The 20 Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the World (2025 Ultimate Guide)

The 20 Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the World (2025 Ultimate Guide)

🐾 Published on Thu Dec 04 2025

🏷️ Travel

2025 Ultimate Global Guide for Traveling With Your Pup

Traveling with your dog in 2025 has never been easier—or more exciting. As cities around the world become increasingly pet-friendly, dog owners now have access to hotels, parks, cafés, public transport, beaches and entire districts designed to welcome dogs with open arms.

This guide reveals the 20 most dog-friendly cities in the world, ranked for accessibility, culture, amenities, green spaces, and overall experience for both humans and pups. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a bucket-list international trip, this article gives you everything you need: hotels, itineraries, transport rules, must-visit parks, and hidden gems only locals know.


🧭 How We Chose the Top 20 Dog-Friendly Cities

To build the most accurate 2025 global ranking, we evaluated each city using key criteria:

✔ Public Transport Rules

Cities where dogs can ride metros, trains, ferries, trams, or buses get a huge advantage.

Number & Quality of Dog Parks / Off-Leash Areas

More off-leash freedom = happier dogs.

Pet-Friendly Hotels, Restaurants & Cafés

A great city will have dog-welcoming hotels (no surprise fees), cafés with water bowls, and restaurants that allow outdoor seating with pets.

Walkability & Green Spaces

Urban comfort + access to nature is the secret combo.

Local Dog Culture

Friendly locals, community vibes, dog events, open beaches, and pet shops.

Ease of International Travel

Availability of pet-friendly flights and simple entry requirements.

With this method, we curated a list that reflects real dog-owner experience in 2025.


🌍 The 20 Best Dog-Friendly Cities in the World (2025)

Below are the global winners, each with quick highlights, must-visit spots, and travel tips.


🇺🇸 1. Portland, Oregon (USA)

Why it’s #1: Portland is consistently called “Dog Heaven,” and 2025 is no exception. With more off-leash parks per capita than almost any city in the world, endless hiking trails, and an incredibly dog-loving culture, it’s a paradise for pups.

Top experiences:

Where to stay:
Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland (no pet fees, legendary).


🇳🇱 2. Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Dogs ride trams, buses, and metros for free. Most cafés and shops welcome them, and canalside walks are unforgettable.

Don’t miss:

Pro tip: No muzzle laws for most dogs—very pet-relaxed culture.


🇫🇷 3. Paris (France)

One of the surprise leaders. Parisian dogs go everywhere—the metro, restaurants, cafés, hotels, and even some boutiques.

Best spots:

Hotel pick:
Le Bristol Paris (ultra pet-friendly luxury).


🇨🇦 4. Vancouver (Canada)

Mountains + beaches + forest trails + parks = perfect dog city.

Highlights:

Why it’s great: Extremely safe, clean, and nature-rich.


🇺🇸 5. San Francisco (USA)

The city with legendary dog culture—and some of the best dog beaches in the world.

Must-see:

Bonus: Many restaurants have dog menus.


🇩🇪 6. Berlin (Germany)

Super progressive animal laws, huge parks, and relaxed public transport rules for dogs.

Best experiences:


🇨🇦 7. Toronto (Canada)

Toronto is booming as a 2025 dog city thanks to renovated dog parks and many pet-friendly apartments and cafés.

Highlights:


🇯🇵 8. Tokyo (Japan)

Japan is not known as a dog-travel hotspot, but Tokyo changed everything. Dog-friendly cafés exploded—and they’re world-class.

Top spots:


🇦🇺 9. Sydney (Australia)

Beaches, sunshine, parks, and outdoor cafés everywhere.

Must visit:


🇮🇹 10. Rome (Italy)

Rome is charming and surprisingly dog-friendly: open parks, welcoming cafés, relaxed attitudes.

Best places:


🇬🇧 11. London (UK)

Huge, green, perfect for long dog walks.

Highlights:


🇩🇰 12. Copenhagen (Denmark)

Clean, calm, modern, and super dog-welcoming.

Don’t miss:


🇺🇸 13. Seattle, Washington (USA)

Nature-focused city with great dog businesses.

Highlights:


🇨🇭 14. Zurich (Switzerland)

High quality of life for humans and dogs.

Why it’s amazing:


🇪🇸 15. Barcelona (Spain)

Sunny, vibrant, welcoming—and beaches open to dogs.

Best spots:


🇸🇬 16. Singapore

Ultra-clean, safe, modern—and booming dog cafés.

Highlights:


🇦🇷 17. Buenos Aires (Argentina)

One of the most dog-loving cities in South America.

Don’t miss:


🇦🇹 18. Vienna (Austria)

Green, organized, and elegant.

Highlights:


🇵🇹 19. Lisbon (Portugal)

New dog laws + more pet-friendly restaurants every year.

Best spots:


🇪🇪 20. Tallinn (Estonia)

Emerging but powerful dog-friendly destination.

Why it ranks:


🏨 How to Choose the Best Dog-Friendly Hotels

When booking pet-friendly hotels in 2025, check for:

Top dog-friendly hotel chains:


🧳 Travel Tips: How to Prepare Your Dog for International Trips

✔ Vet check & microchip

✔ Vaccinations (including destination-specific)

✔ Proper travel crate (IATA compliant)

✔ Routine maintenance during travel

✔ Food & water planning

✔ Introduce new environments gradually

For long-haul flights, do trial “crate naps” weeks before traveling.


🐾 Suggested Itineraries for Dog Owners (2025)

🌉 1. Pacific Northwest Trail (USA + Canada)

Seattle → Vancouver → Portland

🌍 2. European Capitals Tour

Paris → Amsterdam → Berlin → Copenhagen

🏖️ 3. Mediterranean Sunshine Route

Barcelona → Rome → Lisbon


❓ FAQ — Dog Travel Questions Answered

Are dogs allowed on airplanes in 2025?

Yes. Most major airlines allow small dogs in cabin and larger ones in cargo with specific rules.

Which airlines are the best for dog travel?

Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada.

Do hotels charge extra for dogs?

Some do. Always check “pet policy” before booking.

What is the safest way for a dog to travel?

In-cabin if size allows. For larger dogs → certified crate + direct flights.


🐶 Final Thoughts

With more cities embracing dog culture, 2025 is the best year ever to travel with your pup. Whether you’re dreaming of Europe, North America, Asia or Australia, these 20 world-class dog-friendly cities offer unforgettable experiences, open parks, welcoming cafés, and a lifestyle designed for pups who love adventures.

More Travel Resources

Ready to plan your dog-friendly adventure? Explore these guides:

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