The Top 10 US Cities for Dog Parks

There are a bunch of ways to rank dog-friendliness when it comes to a city. You can count up pet-friendly businesses, accessibility to public transit or local canine legislation. However, we think one of the best barometers for judging dog-friendly cities is the number of dog parks. Here are the top 10 US cities based on dog parks per capita!

1. Boise, Idaho

Boise loves its barkers! The capital of Idaho has 15 dog parks. That’s 6.7 dog parks for every 100,000 residents. That’s a whole lotta dog parks! Dog lovers and their pooches can go on walks, hikes, runs and biking trips. Boise has a comfortable climate and gets very little rain compared to the rest of the country, making it perfect for outdoor adventures!

2. Portland, Oregon

In second place is Portland, Oregon. And if you’re a dog lover, a visit to Portland is a must. This city sits on two rivers and features a magnificent view of snow-capped Mount Hood. While its winters are rainy and cool, Oregon has fantastic summers characterized by warm and dry weather.

3. Henderson, Nevada

If you aren’t native to Nevada, you may not have heard of Henderson. However, this city is the second-largest in the state and only 16 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Henderson features a hot desert climate which is great if you and your pup hate the cold.

4. Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia has a fairly mild climate, but watch out for that humidity! Norfolk contains many historic neighborhoods, several of which used to be individual towns and cities. Be sure to also check out “Mermaids on Parade,” Norfolk’s collection of mermaid statues all over the city.

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

The Entertainment Capital of the World may not strike you as a haven for dogs, but Las Vegas is actually home to several dog parks. The city features 4 dog parks per 100,000 residents. And with very few rainy days, you’ll want to play outside all year long.

6. Madison, Wisconsin

Huskies and Malamutes rejoice! Madison is incredibly cold, but it also has several dog parks. So while it may not be paradise for a Chihuahua, snow dogs call it heaven.

7. Oakland, California

Oakland may be smaller than neighboring San Francisco, but it actually has more dog parks. And its comfortable Mediterranean climate makes it perfect for outdoor playdates.

8. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is the fourth-largest city in California and is known for its touristy spots, like Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’re a dog devotee, though, you’ll also want to check out the dog parks scattered throughout this beautiful city.

9. Tampa, Florida

You can’t beat Tampa. This city is tied with Arlington for ninth place on our best cities for dog parks. Tampa is another great warm, yet humid, destination for you and your dog. You and your pup will love the mild winters!

9. Arlington, Virginia

This college town is wonderful for politics buffs and dog lovers alike. It might get too hot for your taste in the summer, but the winders are cool and mild.