If you’re thinking about moving, maybe one of these spots will fetch your attention.
When people are looking to move, they tend to look at local schools, good restaurants, and accessible entertainment. If a beloved dog is a part of the family, that changes things. Those people may be looking for good dog parks, friendly groomers, and trustworthy veterinarians.
So what makes a city dog-friendly? Zillow and BARK, the company behind the subscription service, BarkBox, analyzed data to pinpoint where dog lovers will have the easiest time finding a pet-friendly home — specifically a pet-friendly rental in this research — and where BarkBox has the most subscribers. We also sifted through that data to find the most common breeds and names in each of these cities.
Looking for some relocation inspiration for you and your favorite fur ball? If you’re planning to buy in the near future, you’ll want to check out these tips from a pet-loving real estate agent. And if you’re renting, you might want to consider these top cities, and read over some best practices for finding a pet-friendly apartment before signing any contracts
10. Jacksonville, Florida
If you’re strolling through Jacksonville with your furry friend Bella, don’t be surprised if a few more Bellas come wagging your way — it’s one of the top dog names in town! In Jax, as the locals affectionately call it, the love for dogs is as vast as the city itself. Proudly sporting a no-kill shelter policy, Jacksonville is a paradise for pooches, boasting sun-soaked beaches, sprawling dog parks, and eateries where dogs are always welcome. And for a real treat, check out the local dog park that doubles as a bar. Here, you can sip on a cold brew while your pup plays, making for a perfect day of brews and barks in this dog-obsessed city
9. Seattle, Washington
In this city, pup parents can’t stop wagging their tails over a spot called Norm’s, where the logo itself features a few furry friends. Here, your beloved pooch can pull up a chair and dine right alongside you. And for a sweet finale, treat your four-legged pal to some goodies from the Seattle Barkery — yes, a bakery that whips up delectable treats just for pups! Plus, those hot sidewalks? Not a huge problem here. Thanks to more cloudy days, the pavement stays cool, making every walk a comfy trot. Thinking of moving? With 70% of rentals in Seattle being pet-friendly, you and your doggo will have plenty of digs to sniff out.
8. Phoenix, Arizona
Got a pit bull or an Australian shepherd? Well, prepare for a twin-pawlooza in Phoenix, because these breeds are local celebs! Imagine taking your furry friend for a neighborhood stroll and spotting their look-alikes at every turn. And for a sniff-tastic adventure beyond the usual walks, why not head over to the Desert Botanical Garden? They host Dog Days throughout the year, letting the whole family surround themselves with the stunning sights and smells of the local flora.
7. New York, New York
New York is strutting its unique style on this list for a couple of reasons: it’s the runway where French bulldogs are the top models, and it’s the only spot where you’ll hear “Archie” being called out in every dog park! Want to pamper your pooch with a touch of Big Apple luxury? Check out the Black Lab Cafe, a swanky spot where your fur baby can roam off-leash and mingle with the canine elite. And if there’s a gala, paw-ty, or just a fancy stroll in the park, swing by wagwear, a chic boutique that’ll have your dog dressed to impress. New York, baby — it’s a dog’s runway dream.
6. Denver, Colorado
Denver boasts 72% of its rental properties as pet-friendly. With the city’s delightful springs and summers, plus a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, it’s the perfect playground for even the most spirited tail-waggers. No wonder retrievers of all sorts are the city’s most popular breeds! Denver’s combo of cozy homes and sociable pups paints Denver as not just dog-friendly, but dog-delightful!
5. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is a paws-itively delightful city for dogs and their owners, with an impressive 74% of its rentals rolling out the welcome mat for pets. This city has a special spot in its heart for pit bulls, showing them some extra love. If you’re looking for a pup-ular hangout, leash up and head to Broad Ripple Dog Park. And here’s a fun bark-bit: if you’re at the park and hear someone shouting about a bear, no need to panic — it’s just the city’s most popular dog name. So, relax and enjoy the furry company.
4. Charlotte, North Carolina
Owning a dog in Charlotte can be a great experience, since it has so many pet-friendly spaces. There are lots of dog parks and trails to cater to the city’s many Baileys and Bellas. If you’d rather relax and get your furry friend some social time, there are spots that offer events specifically for dogs. The Dog Bar, for example, has space for canine birthday parties and breed meetups. So this city could enhance the social lives of both pets and their owners.
3. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio welcomes pets with open arms, since 75% of its rentals are pet-friendly. This city marches to its own beat as the only one on this list that favors German Shepherds. If you’re at any local parks, don’t be surprised to hear a chorus of calls for Athena or Bailey, the city’s favorite dog names. Need proof that San Antonio loves dogs? Look into its annual Fiesta Pooch Parade, where dogs and their owners participate in a lively parade, complete with costumes and floats.
2. Austin, Texas
Just a few hours away from San Antonio, there are even more homes for dog owners to choose from — a whopping 77% of rentals in Austin state pets are welcome. It’s hard not to run into a Golden or Labrador Retriever there, since they’re so common in the city. After a long day of playing fetch, you can take your dog to Barkin Creek, a spa offering massages that incorporate blueberry facials. Just don’t be surprised if you hear the staff cooing over someone named “Winston.” That’s the city’s most popular name for pups.
1. Dallas, Texas
Dallas truly rolls out the red carpet for its four-legged residents, earning the title of the most dog-friendly city in the nation! Some 79% of its rental listings proudly proclaim their pet-friendly status. Here, the streets are practically ruled by wagging tails and happy barks, especially from Golden and Labrador Retrievers. And if you shout “Charlie!” or “Bella!” in a Dallas dog park, expect a joyful flurry of fur, as these are the top dog names in this pup-loving paradise. Whether it’s playing fetch under the Texan sun or enjoying a cozy nap in a welcoming home, Dallas dogs truly have it made.