LawnStarter has produced a new ranking of the 10 U.S. cities it considers most welcoming to dogs, citing robust veterinary networks, an ecosystem of pet services and public spaces that accommodate daily life with a pet. The list aims to identify communities where owners can readily find care, socialize their animals and access outdoor space — from dense urban walkability to coastal climates and mountain trails.

Dog-friendly cities adapt their services, places and legislation to meet the needs of dogs, recognizing them as sentient beings rather than mere possessions. Key factors LawnStarter used include proximity to veterinary care, the presence of grooming and boarding businesses, public tolerance for dogs and municipal features like parks and trails.

The ten cities named are:

• Frederick, Maryland — Small-city living with big-city veterinary access, offering yards and neighborhood routes within reach of regional specialists.
• Asheville, North Carolina — An artsy mountain town where the whole place feels designed for wandering with a leash in hand and plenty of greenways for daily walks.
• Scottsdale, Arizona — A calm desert backdrop for pets that enjoy structure and sunshine, with an emphasis on outdoor-friendly neighborhoods.
• New York, New York — Dense urban walkability and endless walking routes make the city feel like a dog’s living room; services and pet businesses are abundant.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico — An artsy calm environment with consistent sunshine and access to open spaces.
• Wilmington, North Carolina — A coastal city with mild weather, community support and easy access to beaches and waterfront paths.
• Orlando, Florida — Known for abundant pet services and neighborhoods oriented toward outdoor living and family amenities.
• Santa Monica, California — A deep dog culture, plenty of sidewalks and beaches that encourage an active pet lifestyle.
• Raleigh, North Carolina — A fast-growing city with yard space, expanding veterinary networks and neighborhoods suited to families with dogs.
• Bend, Oregon — Rivers, forests and trails galore for owners who prioritize off-leash fantasies and scenic exercise.

The report frames dog-friendliness around practical daily factors: how close veterinary clinics are, whether communities support dogs in public life, and the density of pet services such as grooming, boarding and daycare. LawnStarter’s compilation uses these measures to balance urban amenities against outdoor access — drawing attention to regional variety so prospective owners can weigh backyard room, coastal climate or walkability when considering a move.

Those choices matter in the context of a larger national trend: pet ownership has risen substantially over the past decades. The growth in pet ownership has increased demand for professional veterinary care, grooming and pet-focused retail in many metro areas.

LawnStarter notes several practical advantages for different owner profiles. Some entries point to “tons of yard space, strong pet services, and enough trails to wear out even a Labrador,” while others emphasize a built environment that makes daily leash walks effortless. The list also highlights community-level features that reduce shelter intake and support pet retention, such as local ordinances that protect animals and public tolerance for dogs.

Cities can further improve dog-friendly amenities in concrete ways: creating dedicated on-site dog parks with features like secure fencing, agility equipment, shade structures, water stations and separate areas for different dog sizes; installing pet washing stations; and expanding shade and seating at off-leash areas. Those investments can make neighborhoods more usable for owners and reduce strain on municipal services.

LawnStarter’s ranking is presented as a comparative tool rather than a definitive measure of quality of life. VICE published an online summary of the list, and the full LawnStarter analysis lays out the indicators used to score each city. For prospective dog owners or those considering relocation, the list offers a practical snapshot of municipal and market conditions that affect daily life with a dog. What are some ways cities can improve their dog-friendly amenities?

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Original reporting: view the original article.