Got a Four-Legged Friend? These Are the Best Cities to Walk Your Dog
Throughout the pandemic, dog ownership increased as many people found solace in the companionship of a furry friend while in quarantine. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 45 percent of U.S. households owned a dog in 2020, up from 38 percent at the end of 2016. But it’s not all about puppy snuggles and loving looks—dogs require lots of exercise, with frequent walks every single day. The American Kennel Club reported that Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Shetland Sheep Dogs, and Dalmations are among the most active pups, ideal for those owners who are always on the go and are fond of a long outdoor walk.
To mark National Walk Your Dog Month, LawnStarter conducted research that found the best cities to give your canine some fresh air and exercise this year, comparing over 170 of the biggest cities in the U.S. based on their walkability, pup-friendly trail access, parks, and safety.
The study found that seven of the most dog-friendly cities are based in the West, where warmer temperatures and easy access to dog parks and walking trails make these cities the ideal base for dogs and humans alike.
Turns out, Florida is a state of dog lovers, with three of the state’s major cities having the most dog walkers per 100,000 residents—Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale came out on top. If your schedule is jam-packed and you’d rather hire someone to walk your pup for you, Springfield, Missouri; and Clarksville, Tennessee have plenty of pros on hand at affordable prices.
Finally, keeping your dog (and yourself) safe should be a top priority. The study found that Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Port St. Lucie, Florida; and Frisco, Texas rank high for safety.
Check out the top ten dog walking cities below.
- Portland, Oregon
- San Francisco, California
- Oakland, California
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Boise, Idaho
- Los Angeles, California
- New York, New York
- Washington, DC
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Jersey City, New Jersey