Our dogs love us unconditionally, but how well do our local communities reciprocate that warmth and devotion to our BFFs (Best Furry Friends)?
LawnStarter ranked the 200 biggest U.S. cities to sniff out 2021’s Best Cities for Dog Lovers. We measured the puppy love in each city based on 22 key factors — from access to dog walkers, groomers, and trainers to the share of canine-friendly rental properties to the favorability of dog laws.
Check out the leaders of the pack (and the runts of the litter) in our ranking below, followed by some highlights and lowlights.
This coming International Dog Day, Aug. 26, give your pup a special T-R-E-A-T to show how much their companionship means to you.
Table of Contents
City Rankings
See how each city fared in our ranking:
OVERALL RANK | City | Overall Score | Housing Rank | Community Rank | Care Rank | Services Rank | Businesses Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hollywood, FL | 47.6 | 191 | 12 | 1 | 4 | 71 |
2 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 47.33 | 185 | 7 | 9 | 2 | 6 |
3 | Orlando, FL | 45.65 | 78 | 125 | 68 | 1 | 2 |
4 | Pasadena, CA | 43.21 | 138 | 2 | 5 | 36 | 80 |
5 | Alexandria, VA | 41.23 | 150 | 1 | 19 | 20 | 24 |
6 | Torrance, CA | 41.1 | 179 | 3 | 2 | 65 | 122 |
7 | Orange, CA | 41.08 | 136 | 40 | 3 | 21 | 109 |
8 | Tempe, AZ | 40.65 | 101 | 18 | 17 | 11 | 47 |
9 | Fullerton, CA | 40.35 | 133 | 20 | 4 | 44 | 117 |
10 | Savannah, GA | 38.98 | 54 | 81 | 32 | 38 | 1 |
11 | Baton Rouge, LA | 38.07 | 3 | 142 | 76 | 7 | 35 |
11 | Fort Collins, CO | 38.07 | 36 | 78 | 31 | 13 | 22 |
13 | Huntington Beach, CA | 38.04 | 130 | 11 | 14 | 27 | 106 |
14 | Lakewood, CO | 37.81 | 56 | 56 | 11 | 22 | 110 |
15 | Garden Grove, CA | 37.52 | 155 | 19 | 6 | 48 | 192 |
16 | Springfield, MO | 37.29 | 26 | 169 | 41 | 3 | 10 |
17 | Murfreesboro, TN | 37.08 | 1 | 180 | 29 | 19 | 31 |
18 | Bellevue, WA | 36.89 | 14 | 58 | 10 | 88 | 45 |
19 | Clarksville, TN | 36.59 | 5 | 138 | 72 | 9 | 55 |
20 | Richmond, VA | 36.41 | 44 | 32 | 74 | 18 | 20 |
21 | Miami, FL | 36.06 | 186 | 42 | 40 | 5 | 49 |
22 | Escondido, CA | 34.93 | 51 | 50 | 23 | 41 | 158 |
23 | Corona, CA | 34.17 | 59 | 105 | 27 | 17 | 156 |
24 | Cary, NC | 34.15 | 12 | 73 | 21 | 106 | 30 |
25 | Naperville, IL | 33.87 | 15 | 77 | 18 | 110 | 40 |
26 | Eugene, OR | 33.55 | 121 | 102 | 13 | 26 | 53 |
27 | Salem, OR | 33.13 | 84 | 69 | 24 | 57 | 90 |
28 | Pomona, CA | 33.05 | 144 | 26 | 26 | 58 | 170 |
29 | Knoxville, TN | 33.02 | 18 | 149 | 149 | 8 | 3 |
