Most pet-friendly cities in America
Pets are much more than just companions. They're furry friends who add structure and silliness to their owners' days—and can even improve mental health. Naturally, owners want to build their homes in the most welcoming community for their adopted animals. In February 2024, a lawmaker in San Francisco introduced a first-of-its-kind piece of legislation that would prevent landlords in the state of California from banning pets or charging tenants monthly fees for them. Time will tell if the bill gets passed, but as of now, many apartments or senior communities have strict no-pet rules or impose limits on the weight, breed, or number of pets. Many hotels and motels also have strict no-pet policies or require exorbitant fees, making traveling with pets inconvenient.
A 2024 survey by the American Pet Products Association showed that 82 million households in the United States have a pet. Americans spend a lot of money on their furry friends too, shelling out a projected $150.6 billion in 2024, a 38% increase over the last five years.
With this in mind, Stacker set out to find the 50 cities offering the most welcoming environment for pets based on metrics evaluated by WalletHub. Each of the 100 most populated cities was ranked in August 2019 across three key categories: pet budget, pet health and wellness, and outdoor pet-friendliness. Each of those was then evaluated on a series of 24 metrics that were graded on a 100-point scale. Pet Insurance and veterinary costs were used to determine pet budget, while pet health and wellness analyzed the number of vets, caretakers, dog-friendly restaurants and hotels, as well as the number of animal shelters and relevant animal protection laws. As for outdoor pet-friendliness, Stacker examined weather, the number of dog parks and trails, and how many dog shows the city hosts. The three category scores were tallied and combined for the overall score.
Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly hotel for your next vacation, or a restaurant or bar to take your pooch for "yappy hour," this is the list for you. Continue reading to consider which communities are the most pet-friendly.
You may also like: Animal shelters that take in the most dogs and cats in every state
#50. Fremont, California
- Total score: 44.64
- Pet budget rank: #92 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #54 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #5 out of 100
The Fremont area offers more than 16 pet-friendly outdoor facilities such as parks, year-round trails, and recreation areas. One of them is Vargas Plateau Regional Park, a 1,249-acre space overlooking San Francisco Bay, Niles Canyon, and three cities. It provides opportunities for you and your pet to see numerous species of wildlife, along with six miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
#49. Corpus Christi, Texas
- Total score: 44.93
- Pet budget rank: #3 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #87 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #80 out of 100
Corpus Christi has more than a dozen bars and restaurants where your pooch can be by your side for dinner and drinks, with some even offering food and water bowls. The city ranks behind only Stockton, California, for the lowest veterinary costs in the country, making it #3 overall for budget-friendly pet ownership. A number of pet-friendly parks and beaches are within the city limits, as is the South Texas Botanical Gardens, where leashed pets can stop and smell the flowers.
#48. Washington, District of Columbia
- Total score: 45.11
- Pet budget rank: #88 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #33 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #17 out of 100
The nation's capital boasts a number of parks that are pet-friendly, including the National Mall and Memorial Gardens, where leashed pets can stroll past the Washington Monument, as well as other museums. Visit another park, like Georgetown Waterfront Park or Constitution Gardens, to find a place for the family to feed the ducks since it's discouraged at the reflecting pool. Many restaurants offer outdoor "pooch patios," like Art and Soul, where your pet can lounge, or even order something off the menu.
#47. Bakersfield, California
- Total score: 45.50
- Pet budget rank: #48 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #71 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #35 out of 100
Seven off-leash dog parks and lots of open spaces score Bakersfield high marks for outdoor pet-friendliness. Dozens of restaurants offer outdoor seating so your pooch can join you for lunch or dinner, while Village Pet Market is a good spot for all natural foods and treats. Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital gets positive marks for its multiple locations, 24/7 emergency services, and the ability to help all types of animals.
#46. Arlington, Texas
- Total score: 45.68
- Pet budget rank: #58 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #38 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #56 out of 100
Yelp says you'll find about 10 low-priced veterinarians in the Arlington, Texas, area, including Sam's All Pets Animal Hospital, which gets a 4.5 out of 5 score from reviewers. And with lots of ducks to feed and shade for your pets, Bowman Springs Park is a favorite spot for the entire family in Arlington.
#45. Henderson, Nevada
- Total score: 46.17
- Pet budget rank: #52 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #66 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #24 out of 100
You'll find around a dozen pet-friendly hotels in Henderson, according to Yelp. The historic Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino is a good gamble, with pet fees of only $10. And with less than 7 inches of rain a year and plenty of warm days, Henderson might be the ideal location for hot-weather buffs and their similarly inclined animals.
