Top Dog Friendly Cities in the U.S.

dog with owner on bus

For as many as 90 million Americans, dogs are a big part of our families. Making sure that our dogs live as comfortably as we do has become increasingly important for dog owners. In this article, you’ll find a list of the top dog-friendly cities in the U.S.

Having a dog is a life-changing experience - not only because of the love they give, but also because owning a pet can be expensive. In addition to twice-daily meals and treats, you also have to consider pet insurance, vet visits, grooming, boarding, toys and other unexpected costs.

A recent study by WalletHub showed that having a dog can cost up to $2,000 annually. The dog food industry alone reached a $91 million value globally in 2018 - an increase that’s surpassing the value on fresh and packaged foods for humans.

The study takes different factors into consideration to list the top dog-friendly cities in the U.S. Factors include cost, health & wellness options for dogs, and dog-friendly outdoor areas.

Friendliest and Most Affordable Cities to Live in With Your Dog:

1. Scottsdale, AZ

2. Orlando, FL

3. Tampa, FL

4. Austin, TX

5. Phoenix, AZ

6. Las Vegas, NV

7. Atlanta, GA

8. St. Louis, MO

9. Seattle, WA

10. Portland, OR

WalletHub analyzed the country’s top 100 cities in terms of population, and took 24 relevant metrics into consideration. These factors were shown on a 1 to 100 scale, with 100 representing the best conditions for each category.

While other cities offer great outdoor spaces for dogs such as parks or beaches, in these locations the cost of living is high. That’s why dog-friendly cities like San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago didn’t make the top ten.

Arizona, on the other hand, has two cities on the dog-friendly list. With Scottsdale topping the chart and Phoenix ranked number five, it’s no surprise that more people are choosing to move to the Grand Canyon state. Summers are extremely hot in these desert areas, so be sure to keep your furry friends hydrated and cool.

The list also shows Seattle and Portland as some of the most dog-friendly places. Seattle has more dogs than children per capita, according to Seattle Magazine. The city even has an indoor dog park, in case you and your dog don’t want to be out in the rain.

Portland, which is also in the Pacific Northwest, has 33 dog parks so Fido can run free and meet furry friends. This is the highest number of dog parks per capita in the country. Portland also allows dogs in pubs, so you can share a pint with them.

While Seattle and Portland are a bit pricier than Scottsdale and Phoenix, both offer a good quality of life at a much lower cost of living than coastal cities in California.

Lastly, two cities located in Florida top the charts: Orlando (#2) and Tampa (#3). Warm, sunny weather, along with a low cost of living, is attracting more Americans to Florida each year. Knowing your furry friend is also welcome in the Sunshine State makes these locations that much more appealing.

Regardless of the city, your dog will be happy anywhere, as long as you give them the care and attention they deserve.

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