6 Most Dog-Friendly Cities In The US
When choosing where to live there’s quite a bit to consider. You have to factor in the price of housing, how far you’d be willing to commute for work, and just the overall environment. The situation becomes even more complicated if you are a pup parent. You’ll want to make sure that wherever you live is dog-friendly, meaning that you’ll have access to dog parks and restaurants that welcome your pooch with open arms. Trying to find a city that checks all of these boxes can be overwhelming. So to make your (and your dog’s) life easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 6 most dog-friendly cities in the United States.
Portland, Oregon
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With its affinity for craft microbreweries, artisanal coffee shops, and fixed gear bikes, Portland, Oregon is perhaps best known for being the hipster capital of the world. That being said, Stumptown is also dedicated to dogs. The city has 35 off-leash dog parks in total, which is quite impressive. Popular spots include Chimney Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park, and Hondo Dog Park. There are also plenty of hiking trails surrounding the Portland area that Fido can accompany you on. Just a word of warning though, if you do end up moving to this city, your dog may be inclined to grow a handlebar mustache and exclusively wear flannel shirts.
Austin, Texas
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Austin, Texas is often considered to be the Portland of the south, so it only makes sense that this hip city would also be dog-friendly. It’s common knowledge that the capital of the Lone State has a thriving bar scene. Thankfully, many Austin bars allow pooches on their premises, so your dog will never feel left out again. A few favorite establishments among locals are Spider House Cafe and Ballroom, Austin Terrier, and Yellow Jacket Social Club. If your pup hasn’t turned 21 yet in dog years, there are other options. There are 15 dog parks and plenty of dog-friendly stores and eateries. Other fun activities you can do with your dog in Austin also include visiting the Zilker Botanical Gardens, taking a trek on the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and work on your flexibility at Austin Doga.
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Being dog-friendly is maybe not the first thing that comes into your mind when you think of Las Vegas. The City of Second Chances, however, is surprisingly accommodating for those who have dogs. Even luxurious hotels, like Caesars Palace and The Cosmopolitan, have pet-friendly rooms. Owners can also take their pups on The Strip and the Park on Fremont, where there are boutiques and restaurants where pups are welcomed.
Miami, Florida
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If you and your pooch want to spend your days sunbathing on white-sand beaches, consider moving to Miami, Florida. In July 2019, Miami was recognized as a “Better City for Pets” by Mars Petcare and was ranked as the third “Most Pet-Friendly U.S. Vacation Destinations” by Reward Expert in 2017.
San Francisco, California
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San Francisco is one of the greatest cities on the West Coast. That being said, due to its crowded streets, it seemed like it wouldn’t be the easiest place to navigate around with a dog in tow. While this may be true about some parts of the Mission District, SF, in general, is extremely dog-friendly. There are plenty of dog parks and dog beaches. Also if your furry friend has a sweet tooth, you can head over to Le Marcel Specialty Baking for Dogs on Union St. You can also find a community of dog-lovers at the city’s DogFest Pet Festival, Carnival & Parade that happens every April.
Atlanta, Georgia
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The Big Peach is one of the places for pups in all of the south. If you have a hankering for traditional southern cuisine and sweet tea, you can visit one of the many dog-friendly restaurants, like Seven Lamps and the Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall. As for places where your pooch can have puppy playdates, check out Candler Park and Fetch Dog Park. It should be noted, however, Atlanta experiences swelting summer heat, so if your dog has a dense coat, this city may not be for you.