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These Are the Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cities in the U.S. in 2025

By: KURU Footwear
KURU highlights the top 10 most dog-friendly U.S. cities in 2025, based on walkability, park access, safety, climate, and dog ownership rates.

When the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s not just humans heading outside for more steps—our four-legged friends are right there with us. That’s why, just in time for summer, we set out to uncover the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S.

From walkability and safety to sunshine and access to parks, we analyzed the 50 most populous cities across five key metrics to reveal where dogs (and their humans) can enjoy life on foot together.

Every step counts, especially the ones shared with a wagging tail by your side. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood or a daily loop around the dog park, walking is better when it doesn’t come with foot pain.

That’s why we’re excited to share this report—not just to highlight the best places to be a dog owner in America, but to inspire more joyful walks with happier, healthier feet.

How We Ranked the Most Dog-Friendly Cities in America

To build our list of the top dog-friendly cities, we started with the 50 most populous cities in the U.S. and scored each one across five key factors tied to better walks for both dogs and their owners.

We looked at climate, since more sunny days mean more chances to get outside without battling rain, snow, or muddy trails. We included a safety score, based on how safe locals feel walking alone during the day and at night. Then we factored in walkability and ParkScore—a measure of how many residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

Finally, we considered dog ownership rates by state, because a walk’s just better when there are other pups around to say hello. Each city earned a score out of 100, helping us spotlight the very best places for walk-worthy living with your dog.

After crunching the numbers, these 10 cities rose to the top as the most dog-friendly in the U.S.:

1. San Francisco, CA

With a remarkable WalkScore of 89 and plenty of sunshine, San Francisco tops our list of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. Its blend of walkability, park access, and good weather makes it an ideal spot for daily strolls—whether you're heading uphill, downhill, or just around the block with your pup.

2. Denver, CO

With an outstanding ParkScore of 13 (96% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park), a strong safety score, and 65% of residents owning dogs, Denver is a walker's paradise—for both humans and pups. It’s a city built for movement, community, and outdoor living.

3. San Diego, CA

Thanks to 266 sunny days a year, San Diego makes a strong appearance in our top 3. Add in a high ParkScore and one of the highest safety ratings in the country, and it’s easy to see why this SoCal city is a go-to for pet parents looking for consistent, safe strolls.

4. Omaha, NE

This Midwestern standout claims the highest dog ownership rate on our list—an impressive 70%. Combined with a solid safety score, Omaha proves you don’t need ocean views or towering skylines to be one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. It’s a hidden gem for pet parents who want plenty of pup-loving neighbors and safe streets to stroll.

5. Miami, FL

If you're chasing the sun, Miami delivers with 248 sunny days a year. Add in a WalkScore of 77 with 56% of residents owning dogs, and it’s the perfect backdrop for breezy walks and beach-adjacent playdates.

6. New York City, NY

NYC remains a heavyweight, thanks to a massive WalkScore of 88 and a ParkScore of 12, with 99% of residents living within 10 minutes of a park. While city life comes with hustle and bustle, the infrastructure makes walking your pup both doable and delightful.

7. Boston, MA

Despite fewer sunny days, Boston shines with a strong WalkScore of 83, excellent park access, and a reliable safety rating. With 49% of residents owning dogs, it stands out among dog-friendly towns where finding furry friends—and scenic walking routes—is part of the daily routine.

8. Washington, D.C.

D.C. checks all the boxes on paper—it’s the most walkable city in the U.S. and boasts the highest ParkScore nationwide. While only 38% of residents own dogs, it still offers top-tier infrastructure for those who do. A great option for small breeds or urban explorers.

9. San Jose, CA

Sunny skies, a top-tier safety score, and strong walkability help San Jose earn its place on the list. This Northern California city offers a winning mix of comfort and convenience for dog owners—making it one of the best dog-friendly places to visit or call home in 2025.

10. Seattle, WA

Sure, Seattle gets its fair share of rain, but it makes up for it with a WalkScore of 73, ParkScore of 32, and 57% dog ownership. It’s a city that embraces the elements and celebrates walkable, dog-loving communities—even under cloudy skies.

How Many Miles Do Dog Owners Walk Each Year?

You don’t need a gym membership when you’ve got a dog and a leash. As part of our research into the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S., we also surveyed Americans to better understand the walking habits of dog owners—and the numbers prove just how much ground pup parents really cover.

The Dog-Walking Routine: Daily Walkers Lead the Pack

Out of 1,000 Americans surveyed in April 2025, 47% said they currently own a dog. We then asked the 475 dog owners about how often they hit the pavement.

  • 59% walk their dogs every day
  • Just 3% say they never walk their dogs, and another 4% say “rarely”
  • They average 5.4 walks per week

It’s clear: for most people, walking the dog isn’t just a chore—it’s part of their routine.

Nearly 10 Miles a Week. Over a Million Steps a Year.

Those daily strolls really add up. Our survey found the average walk lasts 1.83 miles, which translates to:

  • 9.88 miles per week.
  • 513.76 miles per year.
  • That’s the same distance as walking from New York City to Cincinnati—or San Francisco to San Diego!
  • 1,135,992 steps per year—just from walking the dog.

That’s more than a million steps logged annually, simply by keeping up with a pup’s walking needs. In fact, 55% of dog owners say walking or playing with their dog accounts for most of their weekly exercise. As the CDC recommends 10,000 steps a day, walking your dog is a great way to hit that goal without even thinking about it.

Paws, Claws, and Scales

While dogs rule the home, they’re not always the only animal in it. We also learned:

  • 38% of dog owners also own cats.
  • 4% own reptiles, 1% own rodents, and 5% have other pets like birds or fish.
  • 52% of dog owners stick to dogs only.

Whether you live in one of the best dog-friendly cities or just want to boost your step count, one thing’s clear—dog owners are logging serious miles, and their feet (and shoes) need to keep up.

Final Thoughts

From sunny sidewalks to well-connected parks, our data revealed the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S.—places where pups and their people can enjoy more moments on the move. By analyzing walkability, park access, safety, climate, and dog ownership, we uncovered the top cities that make it easier (and more enjoyable) to live an active, dog-friendly lifestyle.

And the best part? All that walking adds up. With dog owners logging nearly 10 miles a week and over a million steps a year, these daily walks aren’t just great for your pet—they’re a powerful way to support your own health, too. Every step counts, especially when you’ve got a four-legged friend leading the way.

Methodology and Sources

Methodology

To uncover the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S., we started with the 50 most populous cities in 2025 and scored each one across five key metrics—each worth 20 points for a total possible score of 100.

Here’s what we measured:

  • Average number of sunny days
  • WalkScore
  • ParkScore
  • Safety score
  • Dog ownership rate

In cases where cities tied, the city with the higher WalkScore was appointed the winner.

We also conducted a national survey of 1,000 U.S. adults in April 2025 to learn more about dog ownership and walking habits. Of those surveyed, 475 said they currently own a dog, and they continued to share insights about how often—and how far—they walk.

The survey has a 95% confidence level and a ±5% margin of error.

Sources

About Us

At KURU, we’re on a mission to help you Heel Better™ with footwear technology designed to relieve foot pain, so you can live a life you love. Since launching our innovative technology in 2008, we’ve sold over 2 million pairs and received more than 39,000 five-star reviews from thousands of customers who tell us their KURU shoes helped them with foot pain conditions (such as plantar fasciitis) and got them back to doing what they love.

For all media inquiries, please contact us at pr@kurufootwear.com.

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