Owning a dog is a privilege that comes with several benefits and challenges. Choosing a dog-friendly city for you and your furry friend can be difficult since it depends on a wide variety of factors. Some of these factors include dog-friendly rentals, pet sitters' availability, dog-friendly restaurants, dog-friendly shopping malls, dog-friendly hotels, dog-friendly trails, dog parks, and the cost of dog insurance.
I've rounded up a list of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States to help you determine which one is best for owning a dog or for visiting with a dog. As the best dog-friendly cities in each state for owning a dog, each city is known for having public lands for dogs to access, apartments and hotels to rent for dog owners, even of the most commonly restricted dog breeds, cheap pet insurance, and more. Moreover, in order for dogs to stay happy and healthy, they require regular vet visits, exercise, and a safe home.
1. Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is a north-central city in Alabama and the seat of Jefferson County. The city offers its residents and visitors a slew of places for outdoor activities. In addition, the city has parks with numerous areas for you to take your dog. You can take your dogs to Cahaba Beach Dog Park, which is undoubtedly the coolest dog park in Birmingham followed by Red Mountain Park! Furthermore, the city has many pet-friendly apartments and restaurants. In fact, Birmingham has a total of 127 pet-friendly restaurants that welcome dogs at their outdoor tables.
2. Anchorage, Alaska
As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage is known for its cultural sites and is the gateway to Alaska adventure. One of the city's best dog parks, Russian Jack Springs Park, features an off-leash dog park, walking trails, playground areas, biking and cross-country skiing trails. Anchorage has eighteen dog-friendly restaurants and many pet-friendly apartments.
3. Tucson, Arizona
The city of Tucson is the county seat of Pima County, the second-most populous county in Arizona. Here, your dog will love relaxing in one of the pet-friendly rooms at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tucson East. Tucson offers many places when it comes to dog-friendly activities. The Rillito River Park featuring surrounding desert landscapes is the ideal place for your furry friend. In addition to many pet-friendly apartments, Tucson is one of the US cities with the lowest cost of dog insurance.
4. Bentonville, Arkansas
As the birthplace of the retailer Walmart, the city of Bentonville might be the ideal place for you and your furry friend. Your dog will feel at home at the 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville, which features many pet-friendly rooms! The Orchards Park, which features beautifully landscaped areas and walking paths, is a place to walk a dog. Furthermore, you can get your dogs' tail wagging by taking them to the Buttered Biscuit restaurant located at 1403 SE Moberly Ln, Bentonville, Arkansas!
5. Santa Barbara, California
The city of Santa Barbara in California doesn't disappoint when it comes to finding places for dogs to hang out and have fun. You and your furry friend will love it at the Iconic Santa Barbara Hotel, Kimpton Canary, where your sweet pup can enjoy a pet-sitting/dog-walking service. After that, you can bring your little friend to Douglas Family Preserve, an ideal destination for dog owners, featuring an off-Leash Dog Area, trails, and a dog water fountain.
6. Brighton, Colorado
The city of Brighton is the county seat of Adams County in the state of Colorado. Think of the Barr Lake State Park as an outdoor wonderland for you and your dog. The pet-friendly park offers many on-site activities including wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and hiking/backpacking. Moreover, Brighton has ten dog-friendly restaurants that welcome pets at their outdoor tables.
7. East Haddam, Connecticut
If you and your dog are natural explorers, then the town of East Haddam is for you. You might want to visit the Devil’s Hopyard State Park with your pup for a leashed hike. But don't be frightened by the park's name. The park features an age-old mystery that could be the work of the devil. In addition, the public recreation area also features facilities for fishing, camping, picnicking, and bicycling.
8. Wilmington, Delaware
If what you and your dog are looking for is a place to spend some quality time, the dog-friendly city of Wilmington in Delaware has you covered. You and your pooch will love a getaway in Greater Wilmington. The Lums Pond State Park, which offers a variety of recreational activities, is the most appealing for most furry friends. The Carousel Park and Equestrian Center is another favorite which features a large water where dogs that like to swim can enjoy themselves.
