The trip your wants to take.

The best U.S. cities for travelling with your dog

If you’re planning a road trip for you and your four-legged friend, we’ve discovered the top dog-friendly destinations in the U.S. so you can travel knowing there’s plenty to accommodate your pet.

We developed the list of top dog-friendly destinations in the U.S. based on a detailed analysis of factors such as the number of dog-friendly restaurants and hotels that allow pets and the number of dog parks, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations to determine which U.S. cities are the best to visit with your canine companion. We also have some valuable safety tips from The American Kennel Club for traveling with your dog, particularly when driving with them in a rental car.

The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Destinations

Our study found Orlando is the best destination in the U.S. to travel with your dog! With 334 dog-friendly restaurants, you and your pooch can sit back and enjoy much-needed fuel after spending a day in one of Orlando’s 15 dog parks. With 535 dog-friendly hotels (the second most of all destinations analyzed), you and your four-legged friend can rest well after a day of adventure together.

Another Florida city takes the second spot, as Tampa is home to 250 hotels that allow pets, 115 veterinarian practices, and 302 dog-friendly restaurants. Enjoy a stroll with your canine companion in dog-friendly parks such as Rowlett Dog Park or Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park, which offer vast spaces for your furry friend to enjoy.

Richmond in Virginia boasts the second-most outdoor parks for dog walks per 100,000 people, at 5.74, and the second-most veterinarians per 100,000 people, at 51.6. With 125 restaurants that allow you to take your dog in for a refreshment and 13 dog parks, there’s plenty for you and your dog to do on vacation in Richmond.

You can also be assured that there are 117 vet practices in the area, firmly cementing Richmond as the third-best U.S. city for dogs.

Thanks to its 158 restaurants, 144 hotels, and four dog-friendly parks, Cincinnati is an excellent destination for traveling with your pooch. With over 100 veterinarians and 28 animal welfare organizations in The Queen City, Cincinnati clearly loves dogs as much as we do and, therefore, takes fourth place in our study.

Scottsdale, Arizona, has the second-highest number of dog-friendly restaurants per 100,000 people, at 90.3, and the third-highest number of hotels that allow dogs per capita, at 105.7, with 255 across the city. Spend the day with your dog at Horizon or Chaparral Dog Park, enjoying the warm weather and stunning surroundings in The West’s Most Western Town.

Florida is back again with a third entry in the top ten dog-friendly destinations. St. Petersburg has 111 veterinarian practices, the second-most veterinarians per capita at 43 for every 100,000 people. Along with 153 restaurants that welcome dogs and 16 animal welfare organizations, every family member (even the ones with four legs) can enjoy The Sunshine City.

With 73 animal welfare organizations, the second-highest number in the study, and an average of 24.2 per 100,000 people, St. Louis is the seventh-best dog-friendly destination in the U.S. This Missouri city is also home to 194 restaurants that allow dogs, 104 vets, and three dog parks. Still, most require membership, so check and sign up before traveling.

Minneapolis makes the top ten as it has the fifth-highest number of animal welfare organizations of all locations analyzed and third per 100k people at 15.1. Take a stroll with your dog and enjoy all the landmarks and sights the City of Lakes offers. With 198 dog-friendly restaurants, 110 vets, and 16 dog parks to choose from, you’ll never run out of things to do on your dog-friendly vacation, knowing you’re always near help if you need it.

Known for its outdoor recreational activities, Boise is a great dog-friendly destination. The City of Trees has 68 hotels and 108 restaurants that allow pets. With 86 veterinarian practices, the fifth-highest at 36.5 per capita, you can enjoy a getaway with your pooch, knowing the city welcomes you both with open arms.

Spokane, Washington, rounds out the top ten dog-friendly destinations in the U.S.. With 5.68 dog parks per 100,000 people, it has the third-highest number of dog parks. Visit Downtown Spokane Dog Park, High Bridge Dog Park, or Valley Mission Dog Park for a fun-filled day out. Spokane also has 79 dog-friendly restaurants and 42 hotels that allow pets.

The top 100 most dog-friendly travel destinations in the U.S.

Safety is always paramount regardless of where you’re traveling to or who you’re traveling with (furry friends included). Here are some tips and advice when taking a dog-friendly vacation.

Before setting off on your dog-friendly getaway, here are dog travel recommendations from The American Kennel Club:

Health and safety—Before going on vacation, take your dog to your local vet for a checkup. Ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date, and remember that health certifications are required for airline travel.
Take dog food from home—Pack a supply of your dog’s regular food. A change in scenery can be overwhelming. Stick with the food you know your dog likes to keep it happy and well-fed on your trip. Take your dog bowl for food and water while on the road.
Be prepared – Find the number of the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital in the area you’re traveling to, along with the office and emergency number for your regular veterinarian (in case the veterinarians need to speak with each other).

Tips for traveling by car with your dog

Here’s some expert advice for driving with your dog in the car from the ASPCA and The American Kennel Club:

Get your dog used to being in a car by letting them sit in it with you and going for short rides before your trip.
Ensure your vehicle is well stocked with bottled water, as drinking water from a new area could result in stomach issues.
To avoid car sickness, ensure your dog travels on an empty stomach, eating a light meal approximately three to four hours before setting off.
Keep the car well-ventilated – this is particularly important when traveling to warm weather states.
Purchase a dog seat belt, crate, or car seat to keep your dog safe when driving.
Do not let your dog ride with its head sticking out of the window; while it may look cute, this can lead to potential injuries.
Plan stops on your drive for exercise and toilet breaks.
Never leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle. Regardless of the temperature, heat can quickly turn a car into a furnace, causing heatstroke, and cold can lead to freezing.
Pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity. This can help keep them calm while in the confined space of your vehicle, particularly if you’re planning a long road trip.

Contact your local veterinarian first if you have any concerns or queries about traveling with your dog.

The best cars for traveling with pets

We have many diverse rental cars that are perfect for road trips with your animal companion; here are the types of vehicles we recommend for traveling with your pet:

SUV’s

SUVs typically have a larger interior than sedans or smaller cars, providing plenty of room for your dog to move around and lie down comfortably. The flexible seating configurations in our rental SUVs allow you to fold down the rear seats to create a larger, flat area for your dog and store pet supplies such as food, water, toys, and bedding.

The rear hatch design of SUVs allows for easy loading and unloading of your dog and their supplies. It also provides a convenient space for your dog to enter and exit the vehicle.

MINIVAN

Minivans offer space, comfort, practicality, and safety, making them an excellent choice for road trips with your dog. Their spacious interiors, convenient features, and pet-friendly accessories ensure that you and your furry friend can enjoy a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable journey, whether heading to a nearby park or embarking on a cross-country adventure.

Our rental minivans offer smooth handling, flexible seating, and ample room to travel with your pets safely.

4×4

A 4×4 (four-wheel drive) vehicle is designed to provide enhanced traction and stability, particularly in off-road conditions and challenging terrains. These are particularly beneficial for a road trip with your dog as they offer a roomy interior, allowing your dog to move around comfortably. This is particularly beneficial for larger breeds or multiple pets.

The large cargo area in our rental 4x4s provides ample space for your dog to stretch out and for storing pet supplies such as food, water, toys, and bedding. The advanced suspension systems in 4×4 vehicles help to absorb shocks and bumps from the road, ensuring a smoother ride for your dog, which can help reduce travel anxiety.

Methodology

Using Booking Holdings , BringFido.com, Google Maps, and TPL.org, we ranked 100 cities in the United States based on which destinations would be the most dog-friendly based on population, the number of dog-friendly restaurants, hotels that allow pets, dog parks, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations. Data accurate as of April 5, 2024.