30 | Spokane, WA | 32.94 | 92 | 63 | 66 | 23 | 21 |
31 | Salt Lake City, UT | 32.91 | 52 | 44 | 75 | 45 | 25 |
32 | Syracuse, NY | 32.78 | 120 | 13 | 69 | 61 | 101 |
33 | Oceanside, CA | 32.55 | 109 | 33 | 61 | 40 | 111 |
34 | Tampa, FL | 32.54 | 88 | 86 | 97 | 14 | 19 |
35 | Dayton, OH | 32.53 | 93 | 82 | 62 | 15 | 124 |
36 | Tallahassee, FL | 32.42 | 53 | 188 | 52 | 10 | 13 |
37 | Chattanooga, TN | 32.39 | 6 | 130 | 101 | 53 | 8 |
37 | Vancouver, WA | 32.39 | 116 | 110 | 56 | 12 | 73 |
39 | Tacoma, WA | 32.35 | 82 | 59 | 46 | 32 | 137 |
40 | Scottsdale, AZ | 32.32 | 23 | 71 | 86 | 69 | 5 |
40 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 32.32 | 108 | 35 | 22 | 89 | 126 |
42 | Rochester, NY | 31.95 | 107 | 10 | 141 | 52 | 102 |
43 | Peoria, AZ | 31.94 | 24 | 120 | 36 | 33 | 147 |
44 | Tucson, AZ | 31.86 | 50 | 62 | 115 | 31 | 15 |
45 | Las Vegas, NV | 31.1 | 117 | 106 | 166 | 6 | 61 |
46 | Olathe, KS | 30.98 | 9 | 134 | 33 | 114 | 120 |
47 | Thornton, CO | 30.89 | 55 | 178 | 16 | 25 | 125 |
48 | Gilbert, AZ | 30.52 | 32 | 92 | 38 | 84 | 151 |
49 | Glendale, CA | 30.4 | 162 | 17 | 45 | 93 | 171 |
50 | Providence, RI | 30.29 | 165 | 4 | 130 | 80 | 85 |
51 | Irvine, CA | 30.15 | 131 | 59 | 20 | 101 | 133 |
52 | Reno, NV | 30.07 | 43 | 99 | 42 | 82 | 103 |
53 | Sunnyvale, CA | 30.04 | 169 | 34 | 25 | 135 | 75 |
54 | Glendale, AZ | 29.97 | 87 | 100 | 48 | 47 | 130 |
55 | Greensboro, NC | 29.61 | 11 | 182 | 109 | 16 | 56 |
56 | Metairie, LA | 29.55 | 182 | 76 | 8 | 129 | 100 |
57 | Pembroke Pines, FL | 29.41 | 151 | 147 | 7 | 67 | 174 |
58 | Ontario, CA | 29.38 | 129 | 87 | 34 | 70 | 135 |
59 | Santa Rosa, CA | 29.21 | 134 | 52 | 30 | 117 | 116 |
60 | Modesto, CA | 29.09 | 157 | 57 | 67 | 42 | 143 |
61 | Pasadena, TX | 29.07 | 96 | 162 | 35 | 34 | 169 |
62 | Atlanta, GA | 28.69 | 63 | 135 | 124 | 46 | 4 |
63 | Kansas City, KS | 28.57 | 42 | 111 | 59 | 90 | 95 |
64 | Arlington, VA | 28.5 | 180 | 5 | 96 | 142 | 52 |
65 | Palmdale, CA | 28.48 | 114 | 153 | 37 | 28 | 165 |
66 | Lubbock, TX | 28.28 | 58 | 126 | 92 | 51 | 28 |
67 | Chandler, AZ | 28.25 | 45 | 114 | 70 | 71 | 132 |
68 | Frisco, TX | 28.21 | 16 | 186 | 49 | 50 | 105 |
69 | Cincinnati, OH | 28.08 | 99 | 75 | 127 | 56 | 37 |
70 | Lancaster, CA | 28.07 | 102 | 140 | 54 | 29 | 177 |
71 | Hayward, CA | 28.04 | 177 | 38 | 28 | 137 | 184 |
72 | Miramar, FL | 27.95 | 170 | 116 | 12 | 97 | 189 |
73 | Lexington, KY | 27.93 | 65 | 45 | 80 | 163 | 38 |
74 | Buffalo, NY | 27.85 | 141 | 21 | 102 | 102 | 134 |