#44. Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Total score: 46.47
- Pet budget rank: #12 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #51 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #90 out of 100
Virginia Beach is a relatively inexpensive place to own a pet, and has five public dog parks. A number of pet-friendly hotels are available near the beach, but check the rules for the best sandy spots to bring your pet. Acredale Animal Hospital is among the top-rated vets in the area, staying open 24/7 and providing services ranging from surgery to behavioral therapy.
#43. Columbus, Ohio
- Total score: 46.51
- Pet budget rank: #11 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #75 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #63 out of 100
Owners of dogs, cats, and ferrets can save $20 on their pets' routine blood work associated with dental cleanings at Carepet Clinic. The Rascal Animal Hospital in nearby Dublin, meanwhile, offers comprehensive exams for as little as $50. Columbus is home to the National K9 Learning Center, which trains not only dogs but also their trainers.
#42. Chesapeake, Virginia
- Total score: 46.57
- Pet budget rank: #34 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #76 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #28 out of 100
Four dog parks within the city limits help Chesapeake earn the #28 spot for outdoor pet-friendliness, but you will need a membership. City Park is the highlight, offering separate areas for small dogs, while the grounds' 60 acres of open space are ideal for a long walk or feeding the ducks. Yelp gives Edinburgh Animal Hospital top marks for small-animal veterinary services in Chesapeake, offering surgical and emergency care.
#41. San Francisco, California
- Total score: 46.86
- Pet budget rank: #100 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #18 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #1 out of 100
San Francisco takes WalletHub's #1 spot for outdoor pet-friendliness, with its numerous pet parks and dog-training facilities. Its flagship pet excursion is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, covering more than 82,000 acres surrounding the Bay Area. It's billed as "the most dog-friendly national park" by the National Park Service.
#40. Louisville, Kentucky
- Total score: 46.89
- Pet budget rank: #13 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #35 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #95 out of 100
Louisville is one of the more inexpensive places to own a pet, ranking #13 for overall budget impact. Derby City Vet provides mobile veterinary care, including on-site X-rays, vaccinations, and more. E.P. "Tom" Sawyer park requires a permit but offers six acres of off-leash space, with separated areas for small and large dogs.
#39. Boston, Massachusetts
- Total score: 46.91
- Pet budget rank: #63 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #32 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #38 out of 100
The Liberty Hotel offers "Yappier Hour" in its private courtyard during the summer, where owners and their pets can enjoy a cocktail. Bremen Street Dog Park has an off-leash park with training apparatus and plenty of space to tire out your four-legged friend. If you're a lover of snakes, Boston is not the city for you, as the state has banned the ownership of boas and pythons, among other exotic animals.
#38. Jersey City, New Jersey
- Total score: 46.94
- Pet budget rank: #87 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #15 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #14 out of 100
Square 1 Community Eatery has homemade dog treats for your pooch, while Sgt. Anthony Dog Park is open 24 hours per day for late-night exercise. The city held its third annual Dog Days of Summer Festival at Liberty Harbor, with games, food, and more. Like the rest of New Jersey, Jersey City is a bit pricey to own a pet, but its health and wellness and plethora of outdoor events help push it up the list.
#37. Long Beach, California
- Total score: 46.98
- Pet budget rank: #81 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #40 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #10 out of 100
Long Beach is a haven for pets and their owners to explore scenic areas and trails. For some beachfront hiking with your enthusiastic pet, check out the ocean from Bluff Park, considered one of the most beautiful ocean-view parks in Long Beach. The city's extensive animal care services include the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, which claims to be a national model for future animal shelters.
#36. St. Petersburg, Florida
- Total score: 47.42
- Pet budget rank: #46 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #56 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #27 out of 100
This Florida panhandle community features a wealth of pet-friendly parks, many of which offer waterfront views. North Shore Park spans 33.2 acres, including a dog park, playground, beach access, and much more.
#35. Houston, Texas
- Total score: 47.77
- Pet budget rank: #29 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #44 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #59 out of 100
Woodlake Pet Hospital scores high marks from Yelp users for its budget-friendly animal care in the heart of downtown Houston. Johnny Steele Dog Park is a great place to let your pooch play, while owners can sit by the water feature and watch. If you're looking for a more exotic pet, there are no laws against owning monkeys and wolves.
#34. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Total score: 47.85
- Pet budget rank: #42 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #43 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #49 out of 100
New Orleans ranks just above the middle in every category when it comes to pet ownership, with 10 quality vets located in the heart of downtown to keep them healthy. NOLA City Bark Dog Park features nearly five acres of play area for your best friend, with pools for hot summer days. Take your dog to Dat Dog for a quick hot dog, or if fine dining is preferred, Herbsaint offers outdoor seating for your pup.
