10 Pet-Friendly Cities Around The World
Are you traveling with your four-legged companion? Or maybe you want to move to a new location with enough amenities for Fido or Felix?
If you are hitting the road with your pet in tow, finding a city accommodating his or her needs could be a game changer.
Pet-friendly destinations have plenty of green spaces to run around, good transportation options, cafes and restaurants where pets are allowed in for a tasty meal, and other public spaces that welcome your furry friends and offer an inclusive environment where you can meet other pet owners.
And let’s not forget about accommodations. You don’t want to scramble for a pet-friendly hotel while on the road.
Don’t worry, this article has you covered!
Here’s a quick list of pet-friendly cities worldwide, known for their amenities, accessibility, and overall friendly attitude toward pets. So grab your furry ones, and pack some toys and leash in your bag -it’s time to hit the road!
1. Seattle
According to a recent analysis, Seattle was named the best city for happy and healthy dogs.
The ranking was based on several critical factors like veterinary offices per 100,000 residents, dog parks per 100,000 residents, and “cooling degree days,” because most dogs struggle with the heat.
Seattle fared well in all categories, thanks to its abundance of parks, cooling days, and a good ratio of veterinary services.
The city has numerous dog-friendly parks, including off-leash areas such as Magnuson Park, Warren G. Magnuson Off-Leash Area, and Woodland Park.
Many restaurants, cafes, and Seattle breweries allow dogs on the outdoor patios.
2. Melbourne
If you want to explore the Down Under with your dog, head to Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, which has plenty of wide sandy beaches where Fido can run off-leash and chase birds.
The city has many cafes that allow dogs, some even offering special dog treats or dog-friendly menus. Stop by the Dog House in Collingwood or Doghouse Dog Café in South Melbourne.
Melbourne also hosts various pet events, such as the Dog Lovers Festival, where pets and their owners can mingle and have fun.
The Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic drives in Australia, boasts spectacular views and many dog-friendly accommodations.
3. Denver
Denver is one of the most dog-obsessed cities in the United States, according to a study by Zillow based on the number of pet-friendly apartments in the area.
This statistic makes perfect sense, once you see how many people here have a Fido. The Mile High City has many dog-themed parks and plenty of outdoor spaces where your pet can burn off its energy.
Denver is located along Colorado’s Front Range, less than 2 hours from popular mountain towns like Breckenridge, Boulder, and Evergreen, with superb outdoor opportunities and plenty of trails to run around at any time of the year.
Colorado is very dog-friendly, but many national and state parks have strict pet policies, under which dogs should always be on a leash. If you head outside, check local pet policies, which can differ in some towns and municipalities.
4. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most dog-friendly cities in Europe thanks to its temperate climate and walkable areas. Many hotels allow dogs and offer activities to enjoy this fun city in the company of your furry friend.
From taking a scenic boat ride on Amsterdam canals to visiting local markets while searching for food and souvenirs, and exploring cultural venues like the Museum of Humanity or Amsterdam Forest Theater, there’s no lack of activities in the Dutch capital.
Most Amsterdam parks are dog-friendly. Set aside time to explore some of the best green spaces like Oosterpark, Westerpark, and Vonderpark. And if you would like to go for a walk, stop at Sloterpark, which boasts a great walking trail.
5. San Francisco
Similar to Seattle, San Francisco also has hospitable weather for your dog. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these two West Coast cities have relatively low annual “cooling degree days,” meaning Fido can run outside most days.
San Fran is also one of the best cities for average proximity to a park, with 100 percent of its residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park. The city ranks second for the number of dog parks per 100,000 residents.
The city offers many dog-friendly parks, including Golden Gate Park, Crissy Field, and Fort Funston, which are popular off-leash areas. Dogs are also allowed on BART and Muni (San Francisco’s public transportation systems), though small dogs must be in carriers, and larger dogs must be on a leash.
6. Vancouver
Like many Canadian cities, Vancouver is pet-friendly, and dogs are welcomed in many public places including hotels and restaurants.
