The most friendly dog cities in the world

The most dog friendly cities in the world

What makes a dog friendly city? When you're searching for the most dog friendly cities in the world to visit, what do you look for? Is it the number of pet friendly restaurants, an abundance of off leash dog parks, or perhaps there are cities with dog friendly beaches for our furry friends to paddle? Of all the cities in the world, a select few have all of these pup pal pleasures and then some!

From large areas of green space to having some of the best veterinary clinics available, we've done some digging to find where the best cities in the world are for you to travel and entertain your furry friend or fluffy family.

Whether you have small dogs, large dogs, lazy dogs, or just one dog, there are plenty of pet friendly cities for you and your best four legged friend to find the paw-fect place to explore. So, let's dive in and find out which cities around the world welcome dogs with open arms.

Paris, France

Ah Paris, the City of Lights! Claimed to be one of the most romantic cities in the world and it is super dog friendly.

Although a hustling and bustling city, the capital of fashion has numerous parks, many pet friendly restaurants, as well as pet friendly accommodations. Enjoy the sights from the Seine as you and your furry friend discover the beauty of the Parisian lifestyle.

Whilst not all museums and galleries may now allow pooches inside, many still welcome dogs if they have outdoor spaces. At the very least, most places will be able to offer some free dog treats.

If you are a pet parent of small dogs, you'll be glad to hear they can accompany you almost anywhere in Paris, so long as they as can be carried in a dog friendly handbag.

London, United Kingdom

The UK's capital is home to numerous furry residents. Why? Well, because the Brits are barking mad for their pups. You'll find your pooch pal will receive a warm welcome in almost every pub and cafe in the city limits. Dog friendly restaurants are abundant in all London boroughs, particularly those with outdoor seating.

And, of course, London is home to numerous parks all of which welcome dogs. Perhaps the most famous of the city's green spaces is Hyde Park. Located between Westminster and Green Park, this huge area is basically one of London's largest off leash dog parks. With huge areas for pups to play freely, this is also a safe space for well trained drool babies. If you're pet sitting a new furry friend, this a paw-some opportunity to meet other doggo fans whilst you're visiting.

If you've not been able to find a pet sit, pet friendly accommodations and hotels are everywhere.

Not only is London an incredibly vibrant city with lots to do, it's one of the world's most dog friendly cities.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Another European capital, but one known for its excellent dog friendly cafes, tea shops and museums. Although there are specified off leash areas and off leash dog parks dotted around the city, the Dutch capital welcomes pets pretty much everywhere.

As well as pet friendly hotels, Amsterdam has a fantastic public transport system which you can ride with your furry buddy. Public transport includes trams, trains, and buses all of which are incredibly affordable with their own doggy day pass options. Aw!

Austin, Texas

Let's head to the US to talk about the numerous pet friendly establishments and many dog friendly parks in Austin, Texas.

The best dog parks in Austin can be found in all corners of the city, with most being off leash and totally dog dedicated pup parks. Like most pet friendly cities, Austin is also abundant in pet stores near its many parks to help fuel the city's passion for pups and dog lovers.

Being Texas, the are loads of options for places with outdoor seating eateries which will often supply their own food bowls for your precious pooch. As always, don't forget your waste disposal bags to help keep the neighborhood pro pup and poop free.

New York City, New York

The Big Apple is big on animal love! There are numerous pet friendly restaurants and bars all over the New York City limits, with some of the best pet friendly restaurants in New York City that can be found everywhere from Brooklyn to Queens. There a multiple doggy dedicated cafes and eateries which come with their own dog beds and an amazing choice of dog treats, including menus for dogs.

Walkies wise, Central Park is New York's most famous outdoor spaces where local furry residents love to take in the sights as much as their human companions. Although Central Park is only for leashed dogs, it's still awesome as outdoor spaces in bustling cities go!

There are also plenty of doggy daycare options for when you can't take Fido along for the adventure.

