Cities that truly welcome pets don’t just allow them, they support them. Beyond a high number of pet-friendly apartments, these cities support owners and their furry friends through thoughtful design, accessible amenities, and a culture that treats pets as part of everyday life. Make one of these pet-friendly cities your home and enjoy living with your pet by your side.
The most pet-friendly cities in 2025 were:
Methodology
To find the most pet-friendly cities of 2025, we evaluated each city based on pet-friendly apartment availability, number of dog parks, access to green spaces and trails, and the city’s overall pet-friendly culture.
All rent data is from Apartments.com as of January 2026.
Houston, TX
- Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
- Average Rent in Houston: $1,180/month
Houston is a good place to live for pets and owners with its mix of green spaces, walkability, and a culture that genuinely loves animals. Pet-friendly businesses and dog parks cover the city.
Pet-friendly things to do in Houston
Downtown Houston is a prime example of the pet-friendly attitude of the city. Dogs are welcome on restaurant patios, at beer gardens, and at community events designed for both pets and people, from casual meetups to outdoor movie nights at Market Square Park and Trebly Park. Check out local produce and products at Urban Harvest Farmers Market or East End Farmers Market.
Pet-friendly outdoor recreation and dog parks in Houston
Besides the social scene, Houston’s trail system sets the city apart from others. Paths along the many bayous, including Buffalo Bayou, White Oak Bayou, and Little White Oak Bayou, provide miles of scenic trails to explore.
The city maintains a large number of dog parks, with one of the most popular being Johnny Steele Dog Park due to its two-acre size, small and large dog areas, ponds, and dog washing station. Discovery Green and Market Square, both located downtown, are where dog owners gather to watch their pets play.
Dallas, TX
- Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
- Average Rent in Dallas: $1,394/month
Dallas has a pet-friendly appeal that is built into the city. With tons of trails, dog parks, and pet-centered events spread across neighborhoods, daily life for animals and their owners is made simple. Whether you live downtown or in a surrounding neighborhood, Dallas keeps every part of pet-friendly living within easy reach.
Pet-friendly things to do in Dallas
There are plenty of events and social spots to enjoy in Dallas that expand beyond outdoor patios. Dog owners from all over the city gather for Mardi Paws, local pet markets, and meetups. Walk around the Dallas Farmer’s Market with your pet before exploring street art as you head to an off-leash dog park combined with a restaurant.
Pet-friendly outdoor recreation and dog parks in Dallas
The well-known Trinity River gives Dallas a clear edge when it comes to being pet-friendly, as the waterway cuts through the city to support an expansive network of greenery and trails. The Trinity Skyline Trail offers a paved path for pets and their owners, while other trails, like Katy Trail, branch off into surrounding neighborhoods for everyday access.
Dog parks in Dallas are just as common as regular parks with nine off-leash spots located throughout the city. White Rock Lake is a favorite as it has its own dog park in addition to the trail following the shore. Downtown residents often head to My Best Friend’s Park in Klyde Warren Park or Barry Annino Bark Park (formerly Bark Park Central) for off-leash time.
Austin, TX
- Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
- Average Rent in Austin: $1,382/month
Austin is another favorite Texas city for pet owners. The focus on the outdoors, combined with social events, makes it simple to include your pet in daily life. From trail-lined waterways and sprawling green spaces to patios, events, and businesses that happily accommodate four-legged guests, Austin offers renters plenty of ways to live comfortably without leaving their pets behind.
Pet-friendly things to do in Austin
Explore the many socialization spots for you and your pet to find your favorite one. Many breweries have pet-friendly patios, or head to a dog park and bar or coffee shop combo. When summer hits, head to Zilker Park to enjoy the breeze and music accompaniment at Blues on the Green with your loyal companion by your side.
Pet-friendly outdoor recreation and dog parks in Austin
The Colorado River and its many branching creeks form an extensive greenway system in Austin. With so many trails alongside these waterways, many of the best Austin neighborhoods contain a river offshoot. In addition, the city has built many off-leash areas with more underway so your pet can run freely.
Off-leash dog areas near downtown include Zilker Metro Park Great Lawn and Barking Springs, which allows pets to jump in the water as well. The closest fenced park is West Austin Neighborhood Park Dog Park. Red Bud Isle, a 13-acre island where dogs can sniff and explore, is the largest off-leash dog area in Austin. You can even rent a kayak or paddleboard with your dog at one of the many lakes.
