Best U.S. Cities for Dogs: 8 Dog-Friendly Cities for Fido
|Dogs are more than just companions, they’re family! Whether your canine loves to chase new pals at the dog park, hike mountains or take a swim, here is a list with some of the most dog-friendly cities for your fur baby.
We’ve curated this list by researching metro areas that offer an abundance of room for Fido to roam, such as dog parks, dog-friendly paths and trails, and pet-friendly businesses.
Check out our list of the top U.S. cities for dogs below!
Tampa, FL
Based on factors like number of pet-friendly restaurants, beaches and breweries, along with the number of dog parks and more, Tampa is at the top of our list!
There are 16 dog parks and beaches in the Tampa area, along with dog-friendly hiking spots, pet-friendly hotels and patios for you and your pup! Check out Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Gadsden Park or Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park for on-land fun, and Davis Islands or Picnic Island Dog Beach to hop in the water. Other unique activities for you and your dog include wandering the trails at Hillsborough River State Park, visiting the USF Botanical Gardens, and walking your dog on the Tampa Riverwalk.
The food scene in Tampa is unlike any other, and many restaurants allow dogs to join you on the patios. The Sail is a popular outdoor dining spot with waterfront views, yappy hour and even pup-cups! Whiskey Joe’s, Ulele and Bella’s Italian Café are a few pet-friendly local favorites. Find many more dog-friendly dining options here.
San Francisco, CA
There are many pups who call The Golden Gate City home. According to the American Community Survey and San Francisco Animal Care and Control, there were more dogs than children in the city in 2016.
San Francisco is home to 31 dog parks and play areas including off-leash parks, open spaces and even agility courses. One of the most iconic San Francisco dog spots is Golden Gate Park, which covers 1,017 acres and includes four separate dog areas.
If your dog needs a little break, or a snack, head to one of the many pet-friendly restaurants in San Francisco. Some even boast dog-friendly menu items and treats. Try Tacolicious, Rose’s Café, Zazie, Pizzeria Delfina or Delarosa!
Whether you’re looking to move to The Golden City with your furry friend, or you’d just like to visit, there’s no doubt it is one of the top spots in the U.S. to be a dog!
Kansas City, MO
Our next dog-friendly city is known as the Heart of America, Kansas City!
Of course, one of the most important aspects of a dog-friendly city is plenty of room to run around and play! Kansas City has 220 parks and more than 100 miles of trails for on-leash dogs, and 5 off-leash dog parks, plus more in the surrounding suburbs. Some parks include Waggin’ Trail Off Leash Dog Park in North Kansas City and Penn Valley Off Leash Dog Park. The lawn of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is also a great space to enjoy time outdoors with your pup.
One of the hottest spots for your dog to hang out is Bar K Dog Bar. It’s the ultimate combination of a dog park and restaurant/bar for fido’s human companions! Or, if you and your dog are tuckered out for the day, head to Char Bar, Iron District, Oddly Correct or Chicken N Pickle and sit on the patio!
Salt Lake City, UT
Being a dog in Salt Lake City is the life. With many outdoor spaces to explore, dog parks to meet friends, and patios to sit on, Salt Lake City is definitely a top spot for your canine friends.
Dog-friendly parks abound in Salt Lake City. Run-A-Muk Dog Park, Memory Grove and Willow Creek Dog Park are some of the best options. Head to Barley’s Canine Recreation Center, complete with an indoor swimming pool, for a day of fun with your dog. Or visit The Gateway or City Creek Center to wander around, shop and grab a bite to eat!
Foodies rejoice! Salt Lake City offers a range of fantastic dining options, plus many that you can enjoy with your pup! Grab a brew at one of the many dog-friendly breweries in town or stop by one of the patios on Main Street. Some other top dog-friendly spots in Salt Lake City include Blind Dog, Hearth and Hill, Este Pizzeria and more.
Use this interactive map of dog-friendly places in and around Salt Lake City to find the best place for you and your dog to check out!
Denver, CO
Show your dog a barking good time in the pet-friendly Mile High City. With plenty of places to roam, spend the night or grab a bite—your pup’s tail will be wagging the whole time!
Some designated dog parks in the area are Railyard Dog Park (in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood), Fuller Park Dog Park and Berkeley Lake Dog Park. But there are plenty more outdoor areas for you and your dog to experience. Cherry Creek State Park is located in southeast Denver, with a spacious 107-acre Dog Off-Leash green space with water access to Cherry Creek. Or, wander around the picturesque, stunning Red Rocks Mountain Park. There are multiple trails, just remember to keep your furry friends leashed at all times.
