10 Most Dog-Friendly States in the U.S.
These days, dog owners are seeking more destinations where they can easily travel with their pets. They’ll be glad to learn that many U.S. states are pretty dog-friendly, with accommodations and attractions that are doggone inviting. And, if you’re in the market to make a move, you’ll want to make the transition for your pet go as smoothly as possible. These states each offer something special for both you and your four-legged friend.
A recent study by Dogster has unleashed the top 10 dog-friendliest states in America, with plenty of pet-friendly options. The survey ranked all 50 states and how accommodating they were to dogs based on key factors like the number of pet-related businesses, vet care access, dog parks and pet-friendly accommodations to rank the most welcoming states for pet owners. Once the totals for each category were determined for each state, Dogster ranked them and gave each state a score out of 50 based on where they were placed.
Of course, before you hit the road, you’ll want to study up on and follow state and local pet-related rules and regulations, but these ten states are doggone good places to start.
In This Article
1. Florida
Dog-Friendly Destinations:
- Naples, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Miami, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Fort Myers, FL
- Orlando, FL
Florida took the top spot in Dogster’s survey thanks to the numerous recreation areas, long-term and vacation rentals, and pet-friendly accommodations. There is no shortage of places to stay in the Sunshine State, with more than 30,000 pet-friendly rentals and hotels. And once you’re there, thousands of recreational areas are available for you and your pet to play, from parks and restaurants to pet-forward activities.
In Naples, Naples Dog Park has large and small dog sections, dog-friendly mulch and a shade structure known as The Palmer House with benches, drinking fountains and a picnic area. Fort Lauderdale’s Snyder Park has a dog park and designated dog swim hours. In Miami, pets can enjoy the Amelia Earhart Bark Park, with its fenced-in-five-acre spot, or some designated dog-friendly spots along the Miami Beach Boardwalk. If you want to stop and smell the roses, visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, which permits on-leash pets.
And, because it’s Florida, there are plenty of sandy scapes that can be explored. Some have specifically designated dog sections, including Tampa’s Davis Islands Dog Beach and Miami’s Bark Beach. Fort Myers has a dog beach park with dog-friendly shower stations, so the sand doesn’t have to return home with you.
Four Disney Resort properties are pet-friendly if you plan to visit the House of the Mouse at Walt Disney World. It’s important to note that only service animals are permitted inside Disney World; however, you won’t have to worry about your four-legged friend while riding Space Mountain, thanks to the Best Friends Pet Hotel. The Pet Hotel includes more than 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor play areas and space and an additional 25,000 square foot dog park, so your pup can have plenty of quality playtime.
Are there any events that make Florida one of the most dog-friendly states?
Each month, pet owners in Florida can embark on the Bark on the Ark Pet Cruise to Keewaydin Island, where they can play and explore with their four-legged friend. The cost is $59 per person and includes admission for one dog. Reservations are required!
2. California
Dog-Friendly Destinations:
- Santa Cruz, CA
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
- Santa Barbara, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
Your dog can do some California dreaming amid beaches, parks and other indoor/outdoor public spaces. With 24,443 dog-friendly accommodations, nearly 11,000 recreational areas and plenty of vets and groomers nearby, it’s no surprise why the Golden State took a top spot on the list of the most dog-friendly states.
Starting in Santa Cruz, explore the dog-friendly trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Byrne-Milliron Forest. Then spend your afternoon walking along the tree-lined Walnut Street, passing by the dreamy Victorian homes before you stop in for a bite at The Walnut Avenue Café, where your pup can order from a designated dog menu. Round out the day by driving an hour south to Carmel-by-the Sea, where there are a variety of dog-friendly businesses in the Carmel Business District, making it an excellent place for a dog-friendly vacation.
Continue your trip down the coast with a stop in Santa Barbara. The Cruisery has a dog-specific menu with delicious dog treats like a pupsicle with peanut butter, greek yogurt and banana or the Birthday Dinner, diced filet served with sweet potatoes. You can also pop by the restaurant’s counterpart, Unbearable, for a drink or two at its wolf-welcoming bar. Burn off energy at the off-leash area at Arroyo Burro Beach, locally known as Hendry’s Beach.
