There’s plenty to consider when choosing a place to live with your dog. From pet-friendly apartments and affordable pet fees to nearby parks and dog-friendly amenities, the right city can make life much easier for both you and your four-legged companion.
We evaluated dog-friendly characteristics across 93 large U.S. cities to identify the best places for dogs.
The Best Cities for Dogs
No. 1: San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s score: 75 out of 100
Known for its mild climate and iconic hills, San Francisco ranks at the top of our list of the best cities for dogs. All residents (100%) have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, and the city has a high number of dog parks per 100,000 residents (4.2).
There are plenty of opportunities to get your dog outside for some fresh air and exercise. Golden Gate Park features four dog play areas. If your dog prefers larger open spaces and trails, McLaren Park is another option, with events held at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. Dogs must be kept on a leash in the park.
Finding a dog-friendly apartment in San Francisco can be more challenging. Only 37% of rental units allow pets, although just 22% of those units charge pet rent.
Be sure to check local pet regulations before moving to San Francisco. For example, owning an unaltered pit bull or pit bull mix is prohibited, meaning these dogs must be spayed or neutered. San Francisco also requires a permit for owners who plan to breed a pit bull.
No. 2: Henderson, Nevada
Henderson’s score: 60 out of 100
Henderson offers plenty of options for dogs and their owners, including 19 dog parks throughout the city. Renters should also have relatively little trouble finding pet-friendly housing. About 90% of rental units allow pets, although roughly two-thirds charge pet rent, averaging $34 per month.
Pet-friendly amenities are available in some rental properties as well. Around 31% of rentals have pet play areas, while 8% offer pet washing or grooming stations.
One popular destination is Bark Park at Heritage Park. The park includes dog runs, a walking trail, an agility course and drinking stations for pets. Owners can relax on bone-shaped benches while children can play on Barkules, a large 6-foot-tall and 18-foot-long play structure.
Nevada law prohibits cities and municipalities from banning specific dog breeds. State legislation that took effect in 2022 also prevents home insurance companies from refusing coverage, canceling policies, declining to renew them or increasing premiums solely because of a dog’s breed, unless the individual dog has been identified as vicious or dangerous under state public health laws.
No. 3: Denver, Colorado
Denver’s score: 60 out of 100
Denver is another strong choice for dog owners, with 79% of apartments allowing pets. When you’re not exploring the Rocky Mountains, you can easily find nearby green space, with 90% of Denver residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park.
The city has 1.89 dog parks per 100,000 residents and 12 designated Denver Dog Park locations. One example is Railyard Dog Park, which covers an acre and features two separate play areas.
Dogs visiting Denver’s dog parks must be spayed or neutered or have a current Denver Intact Permit. They must also have current rabies vaccinations and a Denver dog license.
Denver residents voted in 2020 to repeal the city’s longstanding pit bull ban. However, owners of pit bulls must obtain a Breed-Restricted Permit through Denver Animal Protection. The evaluation costs $25, while the permit costs $30. Households are limited to two pit bulls.
No. 4: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque’s score: 60 out of 100
Dog owners looking for housing in Albuquerque should have a reasonable selection of pet-friendly apartments. Around 71% of apartments allow pets. Of the units that charge pet rent, 56% do so at an average cost of $27 per month, below the $33 average across the cities analyzed.
Only 6% of pet-friendly apartments offer dedicated pet play areas. However, 90% of Albuquerque residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, and the city has approximately 2.62 dog parks per 100,000 residents.
Santa Fe Village Park is one option for dog owners, offering a short trail and a fenced dog park with fresh water and lighting.
After spending time outdoors, you and your dog can stop by Flying Star Cafe, a local chain known for its pet-friendly patios, water bowls and complimentary treats for dogs.
Although statewide proposals to restrict certain breeds, including pit bulls and Rottweilers, have failed in the past, Albuquerque’s Angel’s Law holds owners civilly and criminally responsible for potentially dangerous dogs that pose a threat to public safety.
No. 5: Portland, Oregon
Portland’s score: 60 out of 100
Portland is particularly well suited to dogs that enjoy socializing and spending time outdoors. The city has one of the highest concentrations of dog parks among the cities analyzed, with 5.79 dog parks per 100,000 residents.
There are more than 30 off-leash parks throughout the city. Cathedral Park is one popular destination, offering views of the historic St. Johns Bridge, Portland’s only steel suspension bridge.
Portland also has numerous dog-friendly restaurants and bars where pets can enjoy water and treats. At Tin Shed Garden Cafe, for example, dogs can order “Fido Food,” featuring free-range chicken thigh and sweet potato, followed by a dog-friendly dessert made with banana, peanut butter and yogurt.
Around 63% of Portland apartments allow pets, while approximately half of those properties charge pet rent. The average pet rent is $33 per month.
No. 6: Aurora, Colorado
Aurora’s score: 55 out of 100
Apartment hunters with dogs should have plenty of options in Aurora. Approximately 83% of rental units allow pets, and some properties offer additional amenities, including pet play areas at 17% of rentals and grooming or washing stations at 8%.