Furthermore, the Wilmington State Parks is another perfect spot for you and your pup. After all that adventuring around the city, your pooch can join you on outdoor patios of a ton of dog-friendly Wilmington restaurants, including River Rock Kitchen and Tonic Seafood & Steak. For dog spas and services, you can head straight to Riverfront Pets, a spot that offers pet grooming and training.
9. DeLand, Florida
DeLand is the county seat of Volusia County in Florida. Once in the city of DeLand, the must-visit place for you and your dog is Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. Here, your furry friend can enjoy dog bones and treats. An ideal place for large and small dogs to play and explore is the Barkley Square Dog Park, located at 1010 N. Ridgewood Ave., DeLand, Volusia County, Florida. After that, you can take your dog to Half Wall Deland, one of the city's most dog-friendly restaurants. For more info, check how many dogs you can have in Florida.
10. Warner Robins, Georgia
The incorporated city of Warner Robins in the state of Georgia offers various pet-friendly establishments such as the Tap & Pour, where you and your dog can enjoy Handcrafted local food, one-of-a-kind Craft Beers, an outdoor patio, and live music and entertainment. After that, you two can have some outdoor activities at Wellston Park, which features Bike Trails, Dog Parks, Greenspaces, Pavilions, Restrooms, and a Walking Trail.
11. Honolulu, Hawaii
The city of Honolulu is dog-friendly! It has many pet-friendly hotels, dog-friendly activities, and pet-friendly restaurants including Nico's Pier 38, a place that welcomes dogs on the scenic patio overlooking the water. Moreover, you and your Fido can take in some fresh air at the Diamond Head Bark Park, situated at 4155 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, Hawaii.
12. Meridian, Idaho
Located in Ada County, the city of Meridian has many dog-friendly adventures in store for your fluffy friend. Needless to say, a visit to Storey Bark Park, which is freely open daily from sunrise to sunset, is a must.
13. Chicago, Illinois
As one of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago is pet-friendly. One of the city's top attractions is Navy Pier, a nice place where you and Fido can walk around. Luckily, many apartments in Chicago allow dogs. In addition, you can visit the Montrose Dog Beach, which is Chicago's first legal off-leash beach situated at 4697 Lawrence, W Wilson Dr, Chicago, IL 60640. Here, you and your canine friends will have a fun, clean, and safe beach experience.
14. Muncie, Indiana
As the seat of Delaware County in the State of Indiana, the incorporated city of Muncie is one of the most dog-friendly in the country. This east-central Indiana city offers several dog-friendly activities from walking your dog along the longest rail trail in Indiana, The Cardinal Greenway, to Roots Burger Bar, one of the pet-friendly restaurants in Muncie, and Emerson Dog Park, a place where you and Fido can have fun.
15. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The city of Cedar Rapids in the State of Iowa offers several apartments that allow pet dogs and cats. In addition, the city has several off-leash dog parks where you and your pup can have fun.
16. Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City is the perfect place your dogs will call home. In this Kansas City, your four-legged friends have the opportunity to enjoy plenty of unique, dog-friendly activities thanks to the assortment of parks, public spaces and hotels the city has to offer. The Bar K Dog Bar offers a joyful and creative space where dog owners can share connections with their pups.
17. Covington, Kentucky
If you wish to experience Northern Kentucky’s beautiful scenery with your dog, then the city of Covington is the ideal place for you. The perfect places where you and Fido can have fun are the Licking River Greenway Trails and Devou Park.
18. New Orleans, Louisiana
Nicknamed the "Big Easy," the city of New Orleans is one of the most pet-friendly in the United States, with plenty of parks, and patios to enjoy. A favorite spot among local pet owners is the NOLA City Bark, the best dog park in New Orleans. The park features Mutt Mitts for easy clean-up and separate play areas for small and big dogs.
19. Augusta, Maine
As the capital city of the State of Maine, Augusta offers a handful of pet-friendly apartments that you and Fido can call home. A perfect place to have a fun-filled day with your dog is the Augusta Dog Park, a gift from The Rotary Club of Augusta to the city's residents and their dogs.
20. St. Michaels, Maryland
Located in Talbot County, Maryland, the Town of St. Michaels welcome leashed dogs to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum where you and Fido can brush up on the city's history, environment and culture. After that, you and Fido can get active at Clint S. Bradley Park, a community playground that offers plenty of pet-friendly activities.
