
Before we tap into all of Austin’s greatness, let’s touch upon the fact they have an entire off-leash ISLAND for your dogs! Red Bud Isle is the spot for your water-loving pupper!
Another reason Austin makes our list of dog-friendly cities is that they also have huge parks with acres of land for your dogs to play. Nearly every bar and restaurant patio allows dogs to hang with you too.
As if trails, paddleboarding, and kayaking with your doggo aren’t enough – there is also a place called Neighbors. Neighbors is a place to work remotely while your dog plays at a park with full-time attendants watching over them!
San Francisco, CA
Like most other cities, San Francisco has loads of pet-friendly cafes and bars. What sets them apart from other dog-friendly cities is that ALL residents of SF are within a ten-minute walk from one of their numerous dog parks.
Many events allow leashed dogs to attend as well.
Icing on the cake, you can take your pooch on public transit during non-peak hours! (BART & MUNI)
Savannah, GA
Savannah is well-known for people wandering the streets with their dogs trotting beside them. Many restaurants and shops allow your pets to be with you; however, they must always be leashed. They can even jump on the trolley with you!
Mother Matilda Beasley Park has an off-leash dog area and even a station for baths!
Don’t miss the hiking trails and the dog-friendly beach at Fort Pulaski National Monument.
Chicago, IL
With 29 parks and more than half of rentals allowing pets – Chicago can definitely be called dog-friendly!
Navy Pier even allows you to bring your pet too!
While restaurants can’t allow pets inside, there are still plenty of places they can sit outside with you. Check out the Chicago Eater list of bars and restaurants that allow Sparky to party with you!
Kansas City, MO
What sets Kansas City apart from other dog-friendly cities is Swope Park. With over 1800 acres to explore, there is even an off-leash section for your dog to stretch their legs too!
Kansas City has over 75 restaurants that allow pups on the patio.
With 220 parks and over 100 miles of trails, you are sure to get plenty of enjoyment with your furry friend!
Albuquerque, NM
Like Albuquerque wasn’t great enough with their stunning city, they are dog-friendly to boot!
Almost a third of all rentals allow pets, and 90% of their residents are within ten minutes of a dog park. Many shops in Old Town allow your pets indoors, and the trolley is pet-friendly too.
What intrigues us the most is you can hike the Piedras Marcadas Canyon (1.5 miles round trip) and see petroglyphs with your puppy! Other dog-friendly trails include Rio del Norta Bosque Trail and Pasco del Bosque. All your outdoor needs will be met, though!
Anchorage, AK
While Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, its population is only around 288,000. Two dozen dog-friendly restaurants may not seem like a lot – it is for a city this size!
The Chugach State Park allows your pup and has about a half million acres for exploring. There are also at least five off-leash dog parks too.
Check out this list of the best trails to hike with your dog in Anchorage too!
Henderson, NV
We are ending our list of dog-friendly cities with one of the best – Henderson, Nevada!
First, we should note that approximately 90% of rentals allow pets. Second, the state of Nevada has a ban on dog breed discrimination. Your homeowner’s insurance cannot cancel your policy or refuse to cover you based on what dog breed your pet is.
There are five off-leash dog parks and one with a splash pad too! There are many pet-friendly events too. Fresh52 Farmer’s Market encourages people to bring their pups out. The District at Green Valley Ranch has dog-friendly shopping too.
Henderson also has 21 dog parks, and Red Rock Canyon allows leashed dogs on the trails.
Ready to find your next home in a dog-friendly city? Start by filling out our form!