Choosing where to live often comes down to cost, job opportunities and lifestyle. But for millions of pet owners, there is another factor that matters just as much: how easy it is to live there with a dog. Limited green space, expensive vet care and few pet-friendly places can make daily life harder for both pets and their owners.
A new study from MarketWatch Guides set out to answer that question by ranking nearly 100 U.S. cities based on dog friendliness, walkability and access to pet health care. The results highlight where dogs are living their best lives and which cities may be more challenging for pet parents.
Raleigh Tops List of Most Dog-Friendly Cities
The study ranked Raleigh, N.C., as the most dog-friendly city overall, followed by Nashville, Madison, Wis., Lexington, Ky., and Boise, Idaho, rounding out the top five.
Researchers looked at several factors, including the number of pet-friendly restaurants, access to veterinary care, walkable weather and available dog parks. Cities that performed well across multiple categories ranked higher overall…