The Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the United States (Store Space Edition)

We’re dyed-in-the-fur dog people here at Store Space and we’re excited to offer self-storage facilities in some of the top dog-friendly cities in the United States.

Our list is a compilation of some of the best dog-friendly cities that, coincidentally, are also home to Store Space Self Storage. Storage is a must-have for anyone with dogs. Whether you have a quarter-acre yard or a two-bedroom apartment, dogs will feel more comfortable at home with a space they can call their own. And at Store Space, we make it easy and convenient to use your storage unit just like you’d use a garage or shed to store everything you want to keep close to home.

We’ve curated this list by researching some of the top dog-centric websites and cross-referencing with local parks and recs departments to ensure you’re getting the inside scoop.

Dog-Friendly in Tampa, FL

It’s safe to say that Tampa has gone to the dogs, but in a good way. This Gulf Coast city is home to 16 dog parks and has almost 250 dog-friendly restaurants, plus multiple dog-friendly hiking spots, pet-friendly hotels and patios. There are also a large number of pet stores and vets to pamper and care for your pooch.

Check out Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Gadsden Park or Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park for on-land fun, and Davis Islands or Picnic Island Dog Beach to hop in the water. Other unique activities for you and your dog include wandering the trails at Hillsborough River State Park, visiting the USF Botanical Gardens, and walking your dog on the Tampa Riverwalk.

The food scene in Tampa is unlike any other, and many restaurants allow dogs to join you on the patios. The Sail is a popular outdoor dining spot with waterfront views, “Yappy Hour” and even pup-cups! Whiskey Joe’s, Ulele and Bella’s Italian Café are a few pet-friendly local favorites.

Dog-Friendly in St. Petersburg, FL

Like its cross-bay neighbor, St. Petersburg is also a ray of sunshine for dogs on the Gulf Coast. There are six local dog parks, plus the dog-friendly nature extends to about 120 restaurants and 18 shopping centers around the city.

If your dog loves the beach (like every dog ever), the Dog Park Beach at Fort De Soto Park is the way to go. In town, we like the North Shore complex, which has areas for large and small dogs, plus the humans get to use an aquatic center, a sports center, and a playground for the kids.

With more than 100 restaurants that allow dogs, it’s going to be easy to find the cuisine and attitude you’re looking for. We like The Dog Bar in the Grand Central District, which has a private, 4,500-sq. ft. off-leash dog park, with an attached sports bar.

Dog-Friendly in Philadelphia, PA

It’s evident that The City of Brotherly Love also has a thing for dogs. One of the nation’s most historic cities offers 16 off-leash dog parks, 10 hiking trails and more than 250 dog-friendly restaurants.

Wissahickon Valley Park offers 50 miles of forested hiking trails that are ideal for a day with the puppers. It’s just one of the 10 area trails that allows leashed dogs in the Philly metro.

Many establishments allow dogs on their patios or sidewalk tables, and offer water, leash hook-ups and attention from the wait staff. We like Dock Street South, which allows humans and dogs to co-mingle in a part of their brewery room during certain times of the year. 

Dog-Friendly in Cincinnati, OH                

The Queen City treats dogs like royalty, with more than 150 dog-friendly restaurants. Like Philly, dogs and humans can enjoy the patio life with a host of outdoor tables and dog amenities. With a trendy brewery and pizza joint just a few blocks from our Store Space location (and plenty of patio seating for our dogs), you might just find us at Urban Artifact.

In addition to miles of walking and hiking trails around the area, there are also nine off-leash parks in Cincinnati. Otto Armleder Memorial Park has a 10-acre site just for dogs, with separate large and small dog areas, a doggie shower, and drinking fountains. There’s also a mile-long paved trail for leashed walks.

FAQs: Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the United States

Q: What are considered the top dog-friendly cities in the U.S.

A: Most lists of the top dog-friendly cities include Portland, OR, San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, San Francisco, CA, Austin, TX, and Tampa, FL. Additionally, the cities listed in this blog are in the top 50.

Q: What cities have the most pets?

A: Some of the cities with the most dogs include Houston, San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago.

Q: What is the dog capital of the U.S.?

A: Houston is known as the dog capital of the U.S. because they have the highest ratio of dogs to humans, with 52.1 dogs per 100 humans. The city maintains 14 off-leash dog parks.

Store Space Loves Dogs

Store Space is a dog-friendly company, offering our employees pet insurance, and even hosting pet days in our corporate offices, so we understand how important it is to give your pets a healthy lifestyle.

Whether you’re walking to new parts of your town or looking for a more hospitable place to raise your fur family, self-storage is an important asset to have on hand. It's great for moving, or as a useful place to store items you need close at hand.

Find the Store Space facility near you by using our storage location finder and rent in just minutes.