Finally, complete your California adventure with a stop in San Diego. Ocean Beach Dog Beach is an off-leash, dog-run area for Fido, and Balboa Park has three designated dog parks. If you want to hit the trails, pets are allowed along the Coastal Trail at Cabrillo National Monument, where you can enjoy scenic views of the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs of Point Loma. Finish up the day with an afternoon at Poochie’s Hooch Urban Cidery, where the tasting room is dog-friendly.
What’s something that makes California one of the most dog-friendly states?
San Jose is home to the largest dog festival in the country, Bark in the Park. This family-friendly festival welcomes thousands of four-legged friends each fall and has countless activities, including a dog costume contest, tail wagging contest, DIY dog toy demonstrations and plenty of vendors.
3. Texas
Dog-Friendly Destinations:
- Dallas, TX
- Fort Worth, TX
- El Paso, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Austin, TX
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the Lone Star State’s love of dogs! There are more than 6,000 dog-friendly parks, restaurants and activities to enjoy.
The Dallas Farmers Market welcomes leashed dogs in The Shed and The Market patios. Several dog-friendly parks, like the 1.2-acre off-leash Barry Annino Bark Park located in Dallas’ Deep Ellum District, are available to visitors and residents alike. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Dallas without a stop along the pedestrian paths of the Katy Trail, where you can cap off your day with a drink on the pet-friendly patio of the iconic Katy Trail Ice House.
Travel a few minutes west to Fort Worth during one of the several Dog Days weekends held at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. Then, beat the Texas heat by cooling off in the pet fountains at ZBonz Dog Park.
A Texas staple is Mutts Canine Cantina, an off-leash dog park bar and grill with locations in Fort Worth, El Paso, Dallas and Austin. This dog park/bar combo offers plenty of space for your pup to play and a fully stocked restaurant and bar with people and pet food.
San Antonio offers several fido-friendly options, too. The city’s iconic Riverwalk and Hemisfair neighborhood have plenty of space for your dogs to play. Other San Antonio spots include Hops and Hounds, a sprawling outdoor park with a dog park play area, and Elsewhere, a bar/restaurant that welcomes animals of all kinds.
What dog-friendly festivals are there in Texas?
For more than 25 years, the Mighty Texas Dog Walk & Expo has been a staple for pet lovers. The annual event, held in Austin, has been compared to the Disneyland for Dogs. The festival is full of fun, and 100% of the proceeds benefit Service Dogs, Inc., a non-profit that helps shelter dogs train to be service dogs for wounded veterans and Texans with disabilities, free of charge. The Mighty Texas Dog Walk & Expo currently holds 12 Guinness World Records, and at this year’s expo in November, they are going for lucky number 13 by setting the record for the World’s Biggest Pajama Party with Dogs!
4. North Carolina
Dog-Friendly Destinations:
- Atlantic Beach, NC
- Beaufort, NC
- Charlotte, NC
- Raleigh, NC
- Kitty Hawk, NC
- Asheville, NC
North Carolina provides many woof-worthy adventures and pet services. Plenty of outdoor adventures await you and your pet, from the mountains to the beaches.
On the Crystal Coast, Atlantis Lodge loves having pets stay at their circa 1960s beach property. Enjoy an outing on the Island Express Ferry Service in Beaufort, which permits leashed pets on their sailings along the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore.
The Queen City takes the Crown when it comes to pet-friendly perks. Charlotte has several dog-friendly parks, including the 98-acre Freedom Park, with walking trails, open fields and a lake. Lucky Dog Bark and Brew offers three locations for brews, bathing, boarding and other dog care services, and Club Fetch has its place in the Sound End.
Raleigh has many top-tier dog parks, including Oak Wood, Millbrook and Carolina Pines. But be sure to hit up West Street Dog, part bar, part dog park and part boarding center. And, if your very good girl or boy fancies themselves a history buff, you can even bring your dog to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk.
Why is North Carolina one of the most dog-friendly states?
There are plenty of dog-friendly places in North Carolina, including more than 2,000 pet-friendly restaurants and cafes, 3,700 recreational areas and dozens of events, like the Barktoberfest. But these furry friends in North Carolina need our help after Hurricane Helene. Both the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA are helping, and several shelters and rescues, including the Asheville Humane Society and Mountain Pet Rescue, are looking for volunteers and foster parents. Here are some other ways you can help, too.
5. New York
Dog-Friendly Destinations:
- New York City, NY
- Penn Yan, NY
- Lake George, NY
- Ticonderoga, NY
- Niagara Falls, NY
- Ithaca, NY
- Leeds, NY
New York has many places for four-legged friends statewide.
