Do You Live In One Of The Top Dog-Friendly Cities of 2025?

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. Instead, you may be looking for good dog parks, friendly groomers, and trustworthy veterinarians. If this sounds like you, consider these 15 metros before you go too far into your moving process. 

We’ve also included advice to help you find your next pet-friendly rental, buy your next home with your pet in mind, and tips on how to prepare for a move with your pet, so you can both live your best lives together no matter where you go.

15 most dog-friendly U.S. cities

We’ve gathered data on the percentage of every major metro’s apartments that are listed as “pet-friendly,” and how quickly they go off the market. Something to note with a few of these places: some of them have the same portion of pet-friendly rentals. For example, Seattle, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, and Phoenix are all at 70%. But the faster these apartments are filled with tenants compared to rentals that aren’t pet-friendly, the higher they rank. 

Let’s get the (tennis) ball rolling!

15. Seattle, WA

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, you can treat your four-legged pal to some goodies from the Seattle Barkery‌ — ‌yes, a bakery that whips up delectable treats just for pups! Thinking of moving? With 70% of rentals in Seattle being pet-friendly, you and your doggo will have plenty of digs to sniff out!

14. Minneapolis, MN

Dog owners can indulge their pets at the city's numerous parks and lakeside trails, such as the Chain of Lakes and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. With its pet-friendly vibe and abundance of dog-centric businesses, Minneapolis is the paw-fect place for dog lovers to call home. But you may want to be quick if you want to move here; while there are plenty of pet-friendly rentals they tend to go off the market four days faster than units that don’t accept pets. You can find and apply for rentals through Zillow quickly and easily.

Below, we've ranked the 15 cities based on how many veterinarians there are compared to the population. Phoenix, AZ, had the least with 10.8 vets per every 100,000 residents and Tampa, FL, had the most with 30.1.

13. Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis has plenty of parks and green spaces, like Eagle Creek Park, so you and your dog have ample opportunities to run and play together. It also has a whole lot of apartments that will welcome you and your pup (70% to be exact). Dog owners can also pamper their pets at local businesses like Barkefeller’s Resort and Spa. With its pet-friendly atmosphere and abundance of outdoor activities, Indianapolis is a great place for dogs and their owners to thrive.

12. Phoenix, AZ

Want to take your puppy for a sniff-tastic adventure beyond the usual walks? Phoenix is home to the beloved 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 (and they’re guaranteed to get extra pets from strangers if you’ll allow it). This city’s dog-loving attitude is reflected in how fast its supply of pet-friendly rentals finds tenants; these apartments are claimed a whole 11 days faster than non pet-friendly rentals. If you want to give your dog a home in Phoenix, come to Zillow, turn on the “allows dogs” filter, and find your perfect place!

11. Jacksonville, FL

If you're strolling through Jacksonville with your furry friend, don't be surprised if a few more come wagging your way to say hi! 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. Maybe you can find an apartment nearby; 71% of them are pet-friendly.

10. Tampa, FL

Tampa is one of the more competitive pet-friendly places in the country, at least when it comes to rentals. The city’s dog-approved digs get scooped up 16 days faster than non-pet-friendly rentals, making Tampa one of the fastest fetchers on the list. Is your dog a fan of the beach? Then you can take them to the city’s Picnic Island Dog Park, where pups can roam with their toes in the sand (and you can too).

9. Charlotte, NC

Owning a dog in Charlotte can be a great experience, since it has so many pet-friendly spaces — including 72% of its rentals. There are lots of dog parks and trails to cater to the city’s many fur babies.

8. Oklahoma City, OK

Dog owners in Oklahoma City can boast that they live in one the country’s top dog-loving cities. And they can cite the fact that a whole 72% of its rentals welcome pets. OKC knows how to treat its furry residents right, as its home to the Barkin’ Dog Bakery & Boutique, where you can spoil your pup with homemade goodies and some new gear.

 7. Raleigh, NC

Raleigh is raising the woof with 72% of rentals giving pets the A-OK to move on in. If you prefer your dog to play indoors, but you still want to get out of the house, look into West Street Dog; it’s an indoor dog park that also schedules specific breed meet-ups and playtime by dog size, so you two will have plenty of options for going out and making friends.

