Every dog owner hopes to have a great dog park close to their home. A place where their dogs can romp freely, chasing balls, making new four-legged pals, and leaving paw prints on the hearts of everyone they encounter. LawnStarter uncovered the top cities for dog parks in 2023, just in time for National Lost Pet Prevention Month in July. They compared 98 of the biggest U.S. cities based on access, quality, and climate. More specifically, they factored in the number of dog parks per 100,000 two-legged residents, visitor ratings, and historical weather data, among eight total metrics.
Tampa makes it into the top 5 for best dog park city.
Tampa claims the No. 4 position on the list of best dog park cities. It earned recognition for its l quality, access, and favorable climate in the study. The city also has a dog-friendly reputation that was further cemented. In 2022, Tampa was named one of Forbes' Best Cities For Dogs.
Their ranking of the top 10 cities has a blend of large and small East and West Coast destinations. Among these is Boise, Idaho, claiming the No. 1 spot, followed closely by San Francisco at No. 2. Other notable cities in the mix include Arlington, Virginia, ranking at No. 5, and New York City at No. 6. These cities offer quality dog parks. Although, their climates may vary, with some not necessarily being the most ideal for dogs.
The study showed that half of the bottom 10 cities on their list are located in the South. With Garland, Texas, landing in last place. The other five cities are scattered across the Midwest and coasts. This includes Cleveland at No. 97, Santa Clarita, California at No. 91, and Newark, New Jersey at No. 90. Unfortunately, these cities have limited access when it comes to top-notch dog parks. They also tend to have some of the least dog-friendly climates, says the study. However, there are a few exceptions in the bunch.
See how other cities compared for the best dog parks here.