San Antonio, TX
- Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
- Average Rent in San Antonio: $1,073/month
San Antonio makes it easy to include your pet in everyday plans due to plenty of walkable spots. From scenic riverfront strolls to historic plazas, renters can explore the city while keeping their four-legged companion right by their side.
Pet-friendly things to do in San Antonio
The San Antonio River Walk anchors the city’s pet-friendly lifestyle, weaving shops, restaurants, and a walking path into one corridor. Many businesses and eateries along the river welcome pets or have an outdoor pet-friendly spot, making it easy to explore the city’s dining and retail scene without leaving your furry friend behind.
It’s common to see people with their pets strolling along the three-block plaza at historic Market Square. Pearl is another dog-friendly area where you can take a stroll, have a meal at an outdoor patio, or catch the farmer’s market and other pet-friendly events hosted there.
Often the San Antonio Botanical Garden and the San Antonio Zoo hold special days where dogs are allowed. There are countless other special events and markets that welcome dogs, so make sure to keep your calendar free and keep an ear out for local events.
Pet-friendly outdoor recreation and dog parks in San Antonio
The River Walk extends along the San Antonio River’s north and south branches, forming an extensive trail system that stretches through the many neighborhoods that make up the city. For residents farther from the San Antonio River, there are plenty of paths and parks along creeks and lakes. The city has created 19 dog parks so off-leash time can be a daily ritual and not just a special treat.
Charlotte, NC
- Average Rent in the US: $1,624/month
- Average Rent in Charlotte: $1,468/month
Charlotte stands out as the only non-Texas city on the list, yet it shares the same emphasis on green spaces and trails. The best neighborhoods in the city have embraced nature and designed around it, with parks and greenways being commonplace. Dog parks are commonly integrated into these spaces, turning off-leash time into a routine.
Pet-friendly things to do in Charlotte
On top of the green spaces, Charlotte’s businesses, restaurants, and events love animals. From breweries and coffee shops to book stores and antique malls, many have welcoming pet policies ranging from outdoor spaces to leashed pets allowed inside. Keep your day centered around your pet by heading to dedicated pet businesses, like pet bars and bakeries.
There are frequent breed-specific meetups, but also just general groups for walking, hiking, paddleboarding, and even wine tours that you and your pup can enjoy. Popular events include Bark in the Park at Truist Field and Pet Palooza, which has been a tradition in Charlotte for over 25 years.
Pet-friendly outdoor recreation and dog parks in Charlotte
Frazier Place Dog Park is a favorite that is not far from Downtown Charlotte. Larger dog parks inhabit the suburbs, including William R. Davie Dog Park and Renaissance Dog Park.
If you’re willing to head outside the city to Whitewater Center, this spot delivers some of the best dog-friendly experiences. It has a 70-acre, fenced, off-leash area with three ponds, 2.5 miles of trails, beaches, a dock, and a dog wash station. The center also holds the Dog Days of Winter event with tons of activities and vendors, from a trail race to dogs on ice.
Find the Right Pet-Friendly Apartment with Apartments.com
Looking for a place where your pet feels as welcome as you do? Apartments.com makes it easy to narrow your search in even the most pet-friendly cities. Use built-in pet filters to find apartments that allow cats, dogs, or both, check pet policies up front, and explore nearby parks and green space via maps and area guides. Apartments.com helps you find a home your whole household can settle into.
FAQs
What are the best dogs for an apartment?
The best apartment dogs are typically breeds or dogs with lower energy levels and minimal barking. Popular apartment-friendly options include French bulldogs, pugs, and standard poodles. That said, size isn’t everything as temperament, exercise needs, and your apartment community’s pet policy matters just as much.
What do I need to know about renting with an emotional support animal or service animal?
If you rent with an emotional support animal (ESA) or a service animal, you’re protected under the Fair Housing Act. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations, even in buildings with no-pet policies, and they can’t charge pet rent or pet fees for qualifying animals.
However, you may need to provide proper documentation for an ESA, and your animal must be well behaved and not pose a direct threat or cause significant property damage. Service animals and emotional support animals are treated differently from pets, so it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities before you apply.
