Which City Is the Least Dog Friendly? A Guide for Dog‑Travelers

Planning a vacation with your canine companion can be a joy-until you land in a place that treats dogs like an afterthought. Knowing the least dog friendly city before you book can save you from cramped hotel rooms, angry locals, and costly fines. Below we break down how we rank cities, reveal the top offenders, and give you practical work‑arounds so your trip stays wag‑worthy.

How We Score Dog‑Friendliness

We looked at five concrete factors that affect a dog's experience in an urban environment:

• Legal restrictions: leash laws, breed bans, and outright dog prohibitions in public spaces.
• Public transport policies: whether dogs are allowed on buses, subways, or taxis, and any extra fees involved.
• Pet‑friendly accommodation density: number of hotels, Airbnbs, or campgrounds that accept dogs per 10,000 inhabitants.
• Access to veterinary care: 24‑hour emergency clinics and routine vets within city limits.
• Availability of dog‑specific amenities: off‑leash parks, dog runs, pet‑friendly restaurants, and water stations.

Each city receives a score from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). The lower the number, the more hurdles you’ll face with your pup.

Meet the Bottom Five: Cities That Rank Low on the Dog Scale

Below are the cities that consistently scored below 30 in our 2025 survey. We’ve included the exact score, the biggest pain points, and a quick tip if you absolutely must travel there.

Why These Cities Struggle

Understanding the root causes helps you anticipate problems even if you’re traveling for business and can’t change destinations.

New York City has one of the highest population densities in the world, which translates into limited green space per resident. The city’s strict leash zones and a bounty of “no dogs allowed” signs in parks mean you’ll spend most of your time on a leash, often in traffic‑heavy streets.

London’s historic boroughs enforce breed-specific legislation that bans larger or “dangerous” breeds from certain areas. While the city boasts a vibrant pet scene, the legal maze can be a nightmare for owners of a Labrador or German Shepherd.

Paris’s Metro system, though efficient for humans, remains largely inaccessible to dogs. Only small dogs in carriers are permitted, and many stations lack water fountains, making long journeys uncomfortable for larger pups.

Tokyo’s cultural emphasis on clean public spaces means many cafés, shops, and even some parks prohibit dogs outright. Furthermore, the city’s compact apartments often have strict pet clauses, making short‑term rentals scarce for dog owners.

Dubai’s desert climate and strict import regulations lead to a very limited list of approved dog breeds. The city also imposes hefty hotel deposits and rarely offers indoor dog parks, which can be a shock for travelers accustomed to European standards.

Real‑World Scenarios: What to Expect

Imagine you’re landing at JFK and your Labrador is tethered to a tiny bag‑carrier because the airline’s policy only allows dogs under 15lb in the cabin. You step onto a subway platform where a sign reads “No dogs beyond 30ft”. Suddenly, your walk in Central Park becomes a 5‑minute leash‑only dash between two fountain‑less zones. The frustration is real, and the cost-extra fees for a pet‑friendly hotel, emergency vet visits, and maybe even a fine for an inadvertent leash violation-adds up fast.

Similar stories echo in London’s underground: a Pomeranian in a carrier makes it to the station, but the last carriage refuses entry, forcing you to wait for a later train with a less‑crowded car. In Paris, a Border Collie can’t board the Metro at all, leaving you to scramble for a taxi that charges an extra €10 for a pet.

Tips to Navigate a ‘Dog‑Unfriendly’ City

• Research local leash laws before you leave. Many city websites publish PDF guides-download them and keep a copy on your phone.
• Book pet‑friendly accommodations early. Use filters on Airbnb or Booking.com that specifically list “dogs allowed”. Expect higher deposits, but it’s worth it.
• Consider a pet‑sitting service. If the city’s public spaces are restrictive, line up a vetted sitter for the days you need to be downtown.
• Carry a portable water bowl and waste bags. In cities with few water stations, a fold‑out bowl prevents dehydration.
• Know the nearest 24‑hour veterinary clinic. Keep the phone number saved; emergencies happen faster than you can find a local pet store.
• Use a pet‑specific travel carrier. Airlines and some metro systems only allow dogs in approved carriers, so invest in one that meets both airline and city regulations.

Dog‑Friendly Alternatives Worth Considering

If the city you want to visit scores low on our list, look at nearby towns or suburbs that offer a breath of fresh air-for both you and your dog.

• From New York City: Head to Beacon, New York, a 1‑hour train ride with sprawling riverfront parks and multiple dog‑friendly cafés.
• From London: Explore Richmond upon Thames, where the riverside promenades welcome leashed dogs and local pubs have outdoor terraces.
• From Paris: Visit Giverny, famous for Monet’s gardens, which allow dogs on leashes during off‑peak hours.
• From Tokyo: Try Kawagoe, a historic town with dog‑friendly ryokans and open spaces.
• From Dubai: Book a stay in Al Qudra Desert Resort, where pet‑friendly villas and sandy trails provide a unique experience.

Quick Checklist for Dog‑Travelers

1. Verify city’s leash and breed laws.
2. Reserve pet‑friendly lodging with refundable deposit.
3. Map out nearest 24‑hour vet and pet supply stores.
4. Pack a collapsible water bowl, waste bags, and a certified carrier.
5. Download a city‑specific pet guide (PDF or app).
6. Plan at least one off‑city day trip to a dog‑friendly area.

Frequently Asked Questions