Still, we give Vancouver some extra points for its coastal climate, which makes it easier for pets to spend time outside since Vancouver has amazing outdoor scenery you won’t want to miss.
Some of the most pet-friendly activities in Vancouver are walking the Seawall, the world’s longest waterfront path, stretching 28 km that boasts panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains; visiting Granville Island, which has a public market and waterfront areas for stroll with your dog; or taking a dog-friendly ferry ride across False Creek that makes stops at Granville Island, Olympic Village, and Yaletown.
If you like coffee, check out 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters, a dog-friendly chain of coffee shop locations across the Pacific Northwest. Or head to Spanish Banks Dog Park where dogs can run off leash.
7. Rome
If Italy is calling, consider visiting the capital, where plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes welcome dogs, and even offer them treats and water.
Although some popular tourist landmarks and museums might be off-limits, you can enjoy this historic city with your four-legged friend.
The city has several big parks like Villa Borghese, Villa Doria Pamphili, and Parco degli Acquedotti, a scenic park with Roman aqueducts, perfect for walks with your dog.
Dogs are also allowed on Rome’s public transport, including buses, trams, and metro, but larger dogs must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash. Small dogs can travel in carriers.
However, Rome also has some limitations for dog owners: Dogs must be on a leash and muzzles are required for larger dogs on public transport and in certain areas.
8. Berlin
The German capital will leave your pup barking with happiness! Locals love their dogs and the city’s infrastructure makes it easy for owners and their pets to have a great trip.
There’s a reason why Berlin often ranks as one of the most pet-friendly cities in Europe.
For starters, Berlin has tons of parks and green spaces where dogs are welcome. Tiergarten, one of Berlin’s largest parks, offers plenty of space for them to walk and play.
Another fun place you should check out is Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport converted into a public park, where dogs can run off-leash in designated areas.
Berlin neighborhoods offer plenty of space for walking with your dog, and green spaces for burning off energy.
Many restaurants in Berlin, especially those with outdoor seating, welcome man’s best friend. It’s common to see happy pets lounging with their owners in cafes. Fellfreunde Unser Hundecafe has food for people and dogs.
9. Edinburgh
No doggie trip to Edinburgh is complete without running in the park. The Scottish capital is well known for its green parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces where Fido can have the best time.
Popular spots like Holyrood Park, the Meadows, and Arthur’s Seat, are great for scenic walks with your pet. The weather in Edinburgh never gets too hot, so your dog will enjoy spending time in this city.
The Water of Leith Walkway is a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and if you try Pickles on Broughton Street, this is a very dog-friendly restaurant. Other restaurants that welcome pets are The Holyrood 9A and Paradise Palms.
Hotel Indigo in Edinburgh is a great pet-friendly stay, that offers supaw packages, which include a dog bed, water bowl, and treats. Dogs also enjoy free ride buses in Edinburgh.
10. Vienna
Vienna is a real paradise for dogs and their owners, because pets are allowed almost everywhere.
Besides being a pet-welcoming city, Vienna is undeniably gorgeous, so you will want to spend a few days exploring the city’s historic landmarks and impressive architecture.
Pets are allowed in most bars and restaurants in the city and on Vienna’s public transportation (as long as they have a muzzle guard). However, surprisingly, some parks don’t allow dogs.
To compensate, the city designated special dog zones where your pup can enjoy an off-leash run. Donauinsel, Prater, and the Wienerwald have plenty of space for walking around. To ensure you go to the right place, look up“hunt zone” on Google Maps, to find the parks where your dog can roam freely.
Although grocery stores usually don’t allow pets, they have designed areas where your four-legged friend can wait for you.
That’s a Wrap!
While this article offers a quick guide on places with plenty of amenities for pets and their owners, it’s not an exhaustive list.
Whether you explore Europe, Australia, or the United States, always do your research first, and consult local Facebook groups, communities, and other resources where you can talk to other pet owners to get their feedback.
