7 Most Dog-friendly Cities in the U.S. (Spoiler: West Coast Wins)

Sunny San Diego tops the charts for good reason. With more than 20 off-leash dog parks throughout the city, the area is packed with outdoor adventures.

You’ll find dog-friendly beaches like Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, and even cafes with a dog menu. Dog-friendly housing is common, and pet-friendly amenities extend to hotels, shopping centers, and coffee shops.

Add in the miles of dog-friendly hiking trails and you’ve got a pet-friendly community that lets you and your furry best friend enjoy the great outdoors year-round.

Dog owners in Portland are spoiled. The city has one of the highest numbers of dog parks per resident in the country.

With dozens of off-leash parks and green spaces, you can let your pup play off-leash safely. Pet stores, dog-friendly patios, and friendly locals make Portland a standout.

The city's dog-friendliness even extends to designated off-leash areas for dogs under voice control in public parks and trails. For dog lovers who enjoy walking trails and coffee shops, Portland is exceptionally dog-friendly.

The capital of Texas blends city life with outdoor fun. Austin has dog-friendly services like pet care, vet offices (of course), and dog-friendly businesses scattered across the city. Zilker Park and Red Bud Isle give dog residents ample space to roam off leash.

Plus, there are tons of dog-friendly restaurants, pet-friendly housing, and dog walking trails that wind through scenic spots. Austin ranks among the top dog-friendly cities thanks to its warm vibe for both you and your furry companion.

The Windy City may surprise you. Chicago offers several dog parks, including off-leash areas like Montrose Dog Beach right on Lake Michigan. Dog-friendly cafes and pet-friendly perks can be found in many neighborhoods.

Green spaces like Grant Park and dog-friendly hotels make the city dog-friendly without losing its big-city energy. Pet ownership is taken seriously, and the number of dog-friendly services is growing fast.

The Mile High City makes room for its dog owners. Denver boasts many dog parks, dog-friendly hiking trails, and even pet-friendly cities nearby. Its outdoor spaces offer nature trails and off-leash dog parks that let your pup explore safely.

With a high number of dog-friendly living options, outdoor spaces, and pet stores, Denver welcomes dogs as part of the local lifestyle. Dog-friendliness here isn't just policy. It's culture.

Seattle's rain doesn’t dampen the spirit of dog friendliness. With a high number of dog parks, dog-friendly cafes, and public parks with off leash areas, Seattle offers dog owners plenty of room to roam. Even the city’s public transit allows dogs.

Pet-friendly perks like outdoor patios and hiking trails, and dog-friendly businesses are common. The city’s combination of green spaces and a strong pet-friendly community makes it a top contender.

City dog life doesn’t get more vibrant than in San Francisco. From dog-friendly beaches along the Pacific to off leash dog parks in nearly every neighborhood, the city is built for dog lovers. Central Park-style green zones like Golden Gate Park provide vast walking and nature trails.

Pet-friendly amenities range from dog-friendly restaurants and housing to shopping centers that welcome dogs with treats and water bowls. For pet owners seeking a blend of urban energy and outdoor fun, San Francisco delivers.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.