If you’re a dog owner, chances are high that you’ll take a trip or two with your furry friend. Maybe you’re even looking to buy a house to share with your pup in a new city. Many cities have become more dog-friendly, as COVID-19 has created a higher demand for outdoor seating and activities. Expand your knowledge of U.S. dog culture with this list that includes popular places to visit in each dog-friendly city.
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has the fifth-highest number of pet stores and vet offices in the United States, with 254 dog-friendly restaurants. Tucson is close to a ton of parks and monuments that are great to explore with pups. The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument or the Patagonia Lake State Park are great places for the dogs to stretch their legs.
Tampa, FL
Tampa ranks fairly highly for walkability, and has 238 dog-friendly restaurants. Hyde Park Village is a dog-friendly shopping center that often has stores and restaurants with dog bowls for your buddy. Tampa can get hot, so this detail is considerate of these establishments. There are also numerous (shaded) places for dog owners to eat outdoors with their dogs at your feet.
Portland, OR
Portland has the most dog parks per capita in the United States. The Sellwood Riverfront Park is perfect for dogs who enjoy being by the water. The city is also close to many hiking trails, and has parks to hike in throughout the city. Any furry friend will be right at home in the International Rose Test Garden, or the winding paths of Forest Park. These pets just need to be strong enough to handle the hills!
Alburquerque, NM
Albuquerque has a ton of parks that are dog-friendly. Try out North Domingo Baca Dog Park, Los Altos Park, Rio Grande Triangle Park and the USS Bullhead Park if you want your furry friend to experience a wide expanse of greenery. Albuquerque also has an 85-minute trolley tour that well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to come on. These tours depart from Historic Old Town, and are worth checking out if you’re in the area!
Madison, WI
Madison has the most pet stores and vet offices per capita, and the fourth-highest number of dog parks per capita. They also have a large amount of dog-friendly shopping centers, so pet owners in Madison are sure to bring their dogs along throughout the day. If your dog likes playing in the snow, make your way up to Madison during the winter months.
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is a great place for both dogs and their owners to play. They are in the top 30 for dog-friendly restaurants and lay claim to the seventh-highest number of dog parks per 100,000 residents. However, keep in mind that The Strip (the biggest tourist attraction in Las Vegas) is not necessarily dog-friendly. Most dogs are not allowed in casinos, and the air is usually filled with secondhand smoke. To keep your pup safe, stay away from the Strip. Dogs and their owners are welcome to visit Desert Breeze Dog Park and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
New York City, NY
New York City has been ranked as one of the most dog-friendly cities in America. New York City is the most walkable city in the United States, which boosts it to the top of the list. There are 39 dog parks, 123 pet-friendly businesses, and 540 pet-friendly restaurants, not to mention tons of dog activities.
Tribeca and the Upper West Side in Manhattan have been chosen as the best neighborhoods to live in for those with dogs. Tribeca has three dog parks and a doggie daycare. If dogs prefer exercise that is easier on their joints, Tribeca even has a place called Water 4 Dogs that has a swimming pool designated for pups.
The Upper West Side has two large parks, both of which are dog-friendly. These parks also have areas for off-leash hours, so your furry friend can get their running time in. The Upper West Side has a considerable amount of pet services and groomers as well, making it one of the better locations to own a dog in NYC.
In warmer weather, New York City is a dog owner’s dream. Just make sure your apartment is big enough to adequately accommodate your pooch. Check out this graphic for more great cities that dogs will love in New York.
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