Dog-Friendly Places to Live in the USA

As of 2009, 39 percent of U.S. households owned at least one dog, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Many dog owners think of their furry friend as part of the family. More and more places in the United States are becoming more dog-friendly to accommodate the growing dog population. Some cities have off-leash dog parks, dog-related events, dog beaches and dog-friendly housing.

  1. Oregon

    • Portland, Ore., has many off-leash dog parks.

      Oregon is a dog-friendly state. Most of the beaches in the Beaver state allow dogs, either on a leash or off. Portland has 32 off-leash dog parks, a number of dog-friendly restaurants and dog-friendly housing. The city also allows dogs to ride on its commuter trains. The town of Eugene boasts many off-leash dog parks and dog events, placing the city as one of the dog-friendliest places to live in the United States. The eastern town of Bend is said to have one of the highest dog populations per capita in the world. The city has dog parks, hiking trails and dog-friendly restaurants.

    Colorado

    • Dogs can play in Boulder and shop in Colorado Springs.

      Colorado has a number of dog-friendly locations throughout the state. The city of Boulder, known for its residents' good health, applies that philosophy to its dog residents. Boulder has many off-leash dog parks. It also has more than 144 miles of trails where well-behaved dogs can frolic off-leash. In Colorado Springs, there are a variety of popular stores that welcome dogs to shop with you. The city also has a number of leashless dog parks when the shopping becomes boring.

    California

    • Dogs can enjoy the coast in California.

      California offers some of the dog-friendliest areas in the country. Dogs can visit the Redwood Forest or stop to sniff along the Pacific Coast Highway. In Santa Cruz, there is an annual Spring Dog Festival, an entire event devoted to dogs. The city also had a number of leashless areas for dogs to roam and play. San Diego has the original dog beach, where dogs have been playing in the Pacific Ocean since 1972. San Francisco dogs can play in dog parks, walk the Golden Gate Bridge or ride in a cable car.

    New York

    • Dogs can explore New York City.

      New York City is one of the most dog-friendliest cities in the U.S. The city offers Central Park and a slew of other off-leash designated areas. New York City has many outdoor cafes where dogs can join you for a meal. Long Island has become more dog-friendly, allowing pooches on some of the beaches during non-peak hours. Lake Placid in the Adirondacks had dog-friendly trails and beaches. The entire state has numerous state parks where leashed dogs can hike and play.