#33. Oakland, California
- Total score: 48.23
- Pet budget rank: #83 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #30 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #8 out of 100
The famous California redwoods aren't just for humans; dog owners can take their best friends to Redwood Regional Park once they tire of Oakland's dozens of other on- and off-leash dog-friendly play areas. For an even more relaxing outdoor experience, restaurant patios—such as those at Oakland's many beer gardens—let guests pamper themselves and their pooches with a good meal.
#32. Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Total score: 48.25
- Pet budget rank: #6 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #55 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #72 out of 100
Budget-conscious pet owners take note: Pet insurance in Tulsa runs about $35 a month, or about 25% cheaper than rates in New York. The Oklahoma Alliance for Animals offers numerous events for pets, including the Fur Ball Gala, aka "The Great Catsby and Barking Twenties."
#30. Anaheim, California (tie)
- Total score: 48.30
- Pet budget rank: #66 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #12 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #43 out of 100
With more than 60 pet-friendly restaurants and hotels at a variety of price points, Anaheim makes it easy for anyone to bring their animal family members along on a Disneyland vacation. The city also hosts the Emma Zen Foundation Annual Pet Fair, which includes costume and talent shows, adoptions, and information on pet health and safety.
#30. Boise, Idaho (tie)
- Total score: 48.30
- Pet budget rank: #57 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #41 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #29 out of 100
Even the most excitable pets will tire once they spend a day in Boise, which boasts a variety of pet-friendly active experiences. Every October, the See Spot Walk allows them to channel that energy into a good cause, through a 1K dog walk and 5K Fun Run that raises money for the Idaho Humane Society.
#29. North Las Vegas, Nevada
- Total score: 48.32
- Pet budget rank: #32 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #73 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #22 out of 100
You and your pets will find 23 different hiking, biking, and running trails in and around North Las Vegas. The 3.7-mile Historic Railroad Trail follows the hills on the southern shore of Lake Mead and passes through five former railroad tunnels.
#28. Plano, Texas
- Total score: 48.36
- Pet budget rank: #93 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #5 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #31 out of 100
Pet owners in Plano love to share their pet experiences, as evidenced by the more than 16 pet Meetup groups in the community. One of the largest is the North Dallas and Plano Cat Meetup. You'll also find over 6,500 cat-friendly apartment rentals in the community.
#27. Los Angeles, California
- Total score: 48.62
- Pet budget rank: #97 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #13 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #3 out of 100
Los Angeles nabbed WalletHub's #4 ranking for outdoor pet-friendliness, probably thanks to its many trails. Hikespeak lists over 125 pet-friendly hikes around the city. Check out Paradise Ranch Pet Resort in nearby Burbank, which claims to be the first fully licensed, luxury, cage-free cat and dog boarding facility in the U.S.
#26. Miami, Florida
- Total score: 48.75
- Pet budget rank: #36 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #22 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #69 out of 100
With three Meetup groups for cats and 10 times that number for dogs, Miami is happy to connect pet owners in the area. Miami and Beaches lists multiple outstanding local pet-friendly hotels and facilities, including the Kimpton Epic Hotel Miami, where pets are welcomed for free and offered plush doggie beds, toys, and food.
#25. Fort Worth, Texas
- Total score: 49.05
- Pet budget rank: #27 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #23 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #76 out of 100
Fort Worth offers 565 low-cost pet care options, averaging $10.75 an hour. A quick internet search reveals 168 pet-friendly hotels, including the La Quinta Inn amp; Suites Fort Worth, with a 4.5 out of 5 ranking from TripAdvisor.
#24. Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
- Total score: 49.09
- Pet budget rank: #25 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #19 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #93 out of 100
Enjoying your pets' companionship includes taking them to your favorite restaurants. The Lexington area has 98 pet-friendly restaurants that welcome dogs at their outdoor tables. Take your poodles to Doodles, an old gas station converted into a breakfast and lunch café. Rated 4.5 out of 5 by TripAdvisor, it serves "comfort food with a conscience."
#23. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Total score: 49.47
- Pet budget rank: #44 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #48 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #23 out of 100
With nearly 60 pet-friendly hotels, Pittsburgh offers your pets everything from simple overnight stopovers to grand accommodations. The Fairmont Pittsburgh, which gets a five-bone review from Bringfido, allows three pets of any size for additional fees per pet. One reviewer noted "plush dog beds, doggy room service, AstroTurf potties, and more."
