Some people prioritize food, museums, and nightlife when traveling to a new city. Others are just as interested in the dogs they might meet on their next vacation. For an idea of where in the world you're most likely to make a new four-legged friend, check out this list of the best cities for dog lovers.
The pet insurance comparison site Protect My Paws analyzed academic reports and government data to determine which international cities have the most dogs per capita. Only registered pets were covered in their research.
You don't need to leave the U.S. to visit the city with highest dog-to-person ration on Earth. Houston, Texas, boasts roughly 52 canine companions for every 100 humans, coming out to 1.2 million dogs total. That means you have a high chance of petting a dog on the street (with their owner's permission, of course). Bern, Switzerland, is next on the list, with 47.7 dogs per 100 people. Behind that is the Cuban capital of Havana with a dog-to-person ratio of 40.6-to-100. You can read Protect My Paws' full list below.
A city that supports an impressive dog population isn't necessarily the most pet-friendly destination. Factors like walkability and pet healthcare go into making a place desirable for residents looking to become dog owners rather than just see them in passing. Here are the most pet-friendly cities in America.
- Houston, TX
- Bern, Switzerland
- Havana, Cuba
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Sucre, Bolivia
- Budapest, Hugary
- Chicago, IL
- Denver, CO
- Philadelphia, PA