Best Cities for Dog Lovers in North America + France 2023

A city’s propensity to be dog-friendly matters if you’re looking for a “fur-ever”home. Aside from good weather and some nice places to play, what else
should top your list of priorities? Perhaps a city with a large off-leash dog
park or one with a decent number of pet-friendly bars and restaurants?
Be reminded that the cities home to large canine populations don’t
necessarily become the best places to live for a dog lover. There are always
a bunch of factors to consider, i.e., the availability of affordable veterinary
care, dog-walking services, and other pet-friendly amenities.
Now, let’s see which ones managed to make it to our list of the best cities for dog lovers.

Tampa, Florida

This city in Florida is not only a good place to raise a family but also great for
furry ones. Aside from its numerous pet-friendly beaches and parks, Tampa
is home to several low-cost veterinary clinics that offer a wide range of
services. It also features several pet-friendly parks, including the Eureka
Springs Conservation Park, West Park Dog Park, and Hyde Park Village.
Weather: The climate in Tampa is hot and humid, with an average
temperature of around 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Estimated Number of Dog Owners: Around 185,600
Estimated Number of Pet-Friendly Businesses: 2,700

Seattle, Washington

If you’re looking for a city with good food, great coffee, and plenty of things
to do, Seattle should be at the top of your list. It’s also a remarkable place to
live if you’re a dog owner, as there are plenty of pet-friendly parks and trails
to explore. Popular dog-friendly attractions in Seattle include Discovery Park,
Volunteer Park, and Magnuson Park.
Weather: The weather in Seattle is mild, with an average temperature
of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Estimated Number of Dog Owners: Around 205,600
Estimated Number of Pet-Friendly Businesses: 3,400

Denver, Colorado

If you and your furry friend love the great outdoors, then only very few cities
in North America can compete with Denver. This city offers a myriad of pet-
friendly trails and parks, including the Cherry Creek Reservoir, Washington
Park, and Sloan’s Lake Park. The Denver Beer Company is renowned for
allowing dogs inside its facility. In other words, Fido gets to sit right beside
you as you enjoy a pint of your favourite ale.
Weather: The climate in Denver is semi-arid, with an average
temperature of around 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
Estimated Number of Dog Owners: Around 210,900
Estimated Number of Pet-Friendly Businesses: 3,600

Austin, Texas

If you’re searching for a city filled with culture and character, then Austin is
the place for you. This Texan metropolis is home to many pet-friendly
businesses, including restaurants, bars, hotels, and public transportation.
Notable dog-friendly parks in Austin include the Zilker Metropolitan Park, the
Red Bud Isle Park, and the Bartholomew District Park.
Weather: The climate in Austin is hot and humid, with an average
temperature of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Estimated Number of Dog Owners: Around 213,000
Estimated Number of Pet-Friendly Businesses: 4,100

Albuquerque, New Mexico

This city is hard to equal when it comes to the cost of living. It’s also one of
the most pet-friendly cities in the United States, with several dog parks and
pet-friendly establishments. The Cottonwood Mall even has a pet-friendly
policy, which means that your furry friend can tag along as you do your
shopping.
Weather: The climate in Albuquerque is semi-arid, with an average
temperature of around 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
Estimated Number of Dog Owners: Around 217,800
Estimated Number of Pet-Friendly Businesses: 4,200

Vancouver, BC

This Canadian metropolis is widely known for its stunning natural scenery,
and it’s also an excellent place to live if you’re a dog owner. Vancouver
affords numerous pet-friendly parks to its residents, not to mention many
beaches and trails, including the Stanley Park seawall, the Capilano River
Regional Park, and the Lighthouse Park.
Weather: The climate in Vancouver is temperate, with an average
temperature of around 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
Estimated Number of Dog Owners: Around 222,700
Estimated Number of Pet-Friendly Businesses: 4,500

Colorado Springs, Colorado

If you fancy breathtaking scenery and plenty of opportunities to get active
with your dog, then you’ll love Colorado Springs. The city is home to many
impressive pet-friendly attractions, including the Garden of the Gods, the
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. You can also find
plenty of hiking trails in the area that are perfect for exploring with your four-
legged friend.
Weather: The climate in Colorado Springs is semi-arid, with an average
temperature of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
Estimated Number of Dog Owners: Around 226,500
Estimated Number of Pet-Friendly Businesses: 4,700

See Also

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Paris, France

This iconic French city teems with pet-friendly cafes, parks, and even hotels.
Some of the most popular attractions for dog owners include the Jardin des
Tuileries, the Luxembourg Gardens, and the Parc de la Villette. If you’re
looking for a truly unique experience, there’s the Cimetiere des Chiens, a
cemetery exclusively for dogs.
Weather: The climate in Paris is temperate, with an average
temperature of around 57 degrees Fahrenheit.
Estimated Number of Dog Owners: Around 230,400
Estimated Number of Pet-Friendly Businesses: 5,000

San Diego, California

With its endless stretches of sandy beaches and year-round sunny weather,
it’s no wonder that San Diego is such a popular destination for dog lovers.
This city boasts dog-friendly parks, including Dog Beach, the Fiesta Island
Off-Leash Dog Park, and Balboa Park. Should you choose to live here with
your furry buddy, you’ll never be short on things to do.
Weather: The climate in San Diego is Mediterranean, with an average
temperature of around 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Estimated Number of Dog Owners: Around 234,200
Estimated Number of Pet-Friendly Businesses: 5,200

Toronto, Canada

Toronto is a mecca for pet lovers and hands down, the best city for dog
owners. It offers an impressive selection of dog parks, pet-friendly
businesses, and green spaces. Some popular attractions for dogs and their
owners include High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, and the Evergreen Brick
Works.

The thing is, Toronto is quite underrated, yet pet-friendly cafes and hotels
are abundant, making this the go-to city for dog lovers.
Weather: The climate in Toronto is humid continental, with an average
temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Estimated Number of Dog Owners: Around 235,100
Estimated Number of Pet-Friendly Businesses: 5,400
You can’t go wrong with any of these top 10 cities for dog lovers. Each one
offers a unique array of pet-friendly attractions, amenities, and, most
importantly, an inherent love for our furry friends.