Our beloved dogs mean a lot to us. So it makes sense for pet parents to want to live in a place where their furry family members are happier and healthier. Between the cost of food, grooming, vet visits, pet insurance, enrichment, etc., raising pets can be quite expensive. Also, actual prices are known to vary greatly depending on where you are in the world.
That is why we love Wallethub’s annual list of the top 15 pet-friendly cities. Your list provides information by comparing each of the 100 most populous cities in the US across three key criteria: pet budget, pet health and wellness, and outdoor pet friendliness.
pet budget was calculated using Veterinary Care Costs and Insurance Premiums.
Pet health and wellness they were calculated considering how many veterinarians, caregivers and restaurants there are per capita.
Friendship with pets outdoors was calculated using weather trends, the number of local dog parks, and the number of dog-friendly walking trails in the area.
Each of the most populous cities was compared based on 23 metrics that fit into the above categories. Each separate criterion had an individual weight, they did some calculations and came up with their answers. (You can learn more about their methodology here.)
By doing so, WalletHub was able to determine which US cities are the most pet-friendly. Below, we’ve broken down the 15 most pet-friendly cities on your list and why you might want to live there with your furry best friend.
15. Birmingham, Alabama
Are you someone who appreciates an area with a rich history and record-breaking achievements? Birmingham is home to the largest cast iron statue in the world! With a super-tall height of 56 feet, Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, watches over one side of the city while carrying his butt and looking at the moon on the other.
The statue pays tribute to Birmingham Iron working heritage, and you can see up close with your canine. Just be sure to keep them on a leash as you traverse the 10-acre grounds.
Another place you can take your pup in Birmingham is the magnificent Red Mountain Park. Offering a lush, green refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, this particular park is a 1,200-acre public space that is 40% larger than Central Park in New York.
14. Boise, I.D.
The “city of trees” ranks high among places with the most dog parks per capita, along with the most pet-friendly businesses. In fact, youhere is a whole group of parks that are situated along the Boise River. If you and your pup like to mingle and explore different parks on your days off, Boise may be the city for you.
13. Plano, Texas
Plano is another place that offers many pet-friendly parks. Plus, you and your pup could make an appearance at the Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival. Wallethub not only rates Plano at the top of its list of pet-friendly cities, but Plano was also voted the “Best Place to Live in the Western United States” three different times by CNN Mơney magazine.
12. Orlando, Fla.
If you and your pup are looking for warm weather and lots of places to eat together, Orlando may be the place for you! Orlando is in the top five with the most pet-friendly veterinarians, pet businesses and restaurants (386 of them, according to BringFido.com). In addition, you will be very close to a particularly famous mouse and its parks. Perhaps you would like to live where so many others vacation.
eleven Omaha, NE
Are you and your pup a couple that loves to hike or go to a brewery for a pint? Omaha not only has many miles of interconnected walking and biking trails, but the city is known for serving up suds.
Some of the locals’ favorite breweries have pet-friendly patios and will welcome you and your pup. Perhaps Omaha is the city for you if you’re looking for places to grab a cool drink while spending time with your furry best friend.
10 Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh ranked second for lowest veterinary care costs and is known as the live music capital of North Carolina. Why? For his various musical and stage experiences. You can use all the money you’re saving to see the city’s symphony or experience an opera.
Plus, many famous performers choose to make one of Raleigh’s many theaters a stop on their tour. Or, if hanging out in nature is more your speed, you can spend time in Raleigh’s beautiful oak forests with your pup.
9. Colorado Springs, Colorado
If you and your dog are outdoor enthusiasts, then living indoors The majestic Rocky Mountains may be for you. The Springs (as the locals know it) offers many incredibly beautiful hiking trails.
Not only is the popular Garden of the Gods Park free to visit, but you can also take your dog while you gaze at the rare red rock formations.
Additionally, Colorado Springs has 11 local off-leash dog parks (according to BringFido.com) and plenty of breweries that welcome pups to their backyards.
8. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas doesn’t just offer shows and slot machines. You can strut on the strip with your dog from five am to noon or visit one of the 21 off-leash dog parks in the city. And, if you’re looking for an adventure outside of the concrete jungle, you can visit Red Rock Canyon or the Spring Mountains. Both recreation areas offer many miles of pet-friendly hiking trails and beautiful picnic areas.
7. Lexington-Fayette, KY
As a city that once had a “city dog” in the 1950s, you would surely expect them to be pet friendly. One of the favorite places for locals to take their furry best friends is The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. The Arboretum grounds are free and open daily from dawn to dusk. That gives you all day to casually explore the 100 acres of gardens. It’s also the perfect spot for a cozy picnic with your canine companion.
6. St. Petersburg, Fla.
Are you and your pup sun and surf lovers? St. Pete has two beautiful beaches that allow dogs to wander in the sand with their human companions. They’re also one of the cities with the most pet businesses per capita, meaning shopping with your pup and finding something to pamper them should be simple.
5. Cincinnati, OH
With so many veterinarians and 146 dog-friendly restaurants, it’s obvious Cincinnati cares about its canines. There are breweries, coffee shops, coffee shops, barbecue stands, pizzerias (and more) that offer delicious food and a dog-friendly environment.
4. St. Louis, MO
Are you one of those who appreciates art? St. Louis is a city with multiple pet-friendly parks where you can bask in the sun while you and your furry best friend stroll past impressive sculptures. Or, you can always stop by Gateway Arch National Park and admire the iconic arch while taking a walk on one of the park’s beautiful walking trails with your dog.
3. Portland, Oregon
As a city that was at the top of Wallethub’s list for both the most pet-friendly restaurants and dog parks per capita, it’s obvious that Portland loves its pups. Portland has over 10,000 acres of public parks, an extremely scenic coastline, and some of the restaurants even offer special menus for dogs! That means there’s no need to leave your dog home alone while you’re away from Portland.
2. Tampa, Fla.
Tampa is a tropical puppy paradise. Life is good if you are a dog living in Tampa. There are hundreds of dog-friendly dining options, multiple dog-friendly breweries, and 16 dog-friendly parks and beaches. If your pup loves to bask in the sun and splash around while playing, you should take him to the Gulf Coast.
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale was number one in 2018 and is at the top of Wallethub’s list again. Does your dog hate the rain? With mostly clear skies, Scottsdale can feel like paradise. Plus, the warm, dry winter weather makes it perfect for playing with your pup outside. Combine that with many places that welcome our furry best friends, it’s an amazing place for dog owners to visit or live.
So maybe it’s time for you to pack some moving boxes or plan a road trip with your pup to one (or more) of these pet-friendly cities.