In New York City, the Tompkins Square Dog Run has run areas for large and small dogs and even hosts a Halloween dog parade. Dogs are also permitted in Central Park in certain sections, and the NYC Parks system has a list of dog areas at other city parks and beaches. Your pooch will also love visiting the Pier 84 Dog Park, a puppy playground with salvaged stone pieces for climbing, a double-gated vestibule and, in the warmer months, a spray shower water feature, water fountain and pet bowls.
And because you can work up a big appetite in the Big Apple, there are plenty of pet-friendly places to eat. The Wilson, a seafood restaurant in Manhattan, welcomes dogs with its designated food menu, and the Barking Dog NYC has one of the most dog-friendly environments in the city. You can also eat your way through NYC, stopping at Boris & Horton for treats, sampling the Furbaby Café menu in the West Village at Judy Z’s and even dining on delicious Mutt Loaf at Avoca.
Outside of the city, there are plenty of perks, too. The Finger Lakes region is known for its wine, and several of the wineries are pet-friendly, including Prejean Winery, which also has a resident dog named Scrappy.
Hit the high seas with your four-legged friend on one of the Lake George Waterfront Cruises’ historic sightseeing cruises on the Horicon. Become one with nature in the Lake George area, where pets are allowed at Fort Ticonderoga or the permitted sections of Niagara Falls State Park. The Adirondacks offers many hiking opportunities with your dog, especially the ADK-9 Hiking Challenge. It’s a series of nine dog-friendly hikes with amazing regional views.
What are some dog-friendly activities in New York?
Escape the hustle and bustle of the big city with a night under the stars. Hipcamp helps people find cool camping spots throughout the state, from treehouses to yurts, and you can even specify if you want a pet-friendly place. Upstate, in Ithaca, Firelight Camps provides elevated experiences in puppy-approved luxury safari tents. Or, spend some time in 22 wooded acres at Camptown Catskills.
6. Georgia
Dog-Friendly Destinations:
- Atlanta, GA
- Savannah, GA
- Decatur, GA
- Alpharetta, GA
- Rome, GA
- St. Simons Island, GA
- Tybee Island, GA
- Jekyll Island, GA
Dogs will find life in Georgia to be just peachy.
From the marshes of Skidaway Island to the natural beauty of Cloudland Canyon, nearly all 60 of the Georgia State Parks are dog-friendly, but your pup must remain on a six-foot or shorter leash.
Piedmont Dog Parks in Atlanta offers three acres of fun, including trails, enclosures and weekend concessions from the King of Pops. Make your way down the 22-mile BeltLine for half-priced bottles of wine on the patio on Wednesdays at Park Tavern, campfire cuisine at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall and a local brew from New Realm Brewing. Keep your pup in good health at the City Dog Market, a one-stop shop for pet care and supplies. Fetch Park has five locations in the greater Atlanta area and is a pet-friendly, members-only social hub.
Zoom down to Savannah for some historic fun. Bonaventure Cemetery and Forsyth Park in Savannah welcome on-leash pets. The Oliver Bentley Historic Dog Walk Tour is specifically designed for pets and their people to explore Savannah’s history and landmarks. And, at Halloween, dress up your furry friend for a good cause at Wag-O-Ween, which benefits local shelters and animal rescues.
Throughout the rest of the state, there are several other dog-friendly spots. Taj Ma-Hound Bakery for Dogs in Decatur specializes in doggie treats. Three Lazy Dog locations throughout the state have their own dog menus. Finally, businesses in Rome show their pet friendly by sporting “Paws Permitted” stickers.
What beaches are dog-friendly in Georgia?
Fido might like heading out for a dog-friendly seafront side trip to Jekyll Island or Tybee Island or St. Simons Island, to name a few. Driftwood Beach at Jekyll has large driftwood formations for your four-legged friend to explore, and most of the beaches here are dog-friendly. While you can’t take your dog to the beach in Tybee, several spots on the island are more than friendly for your pet, and you can find a complete guide here. At St. Simons, pets can enjoy a variety of beaches, including East Beach, Gould’s Inlet and Massengale Park.
7. Colorado
Dog-Friendly Destinations:
- Denver, CO
- Cherry Creek, CO
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Glenwood Springs, CO
- Estes Park, CO
- Littleton, CO
Colorado is a state for outdoor enthusiasts, and dogs are part of that equation. There are 8,400 dog-friendly housing accommodations to pick from and more than 1,800 restaurants and cafes to enjoy with your canine companion.