San Francisco, California

Quoted as being in the top five most dog friendly cities in the world, San Francisco is a dog owners dream. Along with tons of pet stores, off leash dog parks, pet friendly accommodations, and dog friendly restaurants, the Golden Gate Park (located, yep, you guessed it, next to the Golden Gate Bridge) is one of San Francisco's off leash parks where the is even a swimming area. Yep, pups can paddle, splash, or play off leash on one of their very own dog beaches.

If your pooch isn't a fan of the water, there are some great off leash dog parks and green spaces for doggos to play freely. Otherwise, you can take your canine companions to a doggo designed cafe or eatery.

Although there are many dog friendly cities in the USA, San Francisco is certainly top dog!

Melbourne, Australia

As Australia's culture capital, Melbourne has countless parks right next to buzzing bars and restaurants. And guess what, most of them are dog friendly! Melbourne has an eclectic mix of restaurants and entertainment running every day of the week, and your four legged friend is will be greeted with open arms.

There are loads of open spaces in and around the city, along with plenty of dog friendly hiking trails. To make things even better, pet stores are everywhere and St Kilda beach in the south allows dogs to run off leash as well as swim.

Vancouver, Canada

For pet owners, searching for pet friendly cities can be made easier when there are places that are generally seen as friendly cities. Vancouver, Canada is as friendly as friendly cities come, not just for humans but for pet parent pooches too!

Outdoor spaces, dog friendly public transport, and dog friendly parks, nature is right on your doorstep in the Canadian Silicon Valley. Like most dog friendly cities, Vancouver has the option for loads of dog friendly hiking trails which can be easily accessed from the city itself.

Portland, Oregon

Possibly on par with San Francisco when it comes to the best dog parks, Portland has many parks which allow off leash dogs, whilst any other park that doesn't still lets in leashed dogs because they would be crazy not to!

Along with open spaces, Portland has loads of dog themed and dog accommodating places all over town. Pet friendly is how many locals would describe this city, which is teeming with life and plenty of fun to be found for fur babies and humans.

Rome, Italy

Rome is multo bene when it comes to dog friendly cities. With many of its locals as self confessed dog lovers, pups are welcomed in almost all restaurants and even museums! As a city built on outdoor museums, this sets Rome apparent from most dog friendly cities in the world as your pooch can sightsee with you.

Head to one of the local pet stores to find a pup pack to help carry tired hounds, and small dogs, or to make sure your pup has their own tourist trekking pack. Every dog needs its own backpack to explore possible Europe's claim for most dog friendly cities in the world.

Houston, Texas

For anyone familiar with Texas' capital, it probably won't come as a surprise that Houston is one of the most dog friendly cities in the world. Not only does it compete with San Francisco when it comes to the best dog friendly restaurants, but there are also loads of doggo chill-out areas and outdoor spaces for you and your pup to catch up with fellow four legged friends, make new ones, and even share some of Houston's world famous barbecue!

Geneva, Switzerland

Very few things on this planet compare to the beauty of Lake Geneva. What makes it even more special is how dog friendly this city is. Pet friendly hotels, dog parks, and pet stores, pet owners can either sit back, relax and enjoy the view with their furry friends, or absorb the good vibes by walking around the stunning streets of this picturesque Swiss city.

As well as being rich in history, this is a vibrant city where pet ownership is a piece of cake!

Seattle, Washington

Dog friendly restaurants in Seattle are almost too easy to come by! On top of this, there are loads of off leash dog parks and countless parks that allow your pup pal to play freely in the Emerald City. Many pet friendly restaurants and cafes have their own pet beds for pups, and we can't forget to mention Lake Washington which is an ideal swimming spot if your pooch is an aquatic furry friend.

Have we helped to offer up some inspiration for your next pup pal adventure or pet sit? Check out some of the latest sits and sitters looking for their next furry buddy. Already a TrustedHousesitters member? Paw-some! Why not join the conversation on our Community Forum to talk about which are your favorite dog friendly cities around the globe?

Useful resources

• The 10 best solo hiking trips in the US for female travelers
• 8 dog cafes in NYC (that actually allow dogs inside)
• Dog-friendly San Francisco CA: things to do in SF with a dog