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12 of the Best Cities for Dogs in 2023
By Victor Rosario MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Are you thinking of moving and want to give your furry companion the best life possible? All dogs enjoy plenty of exercise, playtime, stimuli and companionship. Naturally, some areas can offer more opportunities for those things than others.
We identified 12 of the best cities for dogs that have great access to dog parks and dog-friendly activities as well as favorable climates among other factors.
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most pet-friendly cities in California and the entire U.S. In addition to its pleasant climate, the city ranks fifth for most off-leash dog parks per capita in the nation, according to the nonprofit Trust for Public Land (TPL).
Indeed, San Francisco Recreation & Parks affirms that in 2017, the city became the first in the U.S. where all residents have a dog park within a 10-minute walk. There are 31 parks designated for dogs.
DogFest is the biggest dog event in San Francisco. It’s held in April and hosts a myriad of events in a carnival-style setting that’s open to the public. The city’s world-famous trolleys also allow dogs on board under certain conditions.
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S., and for good reasons. St. Petersburg ranks high in walkability and low in the number of rainy days. Downtown St. Petersburg has a walk score of 90 and a bike score of 93 out of 100, as ranked by Walkscore.com.
If your dog enjoys the beach, St. Petersburg has some that allow dogs, including Fort De Soto Dog Beach Park.
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, has the second-highest number of dog parks per capita in any U.S. city, according to data from TPL. This makes it an ideal place for dog lovers looking for many off-leash areas and green spaces for their furry friends.
There are also many doggie-friendly restaurants and cafes, such as the Tin Shed Garden Café, which has special menu items for your canine companion.
New York City
Although the Big Apple doesn’t rank high in the dog parks per capita category, most residents are a walkable distance away from a park. Small dogs are allowed in pet carriers on subways and buses run by MTA New York City Transit.
A visit to Central Park is a must for dog owners in the city. It has 23 dog-friendly areas. Another notable spot is Prospect Park in Brooklyn, which includes the swimming area, Dog Beach. Both parks allow off-leash dogs in certain areas during specific morning and evening hours.
Austin, Texas
Austin boasts a handful of unique spots for Fido. Red Bud Isle is a 13-acre peninsula that is entirely an off-leash park. It abuts Lady Bird Lake and has recreational options for swimming and hiking. Zilker Park and Zilker Botanical Garden are also dog-friendly and welcome you and your pup to their green spaces.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa’s climate is great for outdoor activities with your dog. The city is home to hundreds of dog-friendly restaurants, hotels and breweries, as well as dog parks and dog-accessible beaches. In fact, Tampa ranks sixth for most dog parks per capita in the nation, according to TPL.
There’s a 4,000-square-foot dog park under construction in Ybor City by the nonprofit Friends of Ybor. The space will feature an outdoor public area and cafe.
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson has plenty of close-by hiking trails and recreational parks to visit with your canine best friend. A few popular trails are Mount Lemmon and Agua Caliente Loop Trail. You can visit Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and Saguaro National Park as well. Most areas and trails require dogs on leashes.
Though the weather is favorable during much of the year, Arizona has one of the hottest summers in the U.S. Make sure you and your pup both stay hydrated.
Seattle
Seattle has 14 off-leash areas inside its city limits, including forested parks where you can get some fresh air year-round in a city where it rarely snows. There are also various dog-friendly tours, like the city’s ice cream cruise. It’s exactly what it sounds like — a 45-minute trip around Seattle’s Lake Union while eating ice cream.
San Diego
San Diego is full of dog-friendly beaches, including one of the first off-leash beaches in the country — it’s called The Original Dog Beach and is at the northern end of Ocean Beach. The city also has many other spaces that welcome dogs, including La Jolla and Balboa Park.
This, combined with warm climates and many dog-friendly hotels, makes San Diego a great spot on the west coast for dog owners.
Orlando, Florida
Many people consider Orlando a great home for dogs because of its tropical climate and multiple dog beaches. The city is home to numerous dog parks and some dog-friendly breweries you can visit. You can also check out other parks that allow dogs on hiking trails, like Shingle Creek Regional Park or Greenwood Urban Wetlands.
Orlando is known for its world-famous theme parks, but they only allow service dogs inside.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the seventh city with the largest number of off-leash dog parks, according to TPL. Although Vegas might not come to mind when you think of dog-friendly cities, you can actually walk your dog down both sides of the Las Vegas Strip between Sahara Avenue and Sunset Road from 5 a.m. until noon.
Henderson, Nevada
Henderson has the third most dog parks per capita in the U.S., according to TPL, but that’s not all the city has to offer to our four-legged friends. Pet owners who are visiting can take advantage of the city’s many dog-friendly hotels.
It’s important to note that Nevada state law bans dog breed discrimination, prohibiting cities or home insurance companies from discriminating against a particular dog breed.
Best cities for dogs FAQs
What makes a city good for dogs?
A city may be good for dogs if it has many dog-friendly amenities. Some dog owners may want highly accessible dog parks — hopefully, even access to one within a ten-minute walk. Renters will likely look for cities with many dog-friendly apartment or condo complex options with low or reasonable pet rent fees.
What are the benefits of living in a pet-friendly community?
It's been proven that pets can improve your mental health, helping reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness. If you own a dog or other pet, a pet-friendly community can offer more opportunities to enjoy time with your companion.
Cities focused on pet friendliness also tend to be more walkable and overall accessible than other cities. Even if you don't personally own one, walking through a city filled with pets can be a pleasant experience.
Do you need pet insurance for dogs?
It's not required, but pet insurance can cover unexpected expenses if your dog has an accident or develops a serious condition. Keep in mind that a policy may not pay off for everyone, but it could save you money if your dog needs expensive treatment.
Coverage and premiums can vary depending on the company, so be sure to check out quotes from multiple pet insurance companies before making a decision.
What to do with dogs when relocating?
Moving is a very stressful process for both you and your dog. They will likely be nervous with all the packing and unfamiliar people in the house. On moving day, consider having your dog stay at a friend or family member's house or send them to doggie daycare. If not, keep them in a crate to avoid them getting hurt or escaping the house.
Maintain calmness while enduring the moving process, as your dog can sense your energy and your companionship is a key part of your pet's mental health. When arriving at the new location, check the area to ensure it's safe from hazards. Let your dog inspect it at will. It's their home now, too, so you might as well let them get used to it at their own pace.
Summary of our guide to the best cities for dogs
The best cities for dogs are home to many dog parks and other dog-friendly recreational areas. Many residents have one (or multiple) within walking distance. These cities usually have pet-friendly rental spaces, hotels, breweries and restaurants.
Some states, such as Nevada, have even passed dog-friendly laws prohibiting the ban of any breed. All in all, whether it’s a good climate, a plethora of outdoor activities or walkability, a better quality of life for your dog means a better quality of life for you.