75 | Fremont, CA | 27.83 | 153 | 8 | 65 | 189 | 149 |
76 | Pittsburgh, PA | 27.82 | 176 | 25 | 100 | 87 | 33 |
77 | Elk Grove, CA | 27.75 | 85 | 66 | 53 | 124 | 176 |
77 | Overland Park, KS | 27.75 | 7 | 189 | 58 | 120 | 29 |
79 | Macon, GA | 27.71 | 2 | 192 | 136 | 73 | 34 |
80 | McKinney, TX | 27.59 | 40 | 155 | 55 | 79 | 92 |
81 | Colorado Springs, CO | 27.57 | 61 | 151 | 113 | 24 | 59 |
82 | Birmingham, AL | 27.55 | 62 | 183 | 81 | 39 | 16 |
83 | Yonkers, NY | 27.41 | 192 | 30 | 83 | 43 | 185 |
84 | Portland, OR | 27.25 | 154 | 27 | 132 | 123 | 9 |
85 | Mobile, AL | 27.2 | 4 | 184 | 145 | 72 | 50 |
86 | Mesquite, TX | 27.17 | 112 | 113 | 43 | 94 | 153 |
87 | Mesa, AZ | 26.92 | 106 | 37 | 146 | 92 | 140 |
88 | Grand Rapids, MI | 26.74 | 47 | 109 | 114 | 91 | 74 |
89 | Newport News, VA | 26.68 | 73 | 146 | 39 | 113 | 104 |
90 | Paterson, NJ | 26.58 | 173 | 28 | 128 | 59 | 198 |
91 | Rockford, IL | 26.56 | 137 | 124 | 63 | 66 | 63 |
92 | Norfolk, VA | 26.42 | 115 | 72 | 117 | 68 | 129 |
93 | Fayetteville, NC | 26.32 | 38 | 171 | 118 | 30 | 91 |
94 | Nashville, TN | 26.18 | 31 | 23 | 183 | 180 | 41 |
95 | Oakland, CA | 26.15 | 181 | 6 | 87 | 181 | 154 |
96 | Amarillo, TX | 26.13 | 80 | 167 | 123 | 35 | 27 |
97 | Riverside, CA | 26.12 | 70 | 88 | 138 | 63 | 179 |
98 | Plano, TX | 26.04 | 33 | 136 | 79 | 116 | 77 |
99 | Tulsa, OK | 26.02 | 22 | 89 | 157 | 107 | 79 |
100 | St. Petersburg, FL | 25.95 | 143 | 74 | 57 | 144 | 81 |
101 | Boise, ID | 25.92 | 49 | 148 | 85 | 96 | 42 |
102 | Huntsville, AL | 25.9 | 13 | 190 | 89 | 78 | 44 |
103 | Jersey City, NJ | 25.83 | 198 | 15 | 82 | 85 | 172 |
104 | Denver, CO | 25.82 | 119 | 67 | 126 | 112 | 48 |
105 | Killeen, TX | 25.8 | 90 | 175 | 60 | 55 | 119 |
106 | Santa Ana, CA | 25.62 | 166 | 41 | 71 | 122 | 181 |
107 | Hialeah, FL | 25.57 | 195 | 97 | 15 | 100 | 194 |
108 | Sacramento, CA | 25.52 | 123 | 84 | 122 | 75 | 87 |
109 | Austin, TX | 25.5 | 17 | 93 | 164 | 165 | 14 |
110 | Newark, NJ | 25.48 | 149 | 46 | 163 | 54 | 196 |
111 | Durham, NC | 25.41 | 20 | 98 | 140 | 150 | 64 |
112 | Minneapolis, MN | 25.39 | 140 | 24 | 153 | 147 | 70 |
113 | Midland, TX | 25.33 | 68 | 161 | 51 | 133 | 62 |
114 | Jackson, MS | 25.26 | 8 | 194 | 78 | 98 | 86 |
115 | Shreveport, LA | 25.18 | 27 | 133 | 111 | 121 | 82 |
116 | Garland, TX | 25.17 | 124 | 115 | 106 | 62 | 138 |
117 | Madison, WI | 25.07 | 94 | 137 | 77 | 150 | 11 |
118 | Oxnard, CA | 25.04 | 156 | 43 | 99 | 146 | 164 |