The “Mile High City,” in particular, offers miles of parks for pets to run and play. Cherry Creek State Park offers 107 acres of off-leash fun, with water access to Cherry Creek; however, the Dog-Off-Leash Area (DOLA) requires both a DOLA and a park pass. For a classic Colorado experience, visit the Red Rocks Amphitheater Trading Post, the perfect place to spend an afternoon hitting the trails and enjoying stunning views of the red rock formations.
Denver is full of dog parks, including LoDo’s Railyard Dog Park. In addition to several parks, Denver has many dog-friendly breweries, like Recess and Lowry Beer Gardens and Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery.
About an hour south in Colorado Springs, there are more than half a dozen dog runs and parks, including the Red Rock Canyon Open Space. The area has an off-leash dog area and two designated loops, but the rest of the other loops require a leash. After some fun at the park, head over to Red Leg Brewing Company or Pub Dog Colorado, home to indoor and outdoor parks, daily dog-friendly events and even a designated dog menu for when your pup needs to refuel.
But the fun doesn’t end there. Colorado has plenty of pet-friendly cities just waiting to be explored. Take in the tranquil turquoise lake on a hike along the Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Springs, or spend a night at a campground in Rocky Mountain National Park after hiking along the Bear Lake Loop. Take in the classic red rock formations along the dog-friendly trails at Roxborough State Park in Littleton, then cool off with a local brew at Coal Mine Avenue Brewing Co. while your dog plays in the sizeable off-leash play area.
What dog-friendly things are there to do in Colorado?
There are plenty of dog-friendly events in Colorado. Denver’s Union Station hosts a monthly Yappy Hour on The Plaza! Held on the fourth Saturday of the month, from May through October, pets and their people can gather on the patio at Terminal Bar. The gathering isn’t just about having fun in the sun. The event has partnered with several local brands and organizations that dedicate time and resources to protect, rescue and enrich furry friends’ lives!
8. Arizona
Dog-Friendly Destinations:
- Flagstaff, AZ
- Sedona, AZ
- Tucson, AZ
- Gilbert, AZ
- Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona has gotten high marks for options ranging from hiking in parks to welcoming businesses and attractions; in fact, there are more than 1,500 of them.
Starting off in Flagstaff, one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the U.S. Hops on Birch touts itself as the most dog-friendly bar in town, and Bright Side Bookshop permits pets onsite (be sure to read their pet requirements before you go!). Flagstaff’s Urban Trail System (FUTS) is a network of trails connecting various parts of the city, making it easy to explore the city by foot. End your afternoon at one of the nearly two dozen dog-friendly restaurants or breweries. Some favorites include Diablo Burger, the Toasted Owl Cafe and Historic Brewing Company.
Then, slide over to Sedona and fuel up for a day of fun at Creekside American Bistro. Chef Mercer Mohr’s love of animals means there is a gourmet dog-friendly menu so both you and your pet can enjoy fine dining. Then, hit the trails. There are more than 200 miles of hiking trails in Sedona, and many of them are dog-friendly, including Devil’s Bridge Trail, Fay Canyon Trail and Bell Rock Pathway.
Continue south to Tucson, where leashed pets can explore the buildings and grounds of the Pima Air & Space Museum.
Finally, if you’re a nature lover, Arizona is the perfect place for both you and your pet. Certain areas in the Grand Canyon are pet-friendly, but check the National Park Service’s specific visitation regulations. Pets are also welcome (and encouraged!) to spend some time at the Petrified Forest’s Bark Park, where your dog can even be a BARK ranger for the day.
What dog-friendly events are there in Arizona?
October is a happening month for pet events in Arizona. There are plenty of dog-friendly events throughout the Grand Canyon State. BARKtoberfest in Gilbert has been going on for more than 25 years and is a day-long day of fun featuring shopping, arts and crafts and entertainment for the people and costume contests, adoptions and agility courses for the dogs. The event is hosted by Friends for Life Animal Rescue, and there is even an alumni parade for families who have adopted from them in the past.
The Humane Society of Sedona hosts an annual Howl-O-Ween Costume Parade that benefits shelter animals in the area. Scottsdale’s boo & brew is a beloved favorite, with a pumpkin patch, local brews and, of course, a doggie costume contest.
