Eight Great Dog-Friendly Cities in America

By Tamara L. Waters

Whether you are planning a permanent move or a vacation, knowing which cities are friendly and welcoming toward your pooch can make things easier for you and Fido. Before you go, it pays to do a little research, and the site dogfriendly.com has made it easier for you. They've  compiled a list of cities in America that are the most dog-friendly, which you can read here. 

When you’re looking for a city or town that is dog-friendly, you hope to find a number of businesses and attractions that will welcome not only you but also your pet. Whether the businesses allow you to bring your pet shopping or visiting with you, or they simply provide kennels or other amenities to your four-legged friend, being dog-friendly comes in many forms.

According to dogfriendly.com, eight of the best dog-friendly cities in the United States are: San Diego, California; Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas; San Francisco, California;  Boston, Massachusetts; Orlando, Florida; Salt Lake City, Utah and Charleston, South Carolina.

What makes these cities so dog-friendly? It's a combination of things. These cities feature hotels and other accommodations (like resorts and vacation home rentals, as well as RV parks and campgrounds) that allow you to bring your pets on vacation.

If you are planning a longer stay in these cities or even a relocation, there are plenty of other things that make them dog-friendly. There are attractions like Sea World in San Diego that provide kennel services for guests who are vacationing and visiting with their dogs. Other attractions that welcome dog visitors include Ziker Botanical Gardens in Austin, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Barbary Coast Trail in San Francisco, and the Freedom Trail in Boston.

When it comes to dining and shopping, many of these dog-friendly cities have outdoor restaurants as well as shopping centers, stores and public transportation that allows your pooch to tag along.

Whether you are just visiting or you plan to become a permanent resident, visiting the beach and local parks for fun and recreation with the family can turn into a great day with your dog as well. Many of these dog-friendly cities have beaches that are open to canine beachgoers, and parks that welcome four-legged friends. Some cities even have off-leash dog parks that will provide an opportunity for fun, frolic and socialization.

If you plan to visit a vineyard or winery, there are a few that will let you bring your dog with you. Check the dogfriendly.com site for each individual city to get the pertinent information.

What else makes these areas dog-friendly? Some of these cities have events (check out Portland's Dogtoberfest, the Bark and Wine Ball in San Francisco, and a whole list of dog-friendly attractions in Boston) and rescue groups which show that the residents of these cities love dogs! In addition, dog-friendly cities have emergency veterinary hospitals available in case there is a medical issue with your dog.

Be sure to make a phone call or two to verify all information and ask about any policy changes regarding pets. Check out the following related articles on our blog: Dog-Friendly Beaches; Pet Friendly Businesses and Fun Destinations; Dog Parks: What to Know Before You Go; and Camping With Dogs. You might also want to ask your veterinarian for tips and recommendations when traveling with your dog. After all, you want your visit to a dog-friendly city to be enjoyable for everybody!

Photos by David Shankbone

Read more by Tamara L. Waters

Pet Friendly Businesses and Fun Destinations

By Anna Lee

Thinking of going to the beach? Taking a day trip or mini vacation? If you’re wondering what to do with your dog, you will be pleased to know there are many businesses, parks, restaurants, and beaches that welcome your four-legged friend. More and more locations are jumping on the bandwagon too. I guess dog and cat lovers are finally making their wants and needs known, and businesses are listening. Thank you!

Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County, Florida

A vacation at the beach sounds good to me. Being able to find a place to let my dog Abby run free would make it that much better. Fort De Soto Park is one of six ‘Paw Playgrounds’ in Pinellas County that are dog friendly. Fort De Soto is a 2 acre fenced park that has 200 yards of soft white sand for your dog to run and play on. Pack yourself a picnic lunch and bring along some CANIDAE Snap-Biscuit® treats for the dog, and enjoy a fun day at the beach! What could be better than that? For more information, including maps and a virtual tour of the dog park check out their website.

Nashville, TN

Traveling to Nashville soon and taking the family dog with you? You won’t be alone. Nashville is going to the dogs, and they don’t have to be country music fans – but it helps! Nashville has a fantastic dog friendly park system, with three dog parks that are open from dawn to dusk. Check out the Nashville Dog Parks by logging onto their website. The site offers lots of information on hours of operation and what they expect from their visitors.

There are also several Nashville restaurants that allow pets to dine with their owners at outside tables. You must realize that Fido can only join you at the outdoor tables, no dogs allowed inside the restaurants. Check out: 12 South Tap Room, Jackson’s Bar and Bistro and Calypso Café at this website.

Don’t hold back on a hotel – book the Lowe’s Vanderbilt Hotel which is not only dog and cat friendly, but offers doggie and kitty room service, plus gifts for your pet! They also have pet sitting and pet walking services available. It is quite an impressive hotel, and the fact that it’s pet friendly is even more impressive to me. Check out their website and decide if you and your pet would like to vacation in the lap of luxury. Photos of the hotel and information on their other amenities can be found here.

Lowe’s also has a pet friendly hotel at their Cornado Bay, CA location where your dog can learn to surf. A night’s lodging and surfing lessons is expensive. At $449 a night they won’t be seeing Abby and me any time in the future!

America’s Favorite Past Time - Baseball

Did you know you can take your dog to the ball field with you, on a specific pet friendly day that is! This event started in 1996 when the White Sox offered the fist “Dog Day” and was an instant success. Some of the festivities include parades, various competitions, vendors with products and services, and many of these events are fundraisers for animal related organizations. The thrill of the day is being able to have you dog sit with you in a special dog section and watch the game! Just a few examples: the Atlanta Braves have “Bark in the Park,” the St. Louis Cardinals have “Pooches in the Ballpark” and the San Francisco Giants have “Dog Days of Summer.” Check with your baseball team’s particular website to find out more about these special dog days.

Vacations no longer mean leaving the dog or cat at home. Doors are opening and it makes me smile to think I could take Abby to a great beach in Florida and a fantastic park in Nashville, or enjoy a ballgame together. What a life!

Read more articles by Anna Lee