As a dog owner, pet-friendliness is undoubtedly a major factor when looking for a big city to move to. Even if you manage to find a landlord who’s happy to welcome all pets, you can’t just spend all your time indoors. Instead, you’ll need to find exciting activities for your dog and you to enjoy. Events, dog beaches, dog parks, and walking trails are all great places to take your dog and spend a fun day together. However, not all cities in the US can offer a place for these activities. So, if you’re looking to move, check out our list of the most dog-friendly cities in the US, in no particular order.
#1: Denver, Colorado
Most people who enjoy the outdoors and nature are consciously or subconsciously drawn to Colorado. This state is an adventurer’s dream. It has everything, from sand dunes and dramatic gorges to steep mountains with snow-capped summits. So, considering that most dog owners are compatible with their pets, the Mile High City is the ideal location for someone with a dog doesn’t come as a surprise at all.
Aside from the breathtaking views around Denver, there are also many wonderful dog parks in Denver, as it is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. Both the close-by Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks include sizable dog parks that are enclosed and have lakes in the middle of them. Moreover, City Park in downtown Denver has off-leash sections ideal for running or playing fetch.
#2: Austin, Texas
The Lone Star State’s capital city has become one of the most sought-after travel spots in the country for tourists who want to take in its rich local culture, dynamic dining scene, and vibrant nightlife. In fact, researchers say that Austin isn’t only a desirable destination for humans but also for dogs. This is true both for those only planning a short visit and those looking to move into a big new city.
Without any doubt, Austin is definitely one of the top dog-friendly cities in the US. The profusion of outdoor eateries, cafes, and bars, the majority of which accept dogs, is probably a result of the wonderful Texas weather. In the rest of the country, the majority of fine dining establishments only accept guide dogs, but that’s not the case here. All dogs are welcome in so many Austin establishments.
Furthermore, aside from the more usual stuff, there are bars with a dog theme, co-working spaces in dog parks, and regular festivals and other dog events in this fantastic city.
#3: Portland, Oregon
To anyone who’s ever visited Portland, it’s obvious that it’s a paradise for animal lovers and one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. According to a survey, this city is third in the country for pet-friendly hotels and among the top 10 locations for pet-friendly eateries. Nearly 60% of Oregon people keep pets, according to locals as well.
Due to its abundance of dog parks and welcoming attitude toward dogs, Portland is a fantastic city for dog owners. Whatever part of the city you choose to move to, chances are, you’ll have an off-leash dog park close by. This is not surprising since there are more than thirty spots like this in the city. Additionally, a lot of the breweries in Oregon, which are well-known for their beer, allow dogs inside so that you may enjoy a beer with your friends and your dog at the same time.
#4: Seattle, Washington
Maybe Seattle isn’t the place for you if your dog doesn’t like the rain. However, as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US, if you don’t mind the rainy weather, Seattle has more dogs than kids, so you’ll be in good company if you move there. If you don’t want to bring an umbrella and rain boots, there is even an indoor dog park in this city. You can get there dry because dogs are permitted on public transit, ferries, and even seaplanes. Finally, there are more than thirty social groups for pet lovers you can join and many establishments that welcome canines with open arms.
If you’re moving to Seattle with a dog, you might have to take extra precautions to have your four-legged best friend safe during this relocation. When preparing pets for moving day, make sure you get them ready for this on time, pack them their favorite toys and snacks, and be available to them so that they don’t feel too stressed out. Moving with a dog, in the end, is not much different from moving with a little kid.
#5: St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida, is the best option for the most devoted dog parents looking for a dog-friendly community. This place is also one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US, and it’s unique because it’s home to more than a hundred dog-friendly restaurants and a large number of pet shops. Furthermore, residents of St. Petersburg have access to the fifth-highest number of pet stores and veterinarian services.
#6: Las Vegas, Nevada
When you hear ‘Las Vegas,’ your immediate thoughts probably aren’t about all the dog-friendly places you can visit. However, they should be! Believe it or not, Vegas is ranked really high on the list of most dog-friendly cities in the US! What makes this city in Nevada a fantastic place for dogs? There are more dog parks per household, pet-friendly businesses, and, of course, the lovely weather.
Visit the outdoor artwork project Seven Magic Mountain with your dog along for the ride. Or, go to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, where there are many routes suitable for you and your canine companion. These are only some of the many things you can do with your pup while living in Vegas or just visiting.
#7: San Francisco, California
Like in Seattle, it’s a well-known fact that there are more dogs than kids in one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. With all those puppies squeezed into seven square miles, you can safely assume there will be more spaces and services dedicated toward canine health and pleasure than the average city’s fair share.
That’s why this city offers a variety of off-leash sites like Ocean Beach and play spaces like Corona Heights Park, in addition to strolls on San Francisco’s gorgeous hills and through the famous Golden Gate Park. At the moment, there are barely under two-hundred dog-friendly restaurants, pubs, and breweries in the area, so if you get hungry, you won’t be short of options. However, keep in mind that this number can rise any day now!
#8: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs’s picturesque setting at the base of the Rocky Mountains makes it an alluring destination for traveling hounds or those looking for a new home, and one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. This area is home to the renowned Garden of the Gods, which offers leashed dogs twenty miles of hiking trails encircling colorful red rock formations. A good place for well-behaved dogs to go is Stratton Open Space, where they can hike and swim in a lake without being on a leash.
In another part of the city, Pub Dog Colorado is the state’s first and only outdoor play area and restaurant that accepts dogs. Let your dog run around, order something from the dog menu and have dinner inside with you, or just relax after a full weekend of explorations.
#9: Chicago, Illinois
Large cities often receive a bad review from pet owners due to a lack of dog-friendly options. However, the third-largest city in the country is renowned for being welcoming to dogs and their owners. It’s possibly even one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US, if not the world.
The Windy City is renowned for its canine-friendly laws and rules, making it a fantastic spot to go to or call home with your dog. The city provides designated dog walking areas as well as pet owner pick-up and drop-off areas. Additionally, thanks to Chicago’s amazing pet-friendly public transportation system, you can easily bring your dog along on any adventure you can think of.
#10: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Finally, let’s not forget Albuquerque, which has a ton of dog-friendly attractions and lodgings, as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. There are a total of fourteen off-leash dog parks in Albuquerque where canines can play unrestrainedly with other canines. Moreover, if you move there, you won’t ever struggle to find a place to visit, hang out at, or eat with your dog in tow since there are almost two hundred different dog-friendly facilities in the area.
Additionally, several dog-friendly hotels in Albuquerque make it simple to find a place to stay when you’re on the road with your best buddy. As long as you keep your dog on a leash that is no longer than eight feet, in compliance with local pet laws, you can explore any of the many hiking trails if you want to get some fresh air.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to move, especially when you’re moving with your dog, can be really difficult. You have to take a lot of things into account. If your dog is active, you probably want to be as close as possible to off-leash parks where your dog can spend all of its energy. So, when choosing, don’t forget to consider these ten most dog-friendly cities in the US. One of them might be your future home.
Meta: Are you thinking of moving to a new city with your pup? Continue reading to find out the most dog-friendly cities in the US!
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