10 most dog-friendly cities

Thursday March 31st, 2011

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Thinking of heading out of town for a little R&R, but don't want to leave your pup behind? Save the money and guilt that would have been spent boarding your dog in a kennel, stop worrying about who you can call to pop in to your house to take your dog for a walk, and plan a vacation that both you and your dog can enjoy.

Dogfriendly.com has released its annual list of dog-friendly U.S. cities to visit, with San Francisco topping the list for their better than average amenities like dog-friendly beaches and recreational areas, restaurants that allow your dog to hang out on the patio with you while you eat, and pet-friendly hotels. Whichever city you choose, you can bet that you will have a great time, and you won't have to Photoshop your dog into any of the pictures this year!

#1 San Francisco, CA
A transportation-friendly kind of town, you can take your dog on the cable cars with you to visit the waterside, where you will find plenty of pet-friendly patio restaurants. Lots of beaches and parks for you and your doggy to have fun, and don't miss the Golden Gate Bridge, one of America's celebrated man-made wonders, where you can take your dog along to share the lovely view of the colorful, hilly city.

#2 Austin, TX
Spend the afternoon at one of Austin's off-leash parks and then take your dog on a chill walk along the water to see the Congress Street bats take flight at sunset before heading to one of the dog-friendly outdoor cafes in the neighborhood.

#3 Boston, MA
When you don't feel like driving and parking, take your leashed dog onto the subway with you. Then relax and watch the world go by as you hop from place to place in this historic city by the bay. Visit the Freedom Trail, and see where one of America's most famous protests took place at Boston Harbor.

#4 Northern Virginia, VA
Take your dog out on the water on a fun Canine Cruise. Plus, you'll never go hungry again with a great choice of dog-friendly restaurants in Alexandria. If you still have plenty of time in your schedule for some historical sightseeing, you can ramble over to nearby Washington, DC.

#5 Portland, OR
First thing's first. The beginning of any vacation should start with a relaxing drink, and the Lucky Labrador is just the place to serve it up. The Lucky Lab has three fresh brew locations that you and your pup can check out while you're in town. Plus, make sure to visit the well-known Rose Gardens and the Saturday Outdoor Market.

#6 Charleston, SC
See this historic town in all its glory. Charleston has a number of tours that you can take your dog along to, including the Boone Hall and Magnolia Plantations. Or you can go on a ghost tour (don't forget the Scooby snacks!), and wind down after a night of fright with a day of fun at the beach.

#7 Chicago, IL
Take advantage of this gorgeous city on the water by taking your dog on a Canine Cruise, or just hang out and be amused at Navy Pier. And you'll have plenty of culinary delights to choose from with Chicago's dog welcoming patio restaurants.

#8 San Diego, CA
Take your dog shopping with you at the Otay Ranch Town Center and hang out at the dog park after, go hiking or take your dog to one of the friendly beaches.

#9 New York, NY
Dog-friendly luxury hotels, Central Park, lower Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Walk 'till you can't walk no more!

#10 Ann Arbor, MI
Dog-friendly canoeing, gardens, and farms, and don't miss Nichols Arboretum, the 123-acre botanical collection at the University of Michigan.

By Victoria Heuer of PetMD

Originally published by PetMD
Article provided by DivineCaroline.com

Tags Dog Travel
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Anonymous User

Wow. I didn't think Chicago would make the list. I'm glad it did because I frequent there often. Great article.

over 1 year ago by Anonymous

Anonymous User

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is the most dog-friendly city I've been to. I live near San Francisco, and I would say that Carmel is much more dog friendly.

over 1 year ago by Anonymous

Anonymous User

St. Augustine, FL - Dog friendly motels, restaurants, beaches, parks and lots of dog parks. For more information visit ST. AUGUSTINE LOVES DOGS! www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite - Sugar Bear, The Awesome Aussie

over 2 years ago by Anonymous

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