Explore Some of the Best Pet Friendly Cities Across the U.S.

Summer may almost be over, but that doesn’t mean the fun in the sun—or the traveling with pets—has to end just yet! No matter if you’re into pet friendly road trips or flying with a dog or cat, there’s still time to load up your four-legged family members for one last summer hurrah in some of the best pet friendly cities across the U.S.

To help with the last-minute planning, we’ve put together this list of the best places to travel with pets in each corner of the country, including a few comfy pet friendly accommodations and must-see pet friendly attractions for each.

4 Top Pet Friendly Travel Destinations Across the Country

Northeast: Boston, Massachusetts

It’s very walkable, filled with dog friendly parks and trails, and will give you and your big or small dog a healthy dose of history in addition to exercise.

Where to Go: Boston Common (America’s oldest park!), Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, The Back Bay Fens full of dog friendly trails, 2.5-mile Freedom Trail.

Where to Stay: The Liberty Hotel (a Wellness Pet Company personal favorite dog friendly hotel!)

Helpful to Know: While service animals are allowed on the Boston T public trains and subway cars at all times, non-service dogs of all sizes are welcome during off-peak hours (7-10 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays) as long as they’re well-behaved, leashed and do not take up a seat.

South: Austin, Texas

There are dog parks, pet friendly patios and green spaces galore—plus beaches that allow dogs, woods and waterfalls not too far from the Texas capital’s city center to help beat the heat.

Where to Go: Red Bud Isle (dogs-only swimming hole), Austin Doga (yoga for dogs and their people), 10-mile dog friendly trail and boardwalk around Lady Bird Lake (maybe even rent a paddleboard together), woods and waterfalls of Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve.

Where to Stay: Hotel Van Zandt (pet friendly hotel located just off the popular Rainey Street—dogs, cats, birds and more at no extra cost).

Helpful to Know: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on Austin Guided Walking Tours.

Midwest: Chicago, Illinois

Second (City) to none when it comes to being one of the best pet friendly cities, from the waterways to the rooftops and lots of dog friendly restaurant patios in between.

Where to Go: Montrose Dog Beach on Lake Michigan, 606 Trail scenic walking path, dog friendly patio at Big Star tacos, Paradise Park dog friendly pizza patio.

Where to Stay: Virgin Hotels Chicago (don’t miss the dog friendly rooftop bar Cerise).

Helpful to Know: Your pup can even join you on a dog friendly boat tour of the city with Mercury’s Canine Cruise.

West: Seattle, Washington

Known as the Emerald City for its abundant green spaces, this coastal city in the Pacific Northwest has no shortage of parks, hiking trails for dogs and dog friendly eats for you and your pup to enjoy.

Where to Go: Magnuson Park with Lake Washington beach access, indoor/outdoor Dogwood Play Park (where your pup can play while you enjoy a drink), Norm’s Eatery & Alehouse dog friendly pub patio, Seattle Barkery (yes, it’s a bakery specializing in dog treats!)

Where to Stay: Kimpton Alexis Hotel (one of the best dog friendly hotels AND one of the top 500 hotels in the world)

Helpful to Know: Just outside of Seattle in nearby Redmond, Marymoor Park is worth a visit for its 40 acres of off-leash trails and pet friendly beaches—also known as Doggy Disneyland!

4 Perks of Traveling With Pets

1. Not missing them!

We’ve all seen (or been) the people on vacation watching videos of their pet dog or cat at the boarding kennel or showing everyone the photos of their pet at home with family members. Today, our pets are very much part of the family, so choosing pet friendly travel destinations is a great way of spending more time with the ones we love.

2. They take us places we may not have otherwise gone.

Discovering that local pet friendly beach or hiking a dog friendly trail may not have been in our holiday plans without our four-legged family members, but provide a pleasant surprise and chance to get off the typical tourist path to discover the real beauty of a destination.

3. Who can resist those pleading puppy dog eyes?

Bringing our pets with us to dog friendly vacation spots is a great way to meet new people, start an easy conversation and maximize social interactions, which have all been shown to minimize loneliness and support our mental health.

4. Pets can help us be more active.

Even on vacation, exercise is great for us (and our pets), so bringing your pet on a pet friendly vacation is one of the best reasons to get outside, get some fresh air and get active, which is proven to improve your mood, sleep and mental health.

Safe and Happy Travels to You and Yours!

We hope you take advantage of these final days of summer and this must-see list of dog friendly vacation spots to make the most of your tail-wagging travels ahead. Whether you choose to stay at a pet friendly hotel or a pet friendly vacation rental, don’t forget to pack all of the essential comforts of home—bed, food, water, bowls, leash, poop bags, toys—and a pet first aid kit, just in case.  Wellness^® WHIMZEES Dental Treats are always a good choice for dog and cat dental health on the go. Wellness^® Complete Health pouches or Wellness^® Appetizing Entrees pouches for cats are also easy and convenient meal options while traveling with pets, and Wellness^® Bowl Boosters (for dogs or cats) can be exciting treats or toppers no matter where you go.