Are you planning to travel with your dog this summer—or just get outside more to enjoy the sun? Rover.com partnered with Whistle to discover with the best cities for active dogs and their families this season. We combed through our unique data and consulted experts to give you the hottest —but not too hot—spots for your pet. Portland, San Francisco, Colorado Springs, and Chicago all made the top 10. Get the rest below!
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What are the top cities for modern dogs and their families this summer? Two of the top companies for dogs and the people who love them have teamed up to give you the scoop: Whistle, makers of the smartest pet products, and Rover.com, your one-stop shop for trusted neighborhood pet care. Based on their unique data, they’ve discovered which cities offer prime conditions for pet-friendly living. Epic dog parks and summertime adventures await.
Top U.S. Cities for Dog Owners
We’ve crunched the numbers, and these cities should rise to the top of every dog lover’s list. To rank each city, we weighed the availability of pet-friendly amenities like off-leash dog parks, trusted pet sitters, and pleasant summer temps, along with the number of active dogs. Did your favorite city make the cut?
- San Francisco
- Portland
- Seattle
- Oakland
- Colorado Springs
- Las Vegas
- Sacramento
- Chicago
- Denver
- Minneapolis
- San Diego
- Boston
- Salt Lake City
- San Jose
- Washington D.C.
- Long Beach
- Austin
- Raleigh
- Los Angeles
- Atlanta
- Baltimore
- Nashville
- Miami
- Dallas
- Tampa
Most Off-Leash Dog Parks per Capita
These cities love their dog parks. From beautiful views to oversized toys and splash pads, they’ll keep your dog busy for hours. Portland wins, with Las Vegas close behind.
Dog Parks by the Numbers
1979: the world’s first dog park opened in Berkeley, CA
9 acres: the total area of Seattle’s famed Magnuson Dog Park, with fences, trails, and access to Lake Washington
136: the number of dog parks in New York City
Best Weather for Dogs
As the temperatures rise, it’s important to keep your hot dog cool – and hydrated. With mild summer temperatures and lower humidity, these cities are especially dog friendly.
- San Francisco, 61°
- Oakland, 64°
- Seattle, 66°
- Colorado Springs, 67°
- Portland, 69°
- Denver, 70°
Fill up the water bowl!
Like humans, dogs are made up of nearly 80% water. Simply pinch your dog’s skin between his shoulder blades. When released, the skin should quickly fall back into place. If it falls back slowly, your dog may be dehydrated.
Stay cool…wear fur.
A “summer cut” for your dog may actually make your pet feel hotter. Your pet’s fur provides insulation and protects them from UV rays. Ask your vet if your dog needs a summer ‘do.
Dog Lovers for Hire
Whether you’re planning a quick adventure or a weeklong getaway, there’s always a dog sitter on Rover ready to adore your dog. These cities feature the most pet sitters and dog walkers per capita – so go ahead and book that flight outta town.
94% of pet parents consider their dogs family, according to a survey by Rover.
39% of pet parents ‘fessed up to missing a trip because they couldn’t find care for their dog.
Short Stacks in the Big City
With the highest number of dogs under 30 lbs based on Whistle pet profiles, these cities are ready to welcome your tiny pal.
Massive Metros
Make room for bigger pups in these cities! According to Whistle’s pet profile data, this is where you’ll find the most dogs over 50 lbs:
The Best Cities for Busy Dogs
According to activity data compiled from Whistle users, on average, the following cities are most active during the summer months:
- San Francisco
- Portland
- Seattle
- Chicago
- Colorado Springs
- Sacramento
- Boston
- Salt Lake City
- San Diego
- Oakland
According to Whistle data, dogs are typically most active in the spring.
Las Vegas dogs are the least active in the summer. With average summer temps hovering about 100 F, we can’t say we blame them.
Miami‘s dogs are most active in the winter.
Atlanta‘s dogs see their highest activity in the fall.