119 | San Bernardino, CA | 25.02 | 126 | 36 | 135 | 139 | 173 |
120 | Albuquerque, NM | 24.89 | 21 | 127 | 150 | 118 | 46 |
120 | Joliet, IL | 24.89 | 103 | 108 | 50 | 169 | 142 |
122 | Omaha, NE | 24.86 | 69 | 54 | 167 | 139 | 84 |
123 | Bridgeport, CT | 24.77 | 175 | 83 | 91 | 64 | 188 |
124 | Moreno Valley, CA | 24.76 | 98 | 117 | 129 | 60 | 191 |
125 | Salinas, CA | 24.67 | 174 | 64 | 47 | 160 | 190 |
126 | McAllen, TX | 24.62 | 142 | 95 | 44 | 182 | 68 |
127 | St. Louis, MO | 24.6 | 132 | 29 | 147 | 191 | 17 |
128 | Seattle, WA | 24.54 | 161 | 16 | 143 | 185 | 60 |
129 | Long Beach, CA | 24.46 | 183 | 47 | 104 | 99 | 123 |
130 | Akron, OH | 24.42 | 128 | 122 | 148 | 49 | 157 |
131 | Worcester, MA | 24.34 | 139 | 53 | 155 | 95 | 168 |
132 | Winston-Salem, NC | 24.33 | 10 | 150 | 120 | 175 | 39 |
133 | Aurora, CO | 24.26 | 60 | 129 | 131 | 86 | 161 |
134 | Little Rock, AR | 24.1 | 79 | 163 | 142 | 111 | 7 |
135 | Lincoln, NE | 24.03 | 110 | 123 | 108 | 130 | 26 |
136 | Santa Clarita, CA | 23.97 | 104 | 80 | 73 | 178 | 166 |
137 | Grand Prairie, TX | 23.87 | 71 | 168 | 88 | 74 | 167 |
138 | Aurora, IL | 23.86 | 74 | 104 | 94 | 149 | 183 |
139 | Augusta, GA | 23.85 | 46 | 143 | 121 | 128 | 51 |
140 | Sioux Falls, SD | 23.72 | 66 | 178 | 84 | 132 | 18 |
141 | Springfield, MA | 23.7 | 164 | 48 | 152 | 109 | 182 |
142 | Louisville, KY | 23.54 | 91 | 49 | 174 | 168 | 69 |
143 | Henderson, NV | 23.47 | 83 | 165 | 110 | 76 | 152 |
144 | Columbus, GA | 23.23 | 25 | 195 | 98 | 77 | 83 |
145 | Cape Coral, FL | 23.19 | 148 | 197 | 64 | 37 | 114 |
146 | Irving, TX | 23.04 | 96 | 158 | 107 | 115 | 65 |
147 | Chesapeake, VA | 22.97 | 37 | 159 | 125 | 148 | 67 |
148 | Raleigh, NC | 22.83 | 28 | 145 | 159 | 153 | 43 |
149 | Boston, MA | 22.69 | 184 | 14 | 165 | 187 | 89 |
149 | Toledo, OH | 22.69 | 111 | 94 | 134 | 138 | 186 |
151 | Corpus Christi, TX | 22.62 | 113 | 157 | 151 | 83 | 57 |
151 | Virginia Beach, VA | 22.62 | 77 | 139 | 158 | 108 | 78 |
153 | Chula Vista, CA | 22.52 | 118 | 103 | 119 | 141 | 180 |
154 | Fresno, CA | 22.21 | 145 | 65 | 168 | 131 | 150 |
155 | Bakersfield, CA | 22.15 | 159 | 121 | 156 | 81 | 99 |
156 | New Orleans, LA | 22.1 | 188 | 91 | 93 | 162 | 23 |
157 | Baltimore, MD | 21.95 | 127 | 70 | 162 | 164 | 128 |
158 | Charlotte, NC | 21.93 | 41 | 131 | 176 | 158 | 58 |
159 | Paradise, NV | 21.66 | 48 | 107 | 133 | 193 | 12 |
160 | Kansas City, MO | 21.53 | 39 | 156 | 170 | 154 | 66 |
161 | North Las Vegas, NV | 21.33 | 99 | 152 | 112 | 127 | 195 |
