15 Best Cities For Dogs (And Their Owners)

15 Best Cities for Dogs (And Their Owners)

If you are a dog lover who carefully plans your vacation destinations around whether or not your pup can come and have fun with you, these cities are your best options.

In today's society, for many of us our pets are part of our family, and in no way would we leave them out of a family trip. Going camping? Take your dog to Phoenix, Arizona; they have about 6 dog-friendly campgrounds. Snowshoeing? Take them to Sun Valley, Idaho. Hiking? Take your dog just about anywhere on this list.

With the help of BringFido's dog friendly city guide, I have come up with the best cities for dogs, the top activities for them to enjoy and the greatest adventures for you and your pet to embark on together.

Continue reading for the 15 best cities for dogs (and their owners).

Sun Valley, Idaho

Dog ownership is very common in this beautiful mountain town, and for good reason. There's nothing like tackling an open trail with a man's best friend by your side. Dogs are welcome on all hiking trails in the area and in the winter, you can even take them along on a Nordic skiing or snowshoeing adventure. Sun Valley, Idaho also offers the clear Big Wood River for fun in the water and two lakes in the Sawtooth Mountains with designated dog beaches. *Also See: The Top Adventure Events in Idaho 2016

Portland, Oregon

With approximately 33 dog parks and 19 pet massage therapists, it is no wonder Portland has a huge household spending on pets. Enjoy the outdoors with your dog at one of their vast amounts of farmer's markets and then get some exercise on the Forest Park Wildwood Trail and Powell Butte Trail. Portland is also home to one of the most beautiful public gardens in the U.S.

San Diego, California

San Diego is by far one of the most dog-friendly cities. They have a variety of attractions for dogs, some of which include the Original Dog Beach, Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and the Fiesta Island Off Leash Dog Park. When you're ready to hike Cowles Mountain, bring your dog with you and enjoy the beautiful views together from the summit. They also have dog-friendly tours to choose from – SUP Pups Stand Up Paddle Board Tour & Playtime, and Aqua Adventures Kayaks & Paddleboards, just to name a few. But whatever you do, absolutely do not forget to take your pet to San Diego's Original Paw Pleasers Dog Bakery.

Austin, Texas

From doggie yoga classes, to about 18 off-leash dog parks, there is a variety of activities for both you and your dog to do together. Exercise together on the Butler Hike & Bike Trail, visit the Zilker Botanical Garden, walk together in Norwood Dog Park and go for a swim at Auditorium Shores.

Tucson, Arizona

According to BringFido, there are 25 dog friendly activities to choose from in Tucson. Take your dog on a hike through the Rillito River Park Trail, play Frisbee in the Oro Valley Dog Park, and go for a relaxing stroll through Catalina State Park. They also have tons of dog grooming locations, outdoor shopping opportunities and about 70 pet-friendly hotels and motels. Some of which include the Aloft Tucson, the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort and the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa.

 

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis takes pride in their long history pet-loving community. They have some of the most unique dog-friendly activities – take your dog to Laumeier Sculpture Park and explore 105-acres of large-scale outdoor sculptures. There's also a ton of hiking trails to choose from – head to Jefferson Barracks Historical Park, it's a 405-acre park. Go on their walking trails, enjoy concerts, have a picnic, and more. St. Louis is also home to approximately 44 pet friendly hotels and motels.

Boston, Massachusetts

There are tons of pet-friendly activities and public spaces for dog walking in Boston. Ride the City Water Taxi, visit Castle Island Beach and experience the Pawsh Dog Boutique with your pet. When you're ready for a hike, bring your dog along to the Neponset Trail and Boston Public Garden. They also have a variety of pet sitters and dog walkers at your disposal, some of which include Doggie Daytrippers and the Happy Hound.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is home to approximately 11 off-leash dog parks. Some of them include the Westcrest Dog Park, Carkeek Park and the Washington Park Arboretum. The city itself boasts a very dog-friendly environment. Take them to the outdoor shops at the University Village Shopping Center, and get some exercise on Duwamish Bikeway.

Phoenix, Arizona

If you are traveling from out of town, you are in luck because Phoenix has approximately 82 pet-friendly hotels and motels and about 10 pet-friendly vacation rentals to choose from. You never have to leave your dog inside – take them to the Paradise Valley Dog Park, hike with your pet up Camelback Mountain and even go on a pet-friendly Equinox Hot Air Balloon Ride. When they get tired, take them to Arizona Animal Chiropractic. Bonus: Phoenix also has about 6 dog-friendly campgrounds.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Although compared to other cities, Minneapolis doesn't have as many dog-friendly hiking opportunities, they do have quite a few dog parks. Minnehaha Park is great for viewing gorgeous waterfalls. Franklin Terrace Dog Park has a designed area where you can let your dog off of its leash, and Victory Prairie Dog Park is a 2.5 fenced in park where you and your dog can play freely. Also, don't forget to visit the Lake Harriet Rose Garden. It's a great spot for taking a walk or relaxing with your pup.

Temecula, California

What Temecula lacks in dog parks, they make up for in dog-friendly attractions. Temecula is known for its wineries – what better than relaxing with a glass of wine and hanging out with your pup at the same time.  Take your pup to any of these pet-friendly wineries – the Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery, the Miramonte Winery, the Hart Winery or the Temecula Hills Winery. When you're ready to head outdoors, explore Lake Skinner's Recreation Area, spot tons of wildlife and go camping, hiking and fishing.

Fort Collins, Colorado

Looking to take your dog with you as you embark on winter adventures in Fort Collins? Well, you're in luck. They have a variety of pet-friendly hotels and motels to choose from. The Courtyard Fort Collins, Homewood Suites Fort Collins, Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Collins and the Armstrong Hotel are just some of the many pet-friendly hotels in the area. In the warmer months, take your pet with you on a hike; try the Poudre Trail or Mason Trail.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Although Las Vegas is well-known for its adrenaline inducing activities; you may be surprised to know that it's actually a very dog-friendly city. They have about 25 off-leash dog parks to choose from, some of which include Woofter Dog Park and Desert Breeze Dog Park. They also have a ton of veterinary clinics, making it easy to keep up with your dog's health. Also, head outdoors with your pet and explore Red Rock Canyon and the Bob Baskin Park. 

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta has one of the highest numbers of pet-friendly hotels and motels – approximately 80. They also have about 5 vacation rentals that are dog friendly as well. If you are looking for activities you and your dog can participate in together, look no further. Atlanta has exciting dog-friendly tours, some of which include Atlanta Preservation Center Walking Tours, where you can tour Atlanta's streets together, and Oakland Cemetery, where you can explore history, art and architecture together. When you need some alone time, don't worry because Atlanta has tons of pet sitting and dog walking opportunities as well.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati is known for its two professional sports teams, major international company headquarters and tons of local breweries, but many of you may not know that the city is also very dog-friendly. There is an abundance of activities to do with your pet. For example, take them to the Great American Ball Park – twice a year the park invites baseball fans to bring their dogs to "Bark in the Park" to help cheer on the Cincinnati Reds, according to dogvacay.com. Also take your pet to Crowley's, an Irish Pub that allows you to bring your pup and enjoy a beer at the bar. Wage Park is also a great dog-friendly destination – it's a 3-acre dog park that offers doggie playsets and agility courses. If you are looking for more space to run around, take your dog to Otto Armleder Dog Park. It consists of 10-acres and large playing fields (dogvacay.com).