21. Boston, Massachusetts
As the 24th-most populous city in the United States, the city of Boston in the State of Massachusetts is dog friendly! One of the best pet-friendly hotels to stay in Boston is Kimpton Nine Zero, an IHG Hotel where there are no pet fees and breed, size, or weight restrictions, according to a New York City travel blogger.
22. Muskegon, Michigan
The city of Muskegon in the State of Michigan offers plenty of dog-friendly apartments, hotels, restaurants and activities. An afternoon at the Downtown Muskegon Petsafe Bark Park, which features separate areas for large and small dogs, will give you and Fido a joy-filled day. Moreover, Muskegon holds some of the top dog shows in Michigan.
23. Minneapolis, Minnesota
The city of Minneapolis, which is home to many cultural landmarks in Minnesota, is taking dog-friendly to the next level with its family-friendly tradition for dog parents. This dog fest called Linden Hills Woofstock features plenty of entertainment including pet demos and a dog fashion show, which you and Fido wouldn't want to miss.
24. Biloxi, Mississippi
In the city of Biloxi, Mississippi, you can have full fun with Fido at either Popp’s Ferry Dog Park or Pixie’s Memorial Dog Park.
25. Branson, Missouri
Branson is a pet-friendly city in the State of Missouri, with many dog-friendly activities. You and Fido can enjoy a delicious lunch at Sugar Leaf Bakery, Café & Espresso. After that, you can take your leashed dog for a walk along Caudill Park’s walking trail.
26. Great Falls, Montana
The city of Great Falls in Montana has plenty of dog-friendly houses for rent. As of December 2022, the average rent price for a pet-friendly house in Great Falls is $2065 per month, according to Zumper. Moreover, you and your off-leashed dog might also want to have fun at Pacific Steel & Recycling Trailside Dog Park.
27. Kearney, Nebraska
Kearney is a pet-friendly city in the State of Nebraska. After having fun with your off-leashed dog at Meadowlark North Dog Park, both of you can sit out on the patio of Cunningham’s Journal to enjoy lunch.
28. Las Vegas, Nevada
The city of Las Vegas is surprisingly dog-friendly. The top five dog parks in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to Rover, are Woofter Family Park, Clark County Dog Fancier’s Park, Sunset Dog Park, Barkin Basin, and Kellog Zaher Dog Park. After having fun at one of those parks, you and Fido might want to have dinner on the patio at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar.
29. Manchester, New Hampshire
Livingston Park is a great place to walk your dogs any time of the year in the city of Manchester, New Hampshire. The town of Bedford, a suburb of Manchester, is quite dog-friendly and is home to the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire.
30. Newark, New Jersey
Newark is not only known for being the city with the most cherry blossom trees in the United States, but it is also dog-friendly. Some of the best dog-friendly restaurants in the city include The Yard - Newark, Juicy Platters, and Marcus B&P.
31. Los Alamos, New Mexico
The town of Los Alamos in New Mexico is dog friendly! You and Fido would love to explore some of the most popular dog-friendly trails such as San Antonio Hot Springs, Bayo Benches Loop, and Kwage Mesa Trail Loop near Los Alamos. After coming back from the hiking trip with your trail partner, I suggest a late lunch at Pajarito Brewpub & Grill.
32. New York City, New York
New York City is dog-friendly! Your pup would love to attend the all-breed conformation dog show, Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, traditionally held by the city. Also, you and your dog might want to have breakfast, lunch or dinner on the patio of the Barking Dog, one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in New York City.
33. Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Beautiful Elizabeth City has a lot to offer when it comes to dog-friendly activities. You and Fido can make great memories together in this gorgeous city. For outdoor recreation, head on over to Waterfront Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the city. After that, you can grab a coffee at Muddy Waters Coffeehouse, a dog-friendly local coffee shop where the baristas have treats on hand for you and your furry friend.
34. Bismarck, North Dakota
The capital city of North Dakota is dog-friendly! Bismarck offers multiple pet-friendly options. As a great city to live in, Bismarck has many dog-friendly apartments that your four-legged friend can call home. A great place to take your dog to is Gourmet Doggie Diner, a pet store that offers mouth-watering homemade pet food and treats.
