New research from Compare the Market has identified the world’s most dog-friendly cities, with American cities dominating the top rankings. San Francisco leads the list, followed by Austin and Washington, D.C., reflecting strong pet-friendly infrastructure across the United States.
San Francisco scored 8.56 out of 10 overall, thanks to its high number of pet-friendly cafes and restaurants, numerous veterinarians, and abundant dog parks. The city offers 46.39 pet-friendly eateries and 6.06 dog parks per 100,000 residents, alongside an average of 42 rainy days per year, which contributes to its appeal for dog owners.
Austin ranked second with a score of 8.37, standing out for its many pet-friendly hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Washington, D.C. took third place with a score of 8.03, leading in the number of pet-friendly restaurants and hotels per capita and ranking high for veterinarians.
Other U.S. cities such as San Diego, Boston, San Antonio, and Phoenix also ranked highly, supported by strong pet-friendly amenities and favorable climates.
European cities appeared further down the list. Lisbon, Portugal ranked fifth, with a score of 7.84, notable for its large number of veterinarians but fewer pet-friendly cafes and restaurants. Florence, Italy, ranked eighth, offering the highest number of pet-friendly hotels in the study but limited options for dog-friendly dining. Nice, France scored 7.09 and is considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in France, though it has fewer dog parks than other cities.
Athens ranked 59th out of 65 cities, with a low overall score of 3.00. The Greek capital has very few dog parks and limited pet-friendly dining options, although its mild climate with 58 rainy days per year makes it suitable for outdoor activities with dogs. Similarly, other European cities like Stockholm, Munich, and London also scored low in dog-friendly infrastructure despite some strengths in veterinary services.
Adrian Taylor, General Insurance Manager at Compare the Market, advised dog owners to carefully check their pet insurance policies before traveling. He emphasized that coverage varies depending on the policy, particularly for international travel. Taylor noted that having pet insurance offers peace of mind by protecting pets against accidents, injuries, and illnesses during trips.
Overall, the report highlights that while American cities lead in dog-friendly infrastructure, many European cities have room to improve, especially in expanding dog parks and pet-friendly cafes and restaurants to better accommodate dog owners and their pets.
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