The Most Dog-Friendly US Cities for Active Canines

Written by PetCoach Editorial
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Whether you're deciding on a vacation or looking to relocate, if you truly are a dog lover chances are you will take your dog into account when making plans.

Even if you're only looking to spend a few days away from home, if you plan on bringing your dog you want to make sure he is going to have a good time too! Nothing spoils a vacation like having to leave your dog at home all the time, or struggling to find pet friendly hotels and locations in your destination.

Avoid these troubles by looking into your destination ahead of time to make sure it's a suitable place for your pet too. Here are a few cities that are guaranteed to welcome your canine companions!



Tampa, Florida

For fun in the sun, Tampa makes a great destination. Full of activities, dog parks, beaches, and pet-friendly venues, sunny Florida makes a great place for sun-loving pets and their humans. Lots of pet-friendly hotels dot the area, too, and the area has great veterinarians to care for dogs and other pets. Ranked Number 4 overall in WalletHub’s list of top 100 pet-friendly cities, Tampa is almost a pet paradise!



San Francisco, California

Pets are so welcome in San Francisco that it supposedly has some of the lowest pet deposits in the United States for people looking to rent. With dog parks galore, pet-friendly restaurants, gyms, festivals, and dog clubs, it’s easy to see why this city often finds itself atop many lists of pet-friendly cities.



Austin, Texas

Austin has a variety of off-leash dog parks available for all types of dogs - small, large, active, laid back, swimmers, and runners. That’s only the beginning for the pampered pooches that visit Austin. Tons of pet photographers, a local food truck that caters to pets, and a hotel that treats them like VIPs also grace this welcoming city. And no mention of this town is complete without Austin Doga, a yoga studio for dogs and their humans!



Portland, Oregon

With 33 dog parks, Portland takes the prize for the most dog parks per capita, but that’s not the only reason to love this eco-friendly city. Many restaurants are pet-friendly, as is the Lucky Labrador Brewing Company, a local pub with a canine theme.



Albuquerque, New Mexico

This arid southwestern city has been mentioned often as a very pet-friendly city. A big reason for this is their humane services, such as a trap-and-release program to neuter and spay feral cats and their top-notch shelter system. Of course, people who can organize a shelter that is a model for other humane shelters also respect pets at restaurants and bars (there’s even a class available on bar etiquette for dogs!). This is because animal welfare is highly valued here.



Asheville, North Carolina

Whether you and your pet are active explorers or you both like a taste of the high life, this North Carolina town has attractions for everyone, and many of them are pet-friendly! The entire state passed a law that allows restaurants to designate areas specifically for pets, but that’s not all. This mountain town is surrounded with trails that pets and hikers can explore together, and the nearby Biltmore Estates also allows pets in some areas.

Between affordability, local veterinary care, and simple hospitality toward pets, many experts have examined these cities and found them great places for pets and their humans. Whether you’re looking for a vacation or a place to call home, these cities will welcome everyone in the family, including the four-legged members!

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