Travel for Food Hub The Food Blog for Travel Lovers
Last Updated on March 1, 2023
What is the most dog-friendly state in the US? That’s the first question we grapple with the moment we make travel plans with our pets.
Making a travel plan for a trip with your pet is, admittedly, not the easiest task. You have to verify and fill a whole bunch of documents, get your pet passports ready, stay on top of their vaccinations and treatments, in addition to ensuring that the places you visit won’t, in any way, cause harm to the health of your pet.
Sounds time-consuming and stress-inducing, doesn’t it? So if you’re asking yourself, “where can I travel with my dog in the USA?”, we’re here to help. We hope this article, centered around the most pet-friendly destinations in the United States, helps ease the load. After all, don’t all travel plans begin with selecting a destination?
Bend, Oregon
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An estimated 49 percent of residents own dogs in Bend, Oregon. If that doesn’t attest to its pet-friendly environment, we don’t know what will. Bend offers a whopping 51 miles of trails and plenty of off-leash areas!
Central Oregon is nothing short of a hiking haven both for walk-enthusiastic dogs and their outdoors-loving parents.
The Deschutes River trail offers plenty of opportunities to cool off in the water after a high-intensity hike with your furry friend. If your dog gets nervous around water, you may consider renting a canoe to relieve some of that stress.
Pets are allowed literally everywhere in the city right from parks to breweries. You’ll find that Bend, Oregon, has an abundance of possibilities for fun and frolic that could make any dog-loving road-tripper’s travel a fun one.
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Bar Harbor, Maine
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Maine’s Bar Harbor is a small town on Mount Desert Island. It offers 120 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails with sweeping views at Acadia National Park, pet-friendly patios where you can dine with your furry friend, and sandy beaches where you can take a step back and rewind. Lightly put, it’s the answer to your question “What is the most dog-friendly state in the US?“
Did we mention Acadia National Park has an astonishing 45 miles of carriage roads to its name? Think about all the pictures you can take of your pooch for their Petstagram! And if you want to clock in some laid-back travel fun and enjoy the rugged scenery with your pet, you’ll find Bar Harbor, Maine to be very accommodating. All city buses allow pets onboard, and outfitters like Downeast Windjammer extend that to include boat cruises around Frenchman Bay. It is, hands down, one of the best places to take your dog in the U.S.
Lake Placid, New York
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The Adirondack Mountain Town must sound familiar to you. It did host two Winter Olympic Games, after all! Located just a five-hour drive away from the city of New York, this picture-perfect town, as it turns out, does not just appeal to the international sporting world but also holds a special place in the hearts of dog parents.
Lake Placid, a serene scenic place, is an ideal dog-friendly destination for nature lovers. You can stay at luxury pet-friendly Lake Placid hotels and indulge in classic dog-friendly cuisines. Burn those calories by taking your dog on a trek up the two-mile trail that leads to Mount Jo’s summit. Later, relax with a stroll around the tranquil Mirror Lake, and make memories at the beaches by the lake. Lake Placid sure has all bases covered.
Before you make your way to Lake Placid, make sure to familiarize yourself with the list of the best cold weather dog breeds to ensure that your pet will be able to comfortably adjust to colder temperatures without getting sick.
Austin, Texas
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“Where to eat” is one of the most common problems dog parents face when they travel with their pets. Luckily, that’s not the case when you’re traveling to Austin for a fun-filled vacay. With dog-friendly menus in nearly 500 pet-friendly restaurants ranging from luxury hotels to off-leash parks, you and your pup are bound to be spoilt for choice.
Go on a thrilling hike at Lady Bird Lake or the Red Bud Isle Park where you can rent a kayak for your water-loving pet. Next, relax and enjoy the waterfalls at Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve. You can later treat your pup with dog food and accessories from local farmers and vendors at the Barton Creek Farmers Market nearby. Wait for it, the best one yet, pay a visit to Austin Doga and do your asanas alongside your dog for the complete spiritual experience!
So, if you’re wondering, what is the dog friendliest city? Austin, Texas, with its many pet-friendly activities, is the answer you’re looking for.
San Diego, California
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At San Diego, you can hike at Cowles Mountain and enjoy the 360-degree views of the city. You can play with your pup at one of the many dog beaches and revel in the sandy coastlines and beautiful weather. We’re sure both you and your pup would love the wind in your hair! Rent a boat or yacht at Fiesta Island to experience just that!
You can also visit one of the many off-leash parks to socialize with other pets and owners. For some sporty fun, take your dog to the annual dog surfing competition, and if your dog likes to play ball, take him to the special viewing area for the Padres Baseball game at Petco Park. That’s bound to add some quality fun to the trip!
With over 500+ dog-friendly restaurants, countless breweries where you can eat quality food and drink local craft beer with your pup in tow, and a plethora of dog-friendly accommodations to its name, it’s safe to see why a dog’s day out in San Diego is one of the best dog-friendly vacations California has to offer!
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Wrapping Up
Now that you’ve browsed through the article, we hope it has helped you find the answer to the question: What is the most dog-friendly state in the US? The only decision that probably remains to be made is where to begin!
Will it be the sunny San Diego, the novel Austin Doga at Austin, or the quintessential getaway at New York City? Let us know in the comments down below.
