Here are the Most Dog-Friendly Destinations in the U.S.

Given that we’ve all been stuck in our homes for a few months, it’s understandable to want a bit of a change in scenery.

However, with all the extra time that we’ve been spending with our dogs over the course of quarantine, it’s hard to imagine taking a trip and leaving our dogs at the kennel. In fact, according to a study reported on by USA Today, 84% of American dog owners say that they are more sensitive to their dog’s health having spent more time with the animals during quarantine.

Still, traveling with animals has always been stressful for dog owners who have to worry about upcharges on hotel rooms and shopping in local boutiques that don’t allow dogs. So, which cities should be on the radar of dog owners looking to travel with their best friends?

The answer may come from a new study by VetNaturals, which looked at the best cities for dog-accommodating activities.

According to the survey, the city with the most dog-friendly establishments is Charleston, S.C., an exciting option for travelers and dogs alike. With shopping, Southern restaurants and nearby beaches, there are so many fun, touristy things to do in Charleston.

The next-best city to bring your dog is Miami, FL, another Southern destination for any dogs and people who love to hit the beach. The city is also famous for its foodie scene, famous for having some of the best Cuban food in the country. Lucky for pet owners, having a dog doesn’t limit your dining options, with some of the best places to eat open for business to furry friends, as shared by Miami group for Eater.com.

Of course, not every dog likes to get its paws wet, and certain owners are definitely more keen on the mountains than the beach. For these outdoorsy humans and pups, there are plenty of options to take your dog camping around the country. But which cities do it best?

According to the VetNaturals study, the city with the most dog-friendly campgrounds is Spokane, Washington. According to a study from World Population Review, Washington is full of plenty of year-round dog owners, with over 42% of Washington’s population owning dogs. Safe to say, there are plenty of trails trodden with paw-prints for visiting dogs to come explore.

A surprising standout in the dataset of cities with establishments that welcome dogs is Honolulu, HI. For many dog owners, it’s hard to imagine making the long trip to Honolulu likely complete with a few airport layover. Actually, the city has plenty to offer for those looking to bring their best friends on a tropical vacation.

Behind Charleston and Miami, Honolulu had the third-highest number of dog-friendly restaurants, according to the VetNaturals study. Beyond that, there’s plenty else to do with dogs in Honolulu, including taking your dogs to a number of dog-friendly city parks, walking them through fruit-filled farmer’s markets and even making it to some dog-friendly beaches, as reported in a dog owners guide from BringFido.com.

No matter where you travel with your dog, it’s important to consider how you will get to any dog-friendly destinations. Right now, travel restrictions meant to minimize risk of exposure to COVID-19 for flyers and service workers have resulted in some airlines’ pet services being temporarily canceled. It’s important that wherever you want to go, you consider these new restrictions and read safety guidelines like these from the CDC that can help you plan how safely to travel wherever you want to go.

Wherever you end up, here’s hoping you and your dog form some great memories in dog-friendly destinations.