A Small City You've Never Thought to Visit Just Topped America's Most Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations List
Summer is already here, which means it's time to get the family in the car for an adventure-even the pets! Whether it's a month-long, pet-friendly road trip or a weekend getaway somewhere nearby, dogs (and sometimes even cats) will be more than happy to tag along. However, finding pet-friendly accommodations can sometimes be easier said than done.
To make matters easier for pet parents, travel search engine KAYAK analyzed data from over 1000 U.S. cities to determine the most pet-friendly travel destinations of 2026. These towns have the highest percentage of pet-friendly hotels and rentals, though they're not what anyone expects.
The Most Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations of 2026, Ranked
When compiling this list, KAYAK travel experts considered factors like the minimum accommodation threshold and the average price of pet-friendly accommodations. Ultimately, cities were ranked not by the number of pet-friendly hotels they have, but by the percentage of hotels within city limits that allow pets.
"This helps highlight destinations where travelers are more likely to find pet-friendly lodging options," explains Kayla Deloache, KAYAK travel trends expert, "rather than simply favoring larger cities that have more hotels overall."
These are the most pet-friendly cities in America:
| Rank | City | % of Pet-Friendly Accomodations | Avg. Hotel Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Topeka, KS | 64% | $111 |
2 | Amarillo, TX | 61% | $108 |
3 | Yakima, WA | 56% | $114 |
4 | Klamath Falls, OR | 55% | $88 |
5 | Syracuse, NY | 55% | $162 |
6 | Ocala, FL | 54% | $99 |
7 | Evansville, IN | 53% | $98 |
8 | Yuma, AZ | 52% | $80 |
9 | Madison, WI | 50% | $140 |
10 | Montgomery, AL | 50% | $134 |
11 | Jackson, MS | 50% | $108 |
12 | Lincoln, NE | 49% | $140 |
13 | Valdosta, GA | 49% | $128 |
14 | Paducah, KY | 49% | $140 |
15 | Titusville, FL | 49% | $150 |
16 | Boca Raton, FL | 48% | $196 |
17 | Davenport, IA | 48% | $81 |
18 | Springfield, MO | 48% | $127 |
19 | Florence, SC | 48% | $120 |
20 | Long Beach, WA | 47% | $159 |
Many of the cities and towns in this list are truly surprising. As someone who lives in California, where almost everyone has a pet, I expected to see at least one town from The Golden State at the top of the rankings. I guess lots of dog-friendly beaches don't always translate to lots of dog-friendly hotels!
Why Smaller Cities Top the List Over Major Travel Hubs
Small towns and outdoor destinations like the ones on this list aren't the most popular travel destinations in America, but they are the most likely to welcome your pet in hotels and rentals. Why is this?
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"Smaller destinations don't necessarily have more pet-friendly accommodations overall, but they often have a higher share of pet-friendly options," says Deloache. "They also tend to attract road trippers and leisure travelers who are more likely to bring pets along. As a result, pet-friendly stays are often more common in smaller destinations than in larger cities, where traveling with pets can be more complicated."
Anyone who's traveled with a dog knows just how much planning and preparation it requires, but pet parents wouldn't trade it for the world. Every memory made with a pet is paw-sitively priceless!
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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 3:40 PM.