162 | Anaheim, CA | 21.26 | 160 | 96 | 169 | 119 | 98 |
162 | Indianapolis, IN | 21.26 | 35 | 166 | 190 | 125 | 32 |
164 | Des Moines, IA | 21.23 | 105 | 154 | 95 | 166 | 113 |
165 | San Diego, CA | 20.92 | 146 | 61 | 186 | 176 | 54 |
166 | Phoenix, AZ | 20.91 | 81 | 85 | 188 | 170 | 146 |
167 | Fontana, CA | 20.6 | 152 | 118 | 116 | 156 | 197 |
168 | Arlington, TX | 20.59 | 89 | 164 | 173 | 103 | 121 |
169 | Stockton, CA | 20.45 | 163 | 101 | 105 | 173 | 175 |
170 | San Francisco, CA | 20.43 | 189 | 9 | 195 | 197 | 115 |
171 | San Antonio, TX | 20.39 | 19 | 173 | 189 | 143 | 107 |
172 | Wichita, KS | 20.25 | 76 | 177 | 160 | 126 | 94 |
173 | Washington, DC | 20.22 | 193 | 51 | 161 | 177 | 36 |
174 | Cleveland, OH | 20.06 | 178 | 55 | 184 | 159 | 148 |
175 | Montgomery, AL | 20.05 | 30 | 191 | 137 | 167 | 88 |
176 | Oklahoma City, OK | 19.99 | 67 | 172 | 175 | 136 | 72 |
177 | Fort Wayne, IN | 19.65 | 34 | 193 | 179 | 105 | 93 |
178 | Jacksonville, FL | 19.44 | 75 | 187 | 182 | 104 | 127 |
179 | St. Paul, MN | 19.21 | 158 | 79 | 138 | 194 | 162 |
180 | Houston, TX | 19.11 | 95 | 141 | 198 | 145 | 96 |
181 | Philadelphia, PA | 18.86 | 196 | 31 | 181 | 184 | 159 |
182 | Milwaukee, WI | 18.77 | 168 | 112 | 180 | 157 | 141 |
183 | El Paso, TX | 18.69 | 125 | 174 | 154 | 134 | 136 |
184 | Memphis, TN | 18.67 | 57 | 160 | 196 | 172 | 97 |
185 | Dallas, TX | 18.47 | 86 | 144 | 177 | 186 | 108 |
186 | Fort Worth, TX | 18.45 | 72 | 176 | 187 | 161 | 112 |
187 | Anchorage, AK | 18.39 | 64 | 198 | 90 | 171 | 145 |
188 | Chicago, IL | 18.25 | 190 | 39 | 191 | 192 | 139 |
189 | Columbus, OH | 18.05 | 135 | 132 | 185 | 174 | 118 |
190 | San Jose, CA | 17.29 | 167 | 90 | 171 | 195 | 144 |
191 | Honolulu, HI | 16.89 | 194 | 128 | 144 | 179 | 76 |
192 | Los Angeles, CA | 16.83 | 171 | 68 | 193 | 196 | 177 |
193 | Laredo, TX | 16.44 | 172 | 170 | 172 | 155 | 160 |
194 | Brownsville, TX | 16.31 | 147 | 185 | 178 | 152 | 163 |
195 | Enterprise, NV | 15.98 | 29 | 181 | 192 | 190 | 131 |
196 | Port St. Lucie, FL | 15.71 | 122 | 196 | 103 | 188 | 155 |
197 | Detroit, MI | 14.94 | 187 | 119 | 194 | 183 | 193 |
198 | New York, NY | 14.91 | 197 | 22 | 197 | 198 | 187 |
Highlights and Lowlights
Hollywoo(f), Florida: The Alpha
Every dog has its day, and for Hollywood, Florida, that’s today: The Diamond of the Gold Coast earns a gold star as 2021’s Best City for Dog Lovers. This Miami suburb gives a tail-wagging performance in three categories: Care (No. 1), Services (No. 4), and Community (No. 12).
