Pet owner? These cities are ready to receive you and your dog with arms wide open!
In case you’re thinking about relocation this year, you must know there are several factors to take into account when selecting a new home for you and your dog, such as neighborhood park accessibility and the availability of pet-friendly apartments, because we all know how stubborn some landlords can be.
The most canine-friendly communities offer more than just a few green areas that might or might not be appropriate for pets to use. Some of the communities may feature ‘off-leash’ dog parks or shorelines and even let you bring your dog with you to restaurants and shopping malls, so it’s not just about having areas where dogs are allowed.
If you’re ready to take a stroll around the city but don’t know which one is the friendliest with pets, check out this list! I hope you will find your favorite one on it.
1. San Francisco
Mostly known for its amazing climate and breathtaking landscapes, San Francisco is among the best cities that are pet-friendly. If you decide to either relocate or spend a couple of days here with your pooch, you will be more than happy to know that going out and running or taking a stroll with your pup will be no problem. This city loves seeing happy dogs running side by side with their owners!
For example, in Golden Gate Park, there are four major dog play areas where you can let your dog run free without its leash. In case your furry friend doesn’t like that, you are free to check out McLaren Park, where you can attend various events, but only if you keep the pup on a leash.
2. Portland
Did you know that Portland is one of the cities that has more dogs per capita than any other city in the country? Forest parks, places near water to roam free, or quiet places like a restaurant or a coffee shop are all pet-friendly! If you step into Portland, you will very quickly notice its dedication to dogs.
They have more than 20 dog parks where the pooches can run, socialize, and stick their paws into the sand. Wow, that’s amazing! And because of that and many other reasons, it was voted by many locals as “the heaven on earth” for dogs.
In case you and your dog prefer to have lazy days without running or jumping around, you can visit Forest Park, but be aware that here your dog must be kept on a leash. However, if you’re looking to relocate to this city you must know that sixty-three percent of apartments accept pets, but only roughly half charge a monthly pet rent of $33 on average.
Portland bonus: many pet-friendly restaurants in the area will greet your four-legged companion with small treats and bowls of fresh water, especially on summer days.
Curious about other cities that love dogs as much as you do? Keep reading, because the best is yet to come!
3. Tampa
Tampa (Florida) is one of the cities that’s famous for delicious food, a great community of seniors, and above all, for being pet-friendly. If you have ever been to Florida, then you must be familiar with Picnic Island Beach Dog Park, a pretty big place where you can both take a stroll on the seaside with your dog and also sunbathe while your dog socializes with other dogs around your beach towel.
In case you’re hungry or you need a quick snack for you and your pooch, you’re welcome to visit Square 1 Burgers and Bar, which includes a tasty menu for both humans and pets. And before we head on to the next city, remember to put Florida on your list of go-to cities to visit this year. Go for the sun and enjoy the pet-friendly fun!
4. St. Petersburg
With nearly 20 dog stores and plenty of dog-friendly restaurants, St. Petersburg, Florida, is the top dog-friendly city for additional outdoor fun. The Dog Bar is frequently mentioned as a popular hangout. An off-leash dog park and a full-service bar are combined in this special way. Even a sizable fenced off-leash area is provided, and during busy hours, an administrator watches over it to make sure both people and their dogs are having a good time.
St. Petersburg is one of the cities that I would recommend from the bottom of my heart if you’re looking for a cozy, nice, and fun place to spend some time with your four-legged companion and your family. I can guarantee you won’t regret the choice!
5. San Diego
Welcome to San Diego, one of the most sunny and pet-friendly cities in the U.S.! This city is a paradise for all the pooches that come with their owners to have some fun. San Diego is proud to declare that it has around 20 off-leash beaches and parks for you and your pet to enjoy and discover.
If you’re new to the area but interested in relocating here, I am going to give you a small tip: check out Fiesta Island and Dog Beach, two amazing places where both you and your dog can have fun together. I am sure you will also make a couple of friends!
Whenever you need time off from socializing and running, take an hour or two to enjoy some outdoor pet-friendly places. My first recommendation is Lighthouse Ice Cream and Yogurt, where both you and your dog can enjoy some top-notch ice cream quality. For dogs, the recipe is a tad different, mostly made with soy. Mmm…delicious!
Have you ever been to one of the cities? Tell us in the comments.
6. Albuquerque
Moving further to one of the friendliest cities on the list, which is Albuquerque, this is another safe space for all dog lovers that want to relocate or spend a vacation in the area. If you’re looking for an Airbnb to book your accommodation, you should know that 71% of the apartments allow you to come with your pet. And if you want to rent a place here until you buy your own house, you will pay an average of $27 per month if you come with your pooch.
Even though only 6% of Albuquerque’s pet-friendly apartments have a play area for pets, 90% of locals live within a ten-minute stroll of the nearest park. Check out Santa Fe Village Park, which has a short trail and a fenced dog park with fresh water and adorable lights, if you want to try something new.
You may be hungry after all this running and playing! Don’t forget to visit Flying Star Café, which is not only pet-friendly, but also offers fresh water bowls and snacks for your pet.
7. Colorado Springs
One of my personal favorites and the friendliest city on the list! And I am going to tell you why. Last year, I went here with my family and our dog, Dolly (a golden retriever), to spend a couple of days away from the city and the people. In Colorado Springs, we were pleased to find a blissful location, which was by far the best place we’ve been to since we had her.
From our experience, I can tell that here you can let your pooch run free because there are more than 20 miles of hiking trails to explore and admire. If you’re planning to visit the area this summer, you will be happy to know there is a lake in which your dog can swim all day if it likes that. We played with the ball for almost three hours, and she still had energy! It’s incredible how many positive vibes this place gave us.
Are you looking for a pet-friendly place to spend the night? Check the availability at The Broadmoor, a five-star hotel located right on the shores of Lake Cheyenne. Additionally, your dog will receive a comfy bed and some treats. How cool is that?
That’s it! This was our top-notch recommendation of the friendliest U.S. cities for you and your pet. Now it’s up to you which one you will visit first. And one small thing before you leave the page! Check out this adorable article about dogs. It will melt your heart!
