Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs
  3. Evergreens

It’s official: These are the most dog-friendly cities

By
Add as a preferred source on Google

Your dog is more than just a furry companion; he’s also a member of your family, and you want to spend as much time together as possible. Unfortunately, some cities make bringing your dog along for the ride much more difficult. From a lack of dog-friendly trails to poorly maintained dog parks, not all cities will earn the prestige of being known as a dog-friendly city. Whether you’re thinking about relocating or planning a vacation, we’re here with a list of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. Does your city make the cut? Let’s find out.

A close-up shot of a Golden Retriever with a crowd of people in the background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The top 5 most dog-friendly cities in the US

Dog parents, rejoice! If you visit one of these cities, you’ll find plenty of things to do with your dog. (And every single city has at least one Amtrak line that allows pets. Score!)

Recommended Videos

1. Oakland, California

With a population of over 450,000 residents, Oakland also boasts the highest number of pet-friendly dining options, offering a whopping 923 dog-friendly restaurants. An impressive walkability score, over 300 pet shops and animal hospitals, 322 dog trails, and 128 dog parks are all reasons why Oakland is the best place for dog parents.

2. Sacramento, California

While Sacramento is the least walkable city on the list, 22% of the city’s hotels are pet-friendly. You’ll also find 413 restaurants that will welcome your pup, and if you feel like playing a game of Frisbee, you have over 100 dog parks to choose from in this city of over 530,000 people.

3. Seattle, Washington

Home of incredible coffee and stunning nature trails, Seattle is a dream destination for many. If you have a dog, we can think of several hundred reasons why you’ll love Seattle even more. You’ll be able to take your pup into over 550 restaurants, and you’ll also find over 300 dog-friendly walking trails, stores, and pet hospitals. It’s safe to say that most of Seattle’s over 770,000 residents love dogs.

4. Portland, Oregon

Not only is Portland one of the most eco-friendly cities in the world, but it’s also one of the most dog-friendly, too. With a bustling population of around 660,000 residents, Portland is home to over 640 dog-friendly restaurants, 215 dog trails, and over 300 pet stores.

5. Washington, District of Columbia

As the most walkable city on the list, Washington, DC, a city of over 700,000 people, makes it easy for you to explore the sights of the nation’s capitol with Fido in tow. You’ll find pet-friendly accommodations in 22.4% of the city’s hotels, and when you’re bored of exploring the city, you can relax in one of over 130 dog parks for a leisurely game of fetch.

An adorable, parti-eyed corgi wearing a coral-red harness walks near a fountain.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What makes a city dog friendly? 

According to a Wanderu study, several criteria needed to be met in order for a city to land a coveted spot as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States. Wanderu’s methodology consisted of in-depth analysis of the following categories:

  • percentage of dog-friendly hotels and restaurants in a city
  • overall population
  • per capita number of #dogsof (insert city name here) uses across various social media platforms
  • city’s walkability score
  • number of dog trails and dog parks in a given city
  • number of pet stores, pet hospitals, and pet-friendly public transit

Adding better accommodations, such as pet-friendly dining options, permitting pets on public trains, subways, and buses, and providing access to dog-friendly trails (with waste disposal stations) all create a more pet-friendly environment. Not only does improving accessibility for pets result in happier dogs, but it will also benefit your community at large. An impressive 82 percent of pet parents claim their fur babies have improved their lives for the better, say researchers at Mars Petcare. 

Where to find dog-friendly dining

While you couldn’t necessarily bring your pooch to a Michelin star restaurant, some dining establishments offer pet-friendly seating options. But how is a pet parent supposed to find out where their beloved pooch is welcome? We’ve got you covered. There are a few ways you can go about finding new restaurants to try with your pup, including:

Yelp

When in doubt, you can rely on good, old-fashioned Yelp. Just check the “dogs allowed” filter on the left-hand side of the menu, search your current location, and all the available options will turn up in your search bar. Cool, right?

K9 of Mine

Have you ever wondered which chain restaurants are pet-friendly? (No judgment from us; nothing hits like hot fries from McDonald’s.) Well, dog-centric website K9 of Mine has compiled the ultimate list of restaurant chains where your pup is welcome to join you.

Bring Fido

Looking for pet-friendly restaurants, hotels, or events? Bring Fido is your new favorite resource. Use their intuitive search menu to find exactly what you’re looking for, and that’s one less hassle you have to worry about.

A woman holding a black and white Australian cattle dog while sitting on top of a mountain.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Traveling with your dog is an outstanding bonding activity, whether you’re sightseeing in another state or taking a staycation in your hometown. But it’s not always easy to find pet-friendly accommodations. Fortunately, some cities pride themselves on welcoming fur babies with open arms. It’s easier now than ever to find a pet-friendly hotel, numerous dog parks, and even restaurants that will seat your dog. Hopefully, we’ve made finding your next dream destination a little easier.

Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Former Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Topics

Editors’ Recommendations

Can dogs eat cheese? Here’s what you should know
Is cheese bad for dogs? Here's what to know before treating your dog to cheese

Maybe this is a hot take, but cheese could truly be its own food group. It can be enjoyed any time of day — in breakfast omelets, sandwiches, and salads, and there’s nothing like a heaping plate of Mac ’n cheese on a cold winter’s day. It can be an appetizer, snack, or the entire meal. In some cultures, it’s common to have cheese as a dessert!
It’s fun to include our dogs in our meals, but not all our favorite foods are healthy for our pets. For example, another popular dessert food, chocolate, is a no-no for dogs. Other people foods, such as apples and some berries, are fine — and even healthy for dogs — in moderation. But can dogs eat cheese?
The short answer is yes. However, there is some essential information to keep in mind. Here’s the 4-1-1 on two of life’s greatest pleasures: dogs and cheese.

Is cheese bad for dogs?

Read more
9 dog breeds like huskies you’ll absolutely love
Breeds that will remind you of Siberian husky dogs
Alaskan Malamute in grass

Siberian huskies are gorgeous dogs built to thrive in harsh conditions. They love the snow and cold weather, but they're just as likely to enjoy time spent indoors with their family. In recent years, huskies have become famous for their talkative, over-the-top personalities, but there are so many reasons to love this hearty Northern breed.
However, if you love these silly Siberian huskies, you may be interested in looking for other dog breeds like husky dogs. Some share that pointed, wolf-like look, while others take after huskies in terms of their personalities. Whatever you're looking for, you just may find it in these husky-like dog breeds.
Check out these nine dog breeds like husky pups. Odds are, they'll look and sound a little familiar!

Alaskan Klee Kai

Read more
Meet the 10 rarest dog breeds on the planet
Meet the dog breeds that rank at the bottom of the American Kennel Club list
American foxhound tilting its head

The most popular dog breeds are well-loved for a reason, but the pups we see less often have so many amazing qualities, too. Unfortunately, many of the rarest dog breeds experienced a decline in population when the job they were bred for was no longer needed, like when the otterhound became nearly extinct in England following the 1978 ban on otter hunting. Still, these resilient dogs have remained recognized breeds to this very day, all thanks to their human advocates who helped bring these canines back from the brink of extinction.

These are some of the rarest — and, in our opinion, some of the most interesting — dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Have you heard of any of these rare dog breeds?
Harrier

Read more