Pet rent is fairly common. About 61% of rentals that allow pets charge an additional monthly fee, averaging $32.
Finding outdoor space should also be relatively easy. Around 87% of Aurora residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, while the city has 1.06 dog parks per 100,000 residents.
Grandview Dog Park provides more than five acres for dogs to explore and includes an agility area for pets that enjoy a little extra activity.
Aurora also has dog-friendly dining options. The patio at Lazy Dog allows owners to dine with their pets, with menu options such as grilled hamburger patties and grilled chicken breast bowls available for dogs.
No. 7: Sacramento, California
Sacramento’s score: 55 out of 100
Sacramento can be a convenient choice for renters with dogs. Approximately 64% of apartments allow pets, while 37% charge pet rent. The average additional monthly cost is $31. Around 9% of apartments also provide dedicated pet play areas.
For residents who need more outdoor space, Sacramento offers plenty of nearby parks. Approximately 83% of residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, and the city has 3.15 dog parks per 100,000 residents.
Sacramento has 14 off-leash parks, including Truitt Bark Park, which features a public art installation incorporating the word “BARK.”
Sacramento County allows households to keep up to four dogs and four cats, with all animals required to be licensed. Owners who want to keep more animals may need to obtain a special permit.
No. 8: Madison, Wisconsin
Madison’s score: 55 out of 100
Madison offers plenty of accessible outdoor space for dogs. Approximately 95% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, and the city has 4.15 dog parks per 100,000 residents.
There are nine off-leash parks in Madison, including Warner Park Dog Park Lagoon, where dogs can cool off during warmer months. Madison residents need both a dog license and a dog park permit to use these facilities.
Around 64% of Madison apartments allow pets, and 71% of those apartments charge pet rent. The average monthly pet rent is $31.
Some properties also offer additional pet amenities. Approximately 5% of apartments have dedicated pet play areas, while 6% have grooming or washing stations.
Madison also has dog-friendly dining options, including the patio at Bassett Street Brunch Club.
No. 9: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s score: 55 out of 100
More than half of Chicago apartments (56%) allow pets. Among pet-friendly units, just 26% charge pet rent, with an average cost of $29 per month.
Around 11% of pet-friendly apartments have dedicated pet play areas, while 5% offer pet grooming and washing facilities.
Chicago performs particularly well when it comes to access to parks. Approximately 98% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. The city has 1.06 dog parks per 100,000 residents, putting it in the lower half of the cities analyzed for this measure.
Even so, Chicago has more than 30 dog-friendly parks. Puptown in Margate Park, for example, provides more than 16,000 square feet of off-leash space for dogs.
Dog owners should check local and landlord-specific breed restrictions before signing a lease. Certain areas may have additional requirements for specific breeds. For example, a North Chicago ordinance requires pit bull owners to obtain a Pit Bull Kennel License and carry renters or homeowners insurance with at least $100,000 in liability coverage.
No. 10: New York City, New York
New York City’s score: 55 out of 100
Finding a pet-friendly apartment in New York City can require some searching. Approximately 41% of apartments allow pets, but only 5% charge pet rent. That’s significant because the average pet rent among apartments that charge it is $108 per month.
Only about 2% of pet-friendly apartments have dedicated pet play areas, so local parks are an important resource for dog owners.
New York City performs extremely well for access to parks, with 99% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of one. The city has 1.71 dog parks per 100,000 residents and numerous off-leash options across the five boroughs.
Dogs are also permitted on the sand at New York City’s beaches from October 2 through the Friday before Memorial Day.
For owners who enjoy dining out with their dogs, some establishments offer pet-friendly outdoor patios. The Barking Dog in Hell’s Kitchen, for example, has a dog-friendly patio where pets can receive treats while their owners enjoy a meal or drinks.
New York state legislation enacted in 2022 also prevents home insurance companies from refusing to issue or renew coverage, canceling policies or charging higher rates based solely on a dog’s breed.
No. 11: Oakland, California
Oakland’s score: 55 out of 100
Oakland’s mild winters and sunny weather make it an attractive place for spending time outdoors with a dog. The city has 3.84 dog parks per 100,000 residents.
Dog owners can choose from five fenced, off-leash dog parks, four additional parks where dogs can roam off-leash and 18 on-leash dog-friendly parks.
After a day outdoors, there are several dog-friendly places to eat and relax. Drake’s Brewing Company has a dog-friendly outdoor beer garden with fire pits, Adirondack seating and wood-fired pizza. Another option is Brotzeit Lokal, which offers a waterfront setting and German-inspired food.
Finding pet-friendly housing can be more difficult. Only 36% of Oakland apartments allow pets, although just 28% of pet-friendly apartments charge pet rent. For apartments that do charge it, the average pet rent is $86 per month.
Approximately 9% of pet-friendly apartments have a play area, while another 9% offer pet grooming or washing facilities.
Apartment hunters should also check for breed restrictions. Some properties may restrict breeds such as Akitas, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, Great Danes, huskies, pit bulls, Saint Bernards or mixes of restricted breeds.
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