9. Pennsylvania
Dog-Friendly Destinations:
- Philadelphia, PA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Bushkill, PA
- Easton, PA
- Lehighton, PA
- Reading, PA
From major cities to rural areas, pet owners are sure to find the keys to success in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania has more than 2,800 recreational areas for pets to explore, 114 large pet retailers and a whopping 7,426 accommodation options, which helped the state earn one of the top 10 spots on the list of the most pet-friendly states.
Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River Park has several pet-friendly play areas, including a dog park and Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, which welcomes leashed four-legged friends. Philly is also home to Fairmount Park, the largest landscaped urban park in the world, with more than 2,000 acres of trails, woods and fields. After a day of play, unwind at Craft Hall, where patrons can access the Unleashed Bark & Beer dog park. Morgan’s Pier offers a monthly Yappy Hour hang-out where you can meet adoptable pups.
Cool off in Pittsburgh at Salty Paws, a doggie ice cream shop serving scoops in flavors like pumpkin, vanilla and maple bacon. One Haute Dog is a stylish boutique for furry fashionistas. Beat the zoomies at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, where your leashed dog can stop and smell the roses. And if you’re looking to catch some ball, Pup Nights at PNC Park is a great way to cheer on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Even the Poconos are pooch-approved. Known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, Bushkill Farms welcomes friendly four-legged friends. Among the most stunning attractions in Pennsylvania, Bushkill Falls is a series of eight waterfalls accessible through a network of hiking trails and bridges that welcome leashed pets. After a day on the trails, visit Country Junction in Lehighton. The beloved general store is home to the state’s largest full-line pet store and houses a variety of pet supplies, food and treats, pet services and even live animals, including dogs, cats, fish and other small animals and reptiles.
What’s something that makes Pennsylvania one of the most dog-friendly states?
It feels like pets are welcome almost everywhere in Pennsylvania! Outdoor spaces are abundant, including several state and city parks and the Allegheny National Forest. But your four-legged friend can join you for a scenic train ride along the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, where they’ll get their own special ticket! Spend an afternoon in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, where plenty of pet-friendly options exist. But a staple is a buggy ride from Abe’s Buggy Rides, where you can take an authentic Amish tour of the area.
10. Illinois
Dog-Friendly Destinations:
- Rockford, IL
- Chicago, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Galena, IL
Rounding out the list of the most dog-friendly states is Illinois, a Midwestern haven for animal lovers. While Illinois may be known for the Windy City, dogs will wag their tails across the state, and there are more than 3,000 dog-friendly activities, restaurants and cafes waiting to be explored.
Life in Rockford rocks. From May through October, Ernie’s Midtown Pub hosts a monthly dog walk on the first Thursday so you and your fluffy friend can meet other animal lovers. The city offers three fantastic off-leash dog parks for your pup to run free and the 155 acres at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, where leashed dogs can explore the natural area. There are several pet-friendly watering holes here, too. The Olympic Tavern regularly hosts a “Pints for Pups” experience on their patio, and Prairie Street Brewing Company has a patio for pub fare. Before heading home, grab a treat from The Canine Crunchery, a wholesome place to pamper your pooch.
Wander up to the Windy City, where you’ll find several dog-friendly parks, like Grant Bark Park. Both the Riverwalk and Navy Pier also welcome leashed pets. For a waterfront wander, stroll along the Lakefront Trail, which offers 18.2 miles of paved trails and designated off-leash dog areas.
You’ll both work up an appetite, and your dog is sure to love the Fido to Go Food Truck, a mobile dog and cat treat vehicle. Tails in the City is a dog bakery and retail store, so you can get the goodest boy a treat. And finally, Wigglyville, Inc., with locations in both Lakeview East and the West Loop, provides an integrative approach to wellness so your pet can live a long, healthy life.
What’s something that makes Illinois one of the best dog-friendly states?
Water, water everywhere! There are plenty of dog-gone awesome waterfront adventures waiting for you in Illinois. If your dog has sea legs, the Mercury Canine Cruise along Chicago’s waterways is a great way to explore the city. Montrose Dog Beach is a popular off-leash beach in Chicago, and the Galena River Trail lets dogs explore a scenic stroll along the Galena River. In Peoria, you and your pup can explore the Rock Island Trail, a paved trail that follows a former railway line, or play at Vicary Bottoms dog park and beach area along the Illinois River.