#22. San Antonio, Texas
- Total score: 50.05
- Pet budget rank: #8 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #45 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #58 out of 100
Texas' San Antonio area offers some of the lower veterinary costs on the list, at around $1,100 per insured pet. The city boasts its signature San Antonio River Walk, a network of pet-friendly walkways and urban waterways. You'll find more than 1,100 options for pet care providers here, who charge an average of $10.75 an hour.
#21. Denver, Colorado
- Total score: 50.16
- Pet budget rank: #77 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #11 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #25 out of 100
Ranked in WalletHub's top 10 for pet health and wellness, Denver has roughly 1,200 pet-care options that will cost pet owners an average of $12 per hour. The city features about 60 pet Meetup groups, including A Hero's Journey with Horses for Families, a group for horse lovers who want to build communication skills, trust, and problem-solving.
#20. Cincinnati, Ohio
- Total score: 50.21
- Pet budget rank: #22 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #49 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #33 out of 100
One of the cheapest locations for pet care, Cincinnati offers roughly 600 choices, with an average cost of just $10.75 an hour. If it's parks you seek, check out the community's top five pet-friendly parks as determined by Cincinnati Magazine. In the midst of the city, the 275-acre French Park features creeks, meadows, wooded hillsides, trails, and a spacious lawn.
#19. Tucson, Arizona
- Total score: 50.21
- Pet budget rank: #43 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #26 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #42 out of 100
In Tucson, summertime is an almost year-round event. With daytime highs rarely sinking below 66 degrees Fahrenheit, Tucson might be perfect for summer-loving people and pets.
#18. Sacramento, California
- Total score: 50.37
- Pet budget rank: #50 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #36 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #19 out of 100
The Golden State's capital city has a wealth of pet-care options, with 622 possibilities running an average of $11.75 an hour. Looking to rent? A quick internet search turns up more than 20 pet-friendly options near the city core. North Natomas Regional Park features more than 47 developed acres of recreation, off-leash dog parks, and pet-friendly trails and play areas.
#17. Irvine, California
- Total score: 50.43
- Pet budget rank: #98 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #8 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #2 out of 100
Head on over to the Irvine Spectrum Center for some pet-friendly dining, and to see and be seen among Southern California's pet aficionados. Ruby's Diner, the Veggie Grill, and others offer pet-friendly patio seating. Irvine boasts 16,000 acres of parkland, sports fields, and dedicated open space, many of which offer plenty of pet romping room.
#16. Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Total score: 50.62
- Pet budget rank: #53 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #42 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #12 out of 100
Bring your pups for an unforgettable visit to Red Rock Canyon Open Space. With virtually unlimited hiking and other trail options—including two off-leash dog loops—it's a big favorite with the locals. Prefer leaving the cats, birds, and exotics at home? You'll spend an average of just $11.25 an hour when you choose from roughly 850 Care.com pet caretaker options in Colorado Springs.
#15. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Total score: 51.14
- Pet budget rank: #19 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #10 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #83 out of 100
Raleigh's oldest dog park, located within Millbrook Exchange Park, opened in 2003. Dogs can roam free off-leash, with water faucets and buckets available. There are fenced areas for large and small dogs, and lights are provided for night-time pet and owner convenience. The city's extensive Capital Area Greenway Trail System also offers leashed pets a wonderful stroll through a network of public open spaces and parks.
#14. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Total score: 51.49
- Pet budget rank: #1 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #59 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #82 out of 100
Oklahoma City is home to The Bella Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides veterinary cost assistance to low-income, elderly, or terminally ill pet owners. OKC also offers nearly 400 options for pet-care facilities on Care.com, averaging $11.25 an hour. The city's pet daycare businesses are also growing.
#13. Birmingham, Alabama
- Total score: 52.51
- Pet budget rank: #18 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #27 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #48 out of 100
Birmingham is one of the most budget-friendly communities on the list. Healing animals from exotics to pocket pets, Riverview Animal Clinic gets some of Yelp's highest user reviews. You can also search through roughly 300 Care.com pet care provider options, who charge an average of $10.50 per hour.
#12. Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Total score: 53.14
- Pet budget rank: #16 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #47 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #20 out of 100
Get a free cat toy or doggie bag at the Aztec Animal Clinic, ranked highly among pet owners on Yelp in the area. For complete cat care, check out the Uptown Cat Hospital, which just might extend your kitty's nine lives.