Some of the best dog-friendly hiking trails in the Denver area include Mount Falcon Park (12.2 miles of trails), Mount Galbraith (4.6 miles of trails and Lair o’ the Bear Park (4.7 trail miles).
While you’re exploring Denver with your pet, you have to stop by the Three Dog Bakery. The bakery serves up homemade, pet-friendly treats, and offers dog washes for your canine companions. There are also a number of dog-friendly restaurants and breweries in Denver to discover. Don’t forget to stop by Denver Beer Co., known for the high ratio of dogs to people! Catch a baseball game with your pup during Bark at the Park at Coors Field!
Chicago
The Windy City was named one of the 20 fastest-growing, dog-friendly cities in the U.S., according to research from real estate app Zillow and pet care app Rover. Whether your pup wants to take a canine cruise, visit the park or walk along the lakefront, Chicago has it all!
You can experience more than 20 dog-friendly areas in Chicago. Some of the top spots include Wiggly Field Dog Park, Montrose Dog Beach and Puptown Dog Park. The Lakefront Trail is a popular 18-mile pedestrian and bike path along the western shore of Lake Michigan. Your dog must be on leash to enjoy the incredible views! You can also check out Bark at the Park at Guaranteed Rate Field to watch the Chicago White Sox compete. (Be sure to check their schedule for dates in advance.)
Mercury Cruises offers Canine Cruises starting in July. The guides provide information about the city’s history and architecture and point out some of the best spots for your furry friends!
Chicago also boasts a number of restaurants with dog-friendly patios and a wide-variety of cuisines. Visit Navy Pier to enjoy the views, grab a bite to eat, or stroll the pier.
Portland, OR
Portland is home to one of the highest numbers of parks per capita with 33 off-leash dog areas. Safe to say, your canine will have plenty of space to get out the zoomies.
A few parks include The Fields Park with a beautiful green space, Gabriel Park with 87 acres of space and two small creeks, and Brentwood Park with an off-leash area, picnic tables, athletic fields and paved walkways. If you and your dog want to further explore Portland, check out one of the many dog-friendly trails including Powell Butte Nature Park, Wildwood Trail or Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Wander the trails and run around Mt. Tabor Park for a day of adventure!
Feel free to bring your dog to one of the many dog-friendly patios in Portland. The Rambler is located in the Historic Mississippi Avenue District and contains two dog-friendly patios. Revolution Hall is another popular spot for canines and their owners, with a park-side patio and delicious food. Here is a list with even more restaurants and bars to bring your dog!
You and your pup can also walk the Portland Saturday Market, or visit Sugah’s Cookies for tasty goodies and pet-friendly cakes.
Madison, WI
Go on adventures, grab some grub and explore Madison with your pup! If your dog loves water, you have to visit the two dog beaches at Viking County Park. Warner Park covers 213 acres, and offers trails, water access and an off-leash dog park. The Yahara Heights Pet Exercise Area includes 20 acres of space for Fido to explore. If you’re looking for agility training space, head over to Badger Prairie County Park or MRD Dog Exercise Area.
After a long day running around with your furry friend, stop at The Boneyard, a biergarten and dog park! They even offer grooming services by appointment. Some other pet-friendly dining spots include Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company, Alchemy and Madison Sourdough.
FAQs: Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the United States
Q: What cities have the most pets?
A: Some of the cities with the most dogs include Houston, San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago.
Q: What is the least dog-friendly state?
A: The least dog-friendly states in the U.S. include New Mexico, Montana, Idaho and Connecticut.
Q: What is the dog capital of the U.S.?
A: Houston is known as the dog capital of the U.S. because they have the highest ratio of dogs to humans, with 52.1 dogs per 100 humans.
Q: What is the most dog-friendly place in the world?
A: London is considered the most dog-friendly city in the world based on the abundance of dog-walking services, parks, pet stores, pet-friendly rentals and dog-friendly restaurants. But, if you and Fido want to stay on this side of the pond, the cities above are great areas for your furry friends!
Bark for the Best U.S. Cities for Dogs!
Get ready for tail wags, zoomies and lots of fun in these dog-friendly cities! Where will you and your pup go next? If you’re moving to one of these destinations, consider self-storage! More space can come in handy during a move, and Store Space offers secure, premium storage units around the United States. Find your nearest facility using our storage finder.
Sarah Dirks is a Content Writer for Store Space who enjoys watching movies, being active and cheering for the Boston Red Sox.
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