35. Columbus, Ohio
In the city of Columbus, you and Fido have numerous great dog-friendly places to explore. The city offers dog-friendly restaurants, lodgings, shopping malls and attractions. In addition, Columbus offers several dog services to keep your furry friend busy while you're away. Furthermore, the city has hundreds of dog-friendly parks and trails for you and Fido to explore.
36. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Get out and about with your furry friend in the great city of Tulsa Oklahoma. I suggest heading over to Benjamin’s Biscuit Acres Dog Park, where Fido will have the opportunity to run and play fetch for just $20. For more dog-friendly activities to do in Tulsa, check Go Pet Friendly.
37. Bend, Oregon
The city of Bend in Oregon is pet friendly! Once in the city, I suggest visiting Smith Rock State Park for a hike and epic trail run with your dog. Further, the city offers numerous dog-friendly accommodations.
38. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia, offers numerous dog-friendly activities. Head on over to Water and Rock Studio to practice yoga with puppies. And it is necessary that you stop at Pet-Friendly Dog Bakery to buy your dog treats, and to participate in free events.
39. Providence, Rhode Island
The capital city of Rhode Island is dog-friendly! Providence has taken dog-friendly to another level with its numerous pet-friendly accommodations, parks, and eateries. a fun-filled place to exercise, train and socialize with your dog is Waterman St. Dog Park.
40. Greenville, South Carolina
This South Carolina city has many dog-friendly activities and establishments to offer. The Universal Joint, a restaurant with the best dog-friendly patio in town, will become you and your dog with some of its great burgers. And visit The Noble Dog Hotel, a five-star hotel for dogs located in Hampton Station, Greenville. Here, your pup will feel comfortable.
41. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The city of Sioux Falls is dog-friendly! Enjoy activities for all at one of the best dog-friendly parks in the city, Spencer Park. Park features a secure area where dogs can run around off-leash. Overall, the city is perfect for outdoor recreation fans.
42. Nashville, Tennessee
In the dog-friendly city of Nashville, you can eat dinner with your furry friend at an annual event hosted by the Nashville Humane Association. You also get to attend the city's best charity event called Unleashed: Dinner with your Dog, an event that benefits shelter pets.
43. Dallas, Texas
The city of Dallas in Texas boasts dog-friendly bars, accommodations, and restaurants. In addition, the city offers numerous trails as well as off-leash parks for small and large dogs. The Mutt Canine Cantina has treats for you and your furry friend. Furthermore, Dallas holds some of the top dog shows in Texas.
44. Salt Lake City, Utah
The capital city of Utah is dog-friendly! Salt Lake City offers some of the best dog-friendly restaurants including The Green Pig Pub and Pig & a Jelly Jar SLC, which features a dog-friendly outdoor area and patio. Tanner Park is one of the most dog-friendly in the city.
45. Waterbury, Vermont
You and your dog can do a lot of activities together in Waterbury, The town hosts an annual event called the Mutt Strut, where dog owners run for three miles with their dogs for fun. For more outdoor activities, I suggest you visit Waterbury Unleashed Dog Park.
46. Abingdon, Virginia
Abingdon is a dog-friendly town in Washington County, Virginia, where you and your pup can spend quality time together. Stop at Rain Restaurant & Bar for dinner and head to Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center to play fetch with your dog.
47. Seattle, Washington
The city of Seattle is arguably one of the best dog-friendly places to stay with your pup. Visit Magnuson Park, an off-leash dog park with many fantastic features. Another great place to visit is The Dog Yard Bar, a place where dogs and their owners can socialize, exercise, relax, and enjoy a drink or treat! It is Seattle’s most beautiful indoor and outdoor off-leash play park and bar, where all dog breeds are welcome!
48. Huntington, West Virginia
The number one dog-friendly place to visit in the city of Huntington is the PetSafe Dog Park. Another must-do activity is grabbing sausages and pretzels at Bahnhof WVrsthaus & Biergarten, a dog-friendly German restaurant.
49. Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Pewaukee offers a number of dog-friendly accommodations as well as parks and restaurants. Overall, Pewaukee is filled with dog-friendly places for your pup!
50. Thayne, Wyoming
Thayne is a dog-friendly town located in Lincoln County, Wyoming.
