Finding the Perfect Pet-Friendly City

Have you ever changed your outlook on your hometown because you now have a dog? Or maybe having a dog just highlighted what you didn't want to admit to yourself about your environment?

For a while, I've known I am not in the environment I would like to be in. And yet, I haven't figured out where my next home will be. So here is what I like about Miami (where I was born and raised and live now). I love the small community of dog parents I've connected with, and the winter weather is pleasant. And what I dislike! The heat, lack of natural spaces, and the community, while considered a melting pot, are very singular thinking and lack public appreciation. The manicured landscape, with palm trees instead of canopy trees, doesn't provide the natural shade we need in this hot and humid climate. The experience here often feels artificial and forced to me.

For dogs, Miami can be tricky. Pet ownership isn't always taken seriously, and the Miami-Dade animal shelter is overcrowded. Most see ownership as disposable (just look up animal dumping in Redlands, Fl) , and the lack of education and empathy for animals is concerning. Despite the hot weather, there aren't many activities for dogs. Dog Sports, particularly water-focused ones like dock diving, for example, are nonexistent; they're just not a priority in the culture here.

I took on the challenge of traveling to different cities to understand their communities, values, and mindsets. I met Reed and his dog, Oats, at a dog park in Savannah. Reed moved from Ohio, looking for a place that, while not perfect, met most of his needs. He shared how he misses hiking with Oats, aware that both might share the same longing for adventure but modifying for their well-being and what Savannah can provide for them.

I also noticed changes in how road trips are taken. Many gas stations on major highways now offer dog parks, making travel easier for dog parents. Seeing pet guardians prioritize their pets' well-being excites me about the future of pet ownership. We didn't only see dogs; I met Milo the cat and his people, Emily and Adriana, vacationing in Savannah from Atlanta. They advocated for normalizing cats outdoors.

So, what would be my dog and I's perfect pet-friendly city? I prioritize an outdoor lifestyle with community and collaboration. I love city life but want a city that considers the natural needs of all its citizens, human and non-human. While my heart is in New York (especially Brooklyn), some areas like the Financial District and SoHo lack green spaces, and many have "pet-free space" signs. Nature seems reserved for humans. New York meets many of my needs, but it might be too chaotic at this stage of our lives.

If you could imagine a new place for you and your dog, what characteristics would you love? What would be a drawback?