People should not own dog-slaves in NYC, it is cruel not to mention the excrement that covers the streets everywhere! Glad to see NYC ranked low, pet owners stay away!
It is getting more difficult to find housing whereby the landlord will allow a pet.
Here in Bend, Oregon, dogs rule. I frequently find turds in our un-fenced yard and have been accosted by growling off-leash dogs in areas where they should be leashed. Not many in Bend obey the leash laws.
I like dogs. I jut don't like some of their owners very much.
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I grew up with dogs. Haven't the time to be saddled with taking care of one, so now I have an indoor rescue cat.
This post will be slammed by those with the pervasive attitude I see that the entire world should be dedicated to providing a latrine for pet dogs. I have no dog, yet I have to clean up dog poop in my yard all the time, and I have bushes and flowers that die from being urinated on. If I pay attention, I'll note that only about half of people pick up the poop their dog leaves - whether it's on a public property or on someone else's private lawn. They don't care a bit about urine.
Wake up, folks. "Pet-Friendly" doesn't mean lack of responsibility.
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Agreed! I'm a dog owner, love dogs, but I hate that irresponsible dog owners give us a bad name.
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Goodness, Boston sucks? How come! I only see pet friendly people everywhere!
Does being "pet friendly" mean NOT inflicting your pet -- on MetroNorth, subways, buses -- on those who have a fur allergy.
Does "loving your pet as much as others love their children" mean putting them in a harness when you drive them from place to place? Or does it mean expecting other drivers to get out of your way when your dog jumps in front of your face?
Or does "pet friendly" mean demanding the right to be totally inconsiderate of others, their health and safety?
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Restaurants, grocery stores and farmer's markets should be dog free. The strollers are enough of a hassle. Try flying with a dog next to you...that's loads of fun too.
In my tiny border community (pop 800) of Naco, Arizona, most dogs are not locked in yards or homes. They are allowed to run and play free with other neighborhood dogs. Which is great for my 5-year-old Irish Terrier Suzie who has gathered about 7 boy dogs to play with as we walk through town. And they are all breeds, shapes and colors, from Chihuahuas to Labradors and 95 percent are friendly unlike some of their owners. Dogs are great if you let them run.
Dogs in NYC are far better cared for, and happier, than those who are shunted off into the yards in those single-family detached homes. In urban areas (where most people don't have yards), dogs are walked 2-4 times per day, and taken to dog parks to run and socialize. A dog doesn't want to be out in the yard alone, he wants to be with his owner--preferably on a walk, but even on the couch.
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My test is one simple question. In the prevailing attitude of an area, are pets considered to be property or friends?
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The 100 largest cities are likely worse for pets than smaller cities.
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i can't imagine a dog being happy in #1,2,3,5,6,7,9,10 in the summer unless they stay inside the air conditioned residence.
Portland, OR isn't on the "best" list? I'm surprised.
Seattle has a way to go but is working on improving (Increasing number of legal off-leash areas). Some of the bars allow dogs inside but restaurants can't due to health codes (pet-friendly and restaurants are oxymorons here). I'm trying to figure out where in the US non-service animals are allowed inside of a restaurant.
My dogs think the Magnuson OLA is their backyard and swimming pool (it is, in a way as I don't have a fenced yard).
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There is a reason they call Park City, UT "bark city".
Pets rule here.
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One variable they missed: rattlesnakes.
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You coulda fooled me. Living in Brooklyn here it seems there are more dogs and cats than people.
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Consider yourself lucky.
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I suspect many cat owners in the friendliest states, keep their cars indoors, where they belong. Not outside birding.
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Charlotte, NC, 91st?!You can't be serious! They have dog parks in practically every residential development in and around the City! It's doggy heaven! They have more space at times then the residents! You really have to watch where you are stepping!!!
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This is a good example of why these "objective" analyses based on crunching data usually get things wrong. NYC is a great place for dogs for the simple reason that it's a walking city, and people talk their dogs with them while running their errands.
When I'm visiting my mom in Florida, I see people walking their dogs as a duty. In NYC, it's an organic part of living here.
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well, no. You cannot run errands in the city with your dog. Duane Reade - no. Botega - no. Coffee shop - no. Restaurant - no. Grocery store - not even close. Home Deport - yes. Post office - no. Certain buildings (where my friends live) - no, no dogs allowed. I got a ticket in the subway for holding a dog, and not having her in a special bag. Really. Lost a day off work, went to court, but lost it regardless. Once I got a puppy, I had to plan my weekend - where can I go, and where I can't. It was a logistic nightmare.
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My thought as well, Technic Ally. I've brought my dog to both Philadelphia and New York City. I don't know how this survey determined the NYC has lots of outdoor space -- every park and strip of grass is signed to prohibit dogs from doing their business there. I've had to just walk and walk my dog until she die her thing on the sidewalk or once, in the middle of a crosswalk. She hated the noise too. But Center City Philadelphia is wonderful with many places to take my dog.
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"The Best American Cities for Pets"
I would think the pets would find the summers too hot and the asphalt burning.
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I should have added "... in Arizona."
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9 months of the year Phoenix is ideal for dog walking. The other 3 months are tolerable when walking in the early morning or late evening. And yes, having lower humidity mitigates the high summer temps for people and dogs. So, I guess I could ask Technic Ally if Toronto isn't too cold and dreary for pets throughout the long winter.
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Many dogs naturally have fur/hair coats designed for weather under 50 degrees. My Lurchers have a fleece and waterproof wardrobe (and it doesn't get that cold here) so they are quite fine when the temperature dips down and it starts to drizzle or rain.