No dog? Hollywood boasts the most shelters per 100,000 residents. Constantly sick pup? This city also prioritizes hound health, taking third place in vets and animal hospitals and seventh for emergency care.
Where the city needs training: Dog-Friendly Housing (No. 191) and Businesses (No. 71). Hollywood beats out only three other cities when it comes to canine-friendly rental properties.
But Hollywood is not the only Sunshine State city that’s best in show. Neighboring Fort Lauderdale takes spot No. 2, while Orlando is the third most ideal city for fetching with Fido.
California: The Golden (Retriever) State
Florida’s biggest cities might lead the pack, but California gives the Sunshine State a run for its money in this race. The Golden State claims more winning spots in the top 10 and 20 than any other state.
At No. 4 overall, Pasadena trails Florida’s three top dogs, while Torrance and Orange trot along at Nos. 6 and 7, respectively. Fullerton, at No. 9, rounds out the California cities in the top 10.
The race slows down with Huntington Beach at No. 13, while Garden Grove finishes at an honorable 15th place. These rankings come at no surprise, considering The Golden State also dominated our ranking of the Best Dog Park Cities.
If you’re looking to date someone who must love dogs, California will make your dog lover dreams come true.
New York City: Runt of the Litter
At No. 198 overall, New York City is the weakest of the pack in our ranking and one of the weakest when zooming in on individual categories and metrics.
The Big Apple ranks at the very bottom of Services and second to last in both Housing and Care. There’s no room for Spot to run around when you’re home — New York has the smallest average home square footage. And don’t count on restaurants and shops welcoming your pup — New York lands at a cold 187th place in Businesses.
Where the Big Apple (bow)wowed us: The city boasts a loyal dog community (No. 22) and the most dog-friendly laws in the nation. At No. 10, it’s one of the most walkable cities, too. Heel, Spot, heel.
Surprising Findings
Texas on a Tight Leash
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and that’s certainly the pattern in Texas. In an earlier LawnStarter ranking of the Best Dog Park Cities, The Lone Star State stood out for all the wrong reasons: Five of its biggest cities landed in the bottom 10, with Laredo coming in last place.
We hoped that was an isolated result, but our Dog Lovers ranking proved otherwise. Sixteen of the 23 Texas cities in our ranking finish in the bottom half, including the biggest: Austin at No. 109 and Houston in 180th place.
Sisters Dallas and Fort Worth are also siblings in our ranking at Nos. 185 and 186, respectively. Laredo and Brownsville land in the bottom 10. Most up to snuff is Pasadena at No. 61.
It’s clearly the state — not the dogs — that need training. Get your act together, Texas!
Tennessee Pride of Dogs
Tennessee is a rare breed when it comes to pup-friendly homes. Three Volunteer State cities claim the top 10 in the Housing category, with Murfreesboro in first place. Clarksville takes fifth, and Chattanooga lands at No. 6.
Murfreesboro offers more pooch-welcome rental housing than another city in our ranking, as well as plenty of green space for Spot to rove about: It’s No. 7 for average yard square footage. Clarksville and Chattanooga also excelled in this metric, ranking fourth and fifth, respectively. Other Tennessee cities weren’t far behind. Knoxville takes 13th place and Nashville 24th.
Whether you’re giving your dog a home for the first time or rehoming them, Tennessee’s doors will be open.
Ask The Experts
It’s not exactly raining cats and dogs in America right now. Demand for “pandemic pups” continues to outpace supply as the Delta variant pawses daily life once again.
For insight into the future and helpful care tips, we asked the dog whisperers to weigh in.
- The shortage of “pandemic puppies” in the U.S. continues. When can Americans expect the dog supply to return to normal?
- With the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreading, how can dog owners who rely on professional dog walkers and sitters keep themselves and their pups safe?
- What are your top three tips for helping dogs avoid separation anxiety as their owners’ pre-pandemic routines return to normal?