6. Kansas City, MO

Kansas City is a haven for dog owners, with 76% of rentals welcoming canine companions. Things like the city’s extensive trail system make KC an ideal place for dogs to exercise and socialize. Additionally, its pet-friendly culture is reflected in its many dog-friendly breweries, restaurants, and outdoor spaces, making it a great city for dogs and their owners to enjoy together. 

5. Denver, CO

Denver boasts 77% 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. Denver’s combo of cozy homes and sociable pups paints Denver as not just dog-friendly, but dog-delightful!

4. Nashville, TN

Nashville is a fantastic city for dogs, with 77% of rentals being pet-friendly. While Denver has the same percentage of dog-positive homes, those in Nashville go off the market five days faster than listings without a pet-friendly status — and five days faster than similar spots in Denver. 

Nashville’s city's dog-friendly atmosphere is likely due to its parks and green spaces, like the Shelby Bottoms Greenway and the Warner Parks. Overall, Nashville's combination of natural beauty and pet-friendly infrastructure makes it a great city for dog owners to call home.

3. San Antonio, TX

San Antonio welcomes pets with open arms, since 78% of its rentals are pet-friendly. 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. The city has a whole directory of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and events, so your pet can explore San Antonio with you every step of the way.

2. Dallas, TX

Some 79% of the rental listings in Dallas proudly proclaim their pet-friendly status. Here, the streets are practically ruled by wagging tails and happy barks. The city is home to a “dog park bar and grill” called Mutt’s Cantina, where your pup can enjoy a frozen beef broth and peanut butter popsicle to help them cool down from the Texas sun.

1. Austin, TX

Austin truly rolls out the red carpet for its four-legged residents, earning the title of the most dog-friendly city in the nation! With a whopping 80% of rentals stating pets are welcome, there are many homes for dog owners to choose from in Austin. 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 your buddy.

Tips to find a pet-friendly rental

If you’re on the hunt for a new place to rent, here are quick suggestions to prepare you and your dog. You can get even more advice from our full article that explains how to find pet-friendly rentals.

Start searching ASAP: Depending on where you want to live, it can take a while to find an apartment that fits your needs and will welcome your pet. So make sure you give yourself plenty of time to finalize the process. 

Move quickly: With the above point in mind, know that pet-friendly rentals tend to go fast. Make sure your Zillow Renter Profile is up to date, and once you know what you want, be ready to apply as soon as something good pops up. A little preparation can go a long way in a tight market.

Write a pet resume: You can conveniently show any potential landlords how well-behaved your furry friend is, whether they’ve completed any training courses, and info on all their current vaccinations. 

Ask for a conversation: If your dream rental has a no-pets policy, or their rules seem unclear, talk to the property manager and explain how good your pup is. This is where a pet resume could come in handy!

Choose a home with no carpeting: Hey, accidents happen. And if carpets are good at anything, it’s absorbing liquids. Save yourself some trouble and skip the plush flooring, at least frequently-used spaces like the living room. 

Pick a neighborhood with dog-friendly amenities: Having a dog park close by, or some restaurants that allow dogs on the patio, can be a big plus. These amenities help your dog socialize, spend time outside, and you might meet some cool people (or pups) yourself! Maybe you can search for homes near a doggy day spa where you can conveniently drop off your pal for a pampered afternoon.

Tips for moving with your pet

Start crate training early: If your best buddy isn’t already crate trained, start them out by leaving their crate open and in plain sight. Over time, encourage them to go in via treats, then work your way up to putting them in the crate, then moving them into a car. Eventually you can take short drives with your pet in the crate. Come moving day, they’ll (hopefully) be comfortable in their crate and the move will be less stressful for everyone.

Pack your pet’s essentials: This can include a clean carrier, their favorite treats, their favorite toys, food and bowls, and medications. And make sure these supplies are easily accessible at every step of your move.
Set up their space first: As soon as you start moving in, set up your dog’s bed, toys, and water and food bowls. This will help show them that this is their new home. And leave them free to explore the space — safely, and supervised if possible. Just don’t leave any doors wide open and unattended.