#11. San Diego, California
- Total score: 53.14
- Pet budget rank: #90 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #3 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #7 out of 100
Care.com lists over 1,500 pet caretakers offering their services in San Diego, for an average cost of $12.25 an hour. One of the more pleasant climates for pets and their owners, San Diego averages just 10.4 inches of rain a year, with daytime temperatures running between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. One of San Diego's biggest pet events is the San Diego Pet Con, which offers myriad activities and contests, discounted vaccinations, and educational opportunities.
#10. Portland, Oregon
- Total score: 53.32
- Pet budget rank: #54 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #21 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #9 out of 100
While near the bottom of the list for pet budget expenses, hip Portland ranks in the top 10 for both outdoor pet friendliness and health and wellness. An internet search finds 16 pet-friendly parks in the area, including Overlook Park (which includes a large off-leash dog area) and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, arguably the most popular park for people and pets along the Willamette River.
#9. Seattle, Washington
- Total score: 53.38
- Pet budget rank: #76 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #7 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #11 out of 100
Care.com reports Seattle has nearly 800 pet care options, with an average hourly rate of about $12.50. You and your pets can have a rollicking good time in the Emerald City, which offers such events as the Mardis Gras Puptacular Pawty, benefitting the city's Humane Society.
#8. St. Louis, Missouri
- Total score: 53.51
- Pet budget rank: #17 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #20 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #45 out of 100
Pet owners in St. Louis and the rest of Missouri spend an average of $1,300 a year on veterinary care for each of their insured pets. The city's historical Forest Park—at 1,293 acres, the seventh-largest urban park in the U.S.—is a maze of museums, zoos, and theaters, all encompassed by a bike and pedestrian pathway.
#7. Atlanta, Georgia
- Total score: 53.81
- Pet budget rank: #23 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #6 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #71 out of 100
Party down with your furry friends at one of the pet-friendly patios and bars in Atlanta, including the popular bohemian Carroll Street Cafe. The community is packed with more than 600 pet-friendly rentals.
#6. Las Vegas, Nevada
- Total score: 55.56
- Pet budget rank: #60 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #9 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #4 out of 100
A Yelp search will help pet owners find nearly a dozen outdoor oases for their pets in arid Las Vegas. One sure bet is Duck Creek Trail, a wetlands park near the city that features a lake and welcomes hikers of all skill levels, including your favorite canine.
#5. Phoenix, Arizona
- Total score: 55.89
- Pet budget rank: #26 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #16 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #15 out of 100
Yellow Pages lists more than 30 veterinarians in and around Phoenix, including the all-inclusive Phoenix Dog Cat Bird Hospital. Metropolitan Phoenix offers exceptional pet-friendly restaurants, including 32 Shea, which hosts Yappy Hour on its dog-friendly patio. This is a true hot-weather paradise for pets and their families, where daytime temperatures from May to September average 95 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
#4. Austin, Texas
- Total score: 56.17
- Pet budget rank: #31 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #2 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #54 out of 100
You'll find dozens of pet-friendly hotels in the Austin area—several with luxury accommodations. Looking to stay longer? Search through more than 2,200 pet-friendly apartments clustered in or near the city limits.
#3. Tampa, Florida
- Total score: 57.61
- Pet budget rank: #10 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #17 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #13 out of 100
Pet parents can choose from more than 20 veterinary clinics and pet hospitals around Tampa, including the highly rated Tampa Mobile Veterinary Services, which offers diagnostic testing, radiology, surgery, and dentistry, delivered to your door. Tampa boasts more than 15 pet-friendly parks, including the wildly popular Davis Island Dog Beach, which features beautiful views and off-leash beach play with rinsing stations and water fountains.
#2. Orlando, Florida
- Total score: 58.29
- Pet budget rank: #7 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #4 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #51 out of 100
Orlando offers a wealth of pet-friendly hangouts and trails, from the mile-long Bear Creek Nature Trail with its ancient cypress, oak, and palm trees, to Wekiva Island, replete with cabanas and bars. For those who love sharing their pet experiences with others, the community features about a dozen Meetup groups.
#1. Scottsdale, Arizona
- Total score: 58.89
- Pet budget rank: #80 out of 100
- Pet health and wellness rank: #1 out of 100
- Outdoor pet-friendliness rank: #6 out of 100
Bring your pets to OHSO Brewery in North Scottsdale, where doggies get water dishes, house-made dog treats, and plenty of attention while their owners sip beer or wine. Got a pocket-sized pet? Check out Raintree Pet Resort, which caters to guinea pigs, bunnies, gerbils, and hamsters. About 300 pet caretakers are ready to serve your pets in Scottsdale, with an average rate of $12 an hour. And you'll find more than a dozen fascinating dog-on-a-leash trails in the area.
