What makes your city dog friendly? What do you need to make you want to live there with your dog, rather than just visit? Is there a difference in friendliness?
My neighborhood of San Francisco is very dog friendly. We have parks where dogs and children share space, and parks specifically for dogs or children. Across town certain neighborhoods roll out the welcome mat for people with dogs, by putting water bowls outside their business or keeping treats at the cash register. Some shops don't mind if you walk into their store with your pup and will have a sign in the window saying "Dogs Welcome."
We have landlords who won't allow dogs in their rentals, or they have restrictions on what type and size of dog. However, we have lots of hotels and motels that allow pets, some without an extra fee. I love that San Francisco has vets who will make house-calls, and mobile pet-grooming businesses. San Francisco is home to pop-up businesses and food trucks. I have a feeling Cleo would approve if we became partners in a liver treat food truck.
I love living here with my dog, but would you live here with yours or just visit?
Is San Francisco really just a good place to visit rather than live for dog owners? Many of our local vets offer discounted, and sometime free, vaccinations, spay or neuter procedures and micro-chipping to residents. We have fun events like Pet Pride Day, Dog Day on the Bay, and the SF Giants Dog Days of Summer. We may be a big city but we have big hearts for dogs, and you'll find more dogs than children reside in San Francisco.
San Francisco didn't make the top ten pet friendly cities by Livability.com, but I suspect that's because they were looking for small to mid-size communities. But, we made it to the top of pet friendly destinations. Did your town make the list? What makes your city pet friendly? Tell us in the comments!
Top 10 Pet-Friendly Destinations
- San Francisco, CA
- Portland, OR
- New York, NY
- Boston, MA
- Austin, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Seattle, WA
- Alexandria, VA
- Carmel-by-the-sea, CA
This post was written by a Nutro Knowledge Network Member and sponsored by the Nutro Company.
I can't imagine Colorado not making the list. It is pet paradise.
Posted by: Philip Weber | October 30, 2012 at 09:57 AM
Colorado is the whole package Philip. It has everything and lots of our favorite dog people.
Thanks for commenting!
Posted by: Sharon & Cleo | November 08, 2012 at 11:26 AM