For some dog lovers, their pooch goes everywhere they go, whether it is for running errands or meeting friends for lunch. No matter if you are a homeowner or you are renting with your pets, knowing you have many options for comfortable living for both you and your dogs in the city you live in is important.
If you're looking for where you’d have most options for living with your doggie in the U.S., you're in luck! Plenty of cities are all about accommodating your furry bestie with lots of amenities to make them feel included, too.
Here are some of the dog-friendliest cities in the U.S.
Austin, Texas
Plenty of cities have dog parks and greenspace for your furry companion, but Austin has an entire off-leash island for you and your dog to relax and spend a day picnicking. There are plenty of off-leash trails for hiking, and if your dog is a water fan, there's even a park with a natural spring!
When it's time to kick back and meet up with friends, everyone can bring their dogs to the Dog House Drinkery or The Yard Bar. Both have on-site off-leash dog parks and "rangers" to keep an eye out and ensure the furry guests are getting along.
Add a host of dog-friendly hotels and restaurants, and it's not hard to see why Austin is often called the most dog-friendly city in the U.S.!
Portland, Oregon
With more dog parks per capita than any other in the nation, the city of Portland has lots of wide-open spaces for you and your dog to get some fresh air.
But the dog park isn't the only outdoor activity you can do together; there are dog-friendly wineries, festivals, and events all over the city!
It also hosts a wide variety of dog-friendly bars and restaurants with covered, heated dining spaces for comfortable, year-round dinners out on the town.
If you'd like to check out the city of Portland with your pooch, there are plenty of hotels catering to dogs, too!
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson has no shortage of resorts and hotels catering to dogs (the most recent count hovers at around 100), and plenty of partner businesses welcome the doggos as well.
Playgrounds tailored to dogs dot the city, and Tucson has a few trails where leashed dogs are welcome if you like hiking together. Suppose you prefer to stay in the city? In that case, there are plenty of restaurants and shopping centers geared toward accommodating your canine.
Seattle, Washington
Most who take their dogs out to dinner are limited to restaurants with outdoor areas, but what if you live in a city like Seattle, known for its rainy weather? Never fear! Norm's and The Leary Traveler gladly accommodate well-behaved dogs indoors with their humans!
There are also shopping centers, hotels, and urban spaces where dogs are welcome to hang with their humans. Dogs are even allowed on Seattle buses if you're a public transportation user!
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is another great city featuring plenty of urban dog parks! There are dog-friendly beaches for frolicking in the surf sans a leash and plenty of fun attractions for you and your dog to visit together, including the Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf. You can even get touristy and take the trolley together, too.
Like most dog-friendly cities, San Francisco also has plenty of hotels and restaurants where dogs are welcome to relax.
For many of these cities, it’s very common for people to choose the renting lifestyle for the many benefits it offers, not the least flexibility. However, there are some things you need to know when you are renting with pets.
What to Know when Renting with a Dog
As you may have guessed, dog-friendly cities also have plenty of apartment homes where you and your dog can settle in and get comfy.
There are so many things to consider when renting with a dog, here are just a few that you should know before you sign that lease:
Pet rent, a pet deposit, and a pet fee aren't the same thing.
Pet rent is an ongoing payment rolled into your monthly rent. The pet deposit is paid upfront when you sign your lease and is refundable when the lease is over, provided your place is in tip-top shape when you move out. A pet fee is also due when you sign your lease, but unlike a deposit is non-refundable.
Your landlord may have breed restriction policies.
Even though breed-specific laws aren't enacted in most dog-friendly cities, your landlord has the right to prohibit certain breeds in their rentals as they see fit.
That doesn't mean you can't negotiate!
Despite the rental policy, you may be able to negotiate the terms of your lease regarding your dog's breed. Providing them with a pet CV is a good start. You can also solicit references from their vet, dog sitter, or other reputable sources on their behalf. Introducing your landlord to your dog is also a great way to win them over!
A house just isn't a home without a dog, and luckily, many beautiful dog-friendly cities agree! Whether you like city life or prefer to hit the hiking trails, you can enjoy it all with your furry bestie by your side.