- What are your top three tips for caring for dogs while working from home?
- The surge in dog ownership during the pandemic has strained veterinary clinics. What alternative options are available to dog owners if their pup needs care?
The shortage of “pandemic puppies” in the U.S. continues. When can Americans expect the dog supply to return to normal?
I wouldn’t say we have a shortage of dogs, we still have dogs in shelters from irresponsible owners. People that buy purebred dogs from quality breeders should expect to wait until the right dog is born.
With the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreading, how can dog owners who rely on professional dog walkers and sitters keep themselves and their pups safe?
There has been very little evidence of transmission to dogs from humans. The best way to stay safe is to get vaccinated. Otherwise, outdoor activities like dog walking are very safe with much reduced risk of exposure.
What are your top three tips for helping dogs avoid separation anxiety as their owners’ pre-pandemic routines return to normal?
Establish a routine and practice leaving the dog for periods of time. Even when working from home, having the dog spend some alone time, in a separate room, is a great way to practice for going back to work. Crate training properly can go along ways too.
What are your top three tips for caring for dogs while working from home?
Keep a routine and separate work time from play time. Have some clear cues when you transition from working to being able to engage with the dog, such as organizing your desk, packing up the laptop etc. Dogs thrive on predictable routines.
The surge in dog ownership during the pandemic has strained veterinary clinics. What alternative options are available to dog owners if their pup needs care?
I highly encourage people to create a positive veterinary client-patient relationship. Be sure your dog continues to receive regular checkups and don’t wait until the dog is desperately ill before seeking an appointment.
And remember, if your dog has symptoms of illness, sending in photos or videos can let the clinic know if it is an emergency or if it can wait a day or two.
Besides lots of dog parks and vets, what makes for a great city for dog lovers? How can local governments make their cities more attractive to dog owners?
Green space and poop bags! I also greatly enjoy outdoor dining facilities that allow well mannered dogs to dine with the owner.
Walking trails and lots of dog activities. I’m really into dog sports and would now only move to a city that has an active dog training community.
It’s said that a dog is a man’s or woman’s best friend. What are three ways you can mark International Dog Day with your BFF (Best Furry Friend)?
Go for a walk in a new location, take lunch at an outdoor restaurant that allows dogs, and watch a dog movie with your best friend on the couch beside you.
The shortage of “pandemic puppies” in the U.S. continues. When can Americans expect the dog supply to return to normal?
As Americans return to busy lives, some owners will find that their new companion is not the right fit for them and there will be a (hopefully) brief influx of dogs into local animal shelters over the next 6 months to 1 year.
This will likely even out demand in some areas. In other areas, shelter populations were low to begin with and will likely continue to bring dogs in from higher population areas when demand is high.
With the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreading, how can dog owners who rely on professional dog walkers and sitters keep themselves and their pups safe?
Communicate with your professional about how they will come into contact with you and your home and what preventative measures you need to stay safe. Only work with professionals that will communicate with you about their current procedures and are willing to work with you if you have special concerns.
Luckily confirmed cases of COVID-19 in dogs is extremely rare, as is the risk of transmission from dog to person.
What are your top three tips for helping dogs avoid separation anxiety as their owners’ pre-pandemic routines return to normal?
Consider daycare or a pet sitter on long days away from home. Start now by leaving your dog for smaller increments of time before you return to work. Leave your pet with safe toys and puzzles to keep their mind occupied.
What are your top three tips for caring for dogs while working from home?
Exercise them before you clock in so they will be comfortable and resting while you’re working. Take breaks that include a quick potty and play session with your dog.
If you have an important call or something you can’t be interrupted during, give your dog a toy, chew, or puzzle so they will stay occupied and quiet while you’re working.
The surge in dog ownership during the pandemic has strained veterinary clinics. What alternative options are available to dog owners if their pup needs care?
Be careful about treating your pet at home. Many suggestions found on the internet are not appropriate for owners to try and diagnose or self administer on their own.
