This One State Was Just Ranked the Most Dog-Friendly Place to Travel
Traveling with your dog can feel like a balancing act-but one state is making it a whole lot easier. California just claimed the top spot for dog-friendly travel, offering pet parents more choice (and better stays) than anywhere else in the country.
According to research conducted by dog safety gate company Dog-G8, the Golden State offers 1,494 pet-friendly properties, with 1,185 rated four stars or higher-the highest number of top-rated stays in the country. Because when it comes to actually enjoying a trip with your dog, it's not just about whether pets are allowed-it's about how many options you have, and how good those options actually are.
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"California is ranked the highest because it gives dog owners what they need most when traveling, choice. A high number of pet-friendly stays means owners are less likely to compromise on location, quality, or suitability, which can make a huge difference during busy summer months," says Chris Maxted, director of Dog-G8. And with over 3,200 total accommodations analyzed, California also gives travelers the widest range of choices, from sprawling oceanfront resorts to boutique urban properties.
To formulate their findings, Dog-G8 analyzed accommodation data from Tripadvisor across all US states, ranking each based on the number of pet-friendly properties, the number of pet-friendly properties rated four stars and above, and the total property availability.
Other states like Texas and Florida also ranked highly in Dog-G8's analysis, but California stood out for delivering both quantity and quality, which can make a big difference when traveling during peak seasons.
These matter more than ever, as more people plan trips with their pets in mind. In fact, a growing number of travelers now prioritize dog-friendly stays, and many say finding the right accommodations is one of the biggest challenges when booking a trip.
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What Makes a State Dog-Friendly?
When it comes to travel, a dog-friendly state needs to offer accommodations that combine availability, quality, and flexibility, making it easier for pet parents to plan trips without compromising on comfort or location. Easily accessible outdoor recreation (trails/parks) and canine-welcoming restaurants and shops should also be available. According to Visit California, "gorgeous weather, lots of wide-open spaces, and a relentlessly welcoming attitude [also] help make California one of the most pet-friendly states in the country."
As a Los Angeles resident and a dog mom, I can personally attest to the state's overwhelming dog-friendliness. I can take my doodle with me most places and enjoy endless outdoor options for keeping her (and me) entertained from morning till night. In fact, it's a rare event when I don't run into fellow four-legged friends at our local restaurants, shops, and the beach.
Ultimately, the most dog-friendly destinations are simply the ones that make travel easier. Continues Maxted, "Traveling with a dog takes more planning than a normal vacation. [People] have to think about safety, space, routine, and how their dog will cope in a new environment." Therefore, states offering safe, well-rated, and convenient places to stay and play are the most welcoming for our canine companions. Because when those bases are covered, both pets and their humans can actually relax and enjoy the trip.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 4:28 PM.