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 will be happiest and healthy. Between the cost of food, grooming, vet visits, pet insurance, supplements, etc., raising a pet can be quite expensive. Also, the actual prices themselves are known to vary widely based on your location in the world.
That is why do we love Walletub’s Top 15 pet-friendly cities list. Their listing provides detailed information by comparison every 100 most populous cities in the United States on three main criteria: Pet Budget, Pet Health and Wellness, and Outdoor Pet Friendly.
Pet budget was found using Veterinary Care Costs and Premiums.
Pet health and wellness calculated by looking at how many veterinarians, caretakers and restaurants per person.
Outdoor pet-friendly was studied based on weather trends, the number of local dog parks, and how many dog-friendly walking paths there are in the area.
Each of the most populous cities is compared based on 23 indicators that fit into the categories above. Each separate criterion has its own weight, they did some calculations and came up with their answer. (You can learn more about their methodology.) here.)
That way, WalletHub can determine which US cities are the most pet-friendly. Below, we’ve broken down the 15 most pet-friendly cities from their list and why you might want to live there with your furry best friend.
15. Birmingham, AL
Are you someone who appreciates an area rich in history and record achievements? Birmingham is home to the world’s largest cast iron statue! Standing super tall at 56 feet, Vulcan, The Roman God of Fire and Forge, watched over one side of the city while carrying it behind and toward the other side.
The statue pays homage to Birmingham’s iron work heritage and you can see up close with your fang. Just make sure to keep them on a leash as you make your way through the 10-acre property.
Another place you can take your pup to Birmingham is the beautiful Red Mountain Park. Offering a lush, green retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this exceptional park is a 1200-acre public space 40% larger than Central Park in NYC.
14. Boise, ID
The “City of Trees” ranks highly among the places with the most dog parks per capita, along with the most pet businesses. In fact, tthis is an entire group of parks located right along the Boise River. If you and your puppy love to mix and match and explore different parks during the holidays, Boise might be the city for you.
13. Plano, TX
Plano is another place that has plenty of pet-friendly parks. Alternatively, you and your puppy can join the Plano hot air balloon festival. Not only did Wallethub rate Plano high on the list of pet-friendly cities, but Plano was also voted “best place to live in the American West” by CNN Money magazine three different times.
12. Orlando, FL
If you and your puppy are looking for warm weather and lots of places to eat together, Orlando could be the perfect place for you! Orlando ranks in the top 5 for the most veterinarians, pet businesses and pet-friendly restaurants (386 of them, according to MangFido.com). Plus, you’ll be near a particularly famous rat and its parks. Perhaps you want to live where a lot of other people go on vacation.
11. Omaha, New Zealand
Are you and your puppy a couple that enjoys hiking or going to the brewery for a few drinks? Not only does Omaha have miles of interconnected hiking and biking trails, but the city is also known as a tourist destination.
Pet-friendly terraces are available at some of the locals’ favorite breweries and will happily welcome you and your pup. Maybe Omaha is the city for you if you’re looking for the spot to sip the cold while spending time with your furry best friend.
ten. Raleigh, N.C
Raleigh ranks with the second lowest cost of veterinary care and is known as the live music capital of North Carolina. Why? For a diverse musical and performing arts experience. You can use all the money you save to see the city’s symphony or experience an opera.
Plus, many famous performers choose to stop at one of Raleigh’s many theaters on their tour. Or, if you’re more into nature, you can spend time in the beautiful oak groves of Raleigh with your puppy.
9. Colorado Springs, CO
If you and your dog are outdoor enthusiasts, live in The majestic Rocky Mountains may be for you. Springs (known to the locals) offers many spectacular hiking trails.
Not only can you visit the famous Garden of the Gods for free, but you can also take your dog with you while admiring the rare red rock formations with your own eyes.
In addition, Colorado Springs has 11 leash-free local dog parks (according to MangFido.com) and a host of breweries that welcome puppy patrons to their yards.
8. Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas doesn’t just offer shows and slots. You can cuddle your belongings on the strip with your dog from the age of five morning to noon or visit one of the 21 free-range dog parks in the city. And, if you’re looking for an adventure outside of the concrete jungle, you might want to check out the Red Rock Canyon or the Spring Mountains. Both amusement parks offer miles of pet-friendly hiking trails and beautiful picnic areas.
7. Lexington-Fayette, KY
As a city that once had “town dogs” in the 1950s, you would certainly expect them to be pet-friendly. One of the locals’ favorite places to bring their furry besties is The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. The nursery is open for free daily from dawn to dusk. That gives you a full day to casually explore the 100-acre garden. It’s also the perfect place for a cozy picnic with your dog companion.
6. St.Petersburg, FL
Are you and your puppy lovers of the sun and surf? St. Pete has two beautiful beaches that allow dogs to walk in the sand with their companions. They’re also one of the cities with the most pet businesses per capita, so that means shopping with your pet dog and finding something to pamper them will be a breeze. simple.
5. Cincinatti, OH
With so many vets and 146 dog-friendly restaurants, it’s clear that Cincinnati cares about its canines. There are breweries, coffee shops, coffee shops, bakeries, pizzerias (and more), all of which offer delicious food and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
4. St. Louis, MO
Are you someone who appreciates art? St. Louis is a city full of pet-friendly parks where you can soak up the sun while you and your furry best friend stroll by some beautiful sculptures. Or, you can always stop at Gateway Arch National Park and admire the iconic dome as you hike through one of the park’s scenic walking trails with your dog.
3. Portland, OR
As the city that topped Wallethub’s list for both the most pet-friendly restaurants and per capita dog parks, it’s clear that Portland loves its puppies. Portland has over 10,000 acres of public parks, picturesque coastlines, and some restaurants even offer special doggy menus! That means you don’t have to leave your dog home alone when you’re out and about in Portland.
2. Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a tropical puppy paradise. Life is good if you’re a dog living in Tampa. There are hundreds of dog-friendly dining options, many dog-friendly breweries, 16 beaches and dog parks. If your pup loves to bask in the sun and bounce around as they play, you have to take them to the Gulf Coast.
first. Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale was number one in 2018 and it’s back at the top of Wallethub’s list. Does your dog despise the rain? With clear skies, Scottsdale sounds like heaven. Plus, the dry and warm winter weather makes it perfect for playing with your puppy outdoors. Combine that with the plethora of places that welcome our best friends, it’s a great place to visit or live for dog parents.
So maybe it’s time to pack some moving boxes or plan a road trip with your pet dog to one (or more) of these pet-friendly cities!