Instead, call your vet and discuss with them what requires a visit to their office and what you might be able to do for your pet at home. You can also forward your records to a backup vet if your preferred hospital is overstrained.
Besides lots of dog parks and vets, what makes for a great city for dog lovers? How can local governments make their cities more attractive to dog owners?
My city, Helena in Montana, is a special place for dog lovers. It’s obvious from it’s majestic mountains that it is a hiking paradise but there is so much more to Helena for dog and owner alike.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Montanans were able to enjoy some semblance of normal–out walking their dogs on quiet countryside roads, outdoor shopping malls, and up gorgeous mountain trails. Dogs helped their Montana owners stay active, engaged, and grounded.
The more a local government can think about human/canine accessibility and make their outdoor spaces, walking malls, and community areas dog friendly, the more socialized community dogs become and spaces can be more successfully shared together.
It’s said that a dog is a man’s or woman’s best friend. What are three ways you can mark International Dog Day with your BFF (Best Furry Friend)?
Try something new together! Visit a new park, trail, outdoor restaurant, or dog specific business.
Learn a new trick! Training your dog increases your bond and understanding of one another, and what better way to celebrate your relationship?
Try a new recipe! Most owners don’t realize that they can make safe, tasty, exciting dog treats at home for their dogs. Many of these recipes are cheap and easy to make, and the best part… your dog can lick the bowl!
Methodology
We ranked the 198 biggest U.S. cities from best (No. 1) to worst (No. 198) based on their overall scores (out of 100 possible points), averaged across all the weighted metrics listed below.
Metric | Weighting | Min. Value | Max. Value | Best |
---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | ||||
Average Home Square Footage | 2 | 850 | 3048 | Max. Value |
Share of Dog-Friendly Rental Properties | 2 | 8.54% | 75.52% | Max. Value |
Average Yard Size | 3 | 2744 | 23951 | Max. Value |
Community | ||||
Dog Events per 100,000 Residents | 2 | 0 | 5.5 | Max. Value |
Dog Meetups per 100,000 Residents | 2 | 0 | 6.79 | Max. Value |
Animal Shelters per 100,000 Residents | 3 | 0 | 5.9 | Max. Value |
Walk Score | 3 | 13 | 98 | Max. Value |
Dog-Friendly Laws | 2 | 2 | 12 | Max. Value |
Care | ||||
Pet Stores per 100,000 Residents | 2 | 0 | 33.68 | Max. Value |
Veterinarians per 100,000 Residents | 3 | 0.48 | 62.19 | Max. Value |
Emergency Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals per 100,000 Residents | 2 | 0 | 3.2 | Max. Value |
Animal Hospitals per 100,000 Residents | 1 | 0 | 4.45 | Max. Value |
Services | ||||
Dog Walkers per 100,000 Residents | 2 | 4.68 | 1161.55 | Max. Value |
Pet Trainers per 100,000 Residents | 1 | 0.43 | 98.4 | Max. Value |
Median Per-Visit Dog Sitter Rate | 1 | $8.00 | $25.83 | Min. Value |
Dog Sitters per 100,000 Residents | 2 | 1.28 | 202.26 | Max. Value |
Pet Groomers per 100,000 Residents | 2 | 1.17 | 252.46 | Max. Value |
Dog Boarding Offers per 100,000 Residents | 2 | 0.58 | 179.82 | Max. Value |
Kennels per 100,000 Residents | 2 | 1.93 | 155.62 | Max. Value |
Businesses | ||||
Pet-Friendly Hotels per 100,000 Residents | 1 | 0 | 36.68 | Max. Value |
Dog-Friendly Restaurants per 100,000 Residents | 1 | 1.37 | 134.96 | Max. Value |
Dog-Friendly Shopping Centers per 100,000 Residents | 1 | 0 | 9.63 | Max. Value |
Sources: BringFido, Emergency Vets USA, Homes.com, LawnStarter, Meetup, PetSitter.com, Rent.com, Sittercity, TripAdvisor, VCA Hospitals, Yellow Pages, and Yelp
Main Photo Credit: Lua Pramos / www.flickr.com / (CC BY 2.0)