2 Southeastern States Make ‘Most Pet-Friendly’ List

A new study has released a list of the most pet-friendly states to visit on vacation — and two southern states have made the list! We’ve got all the details, including where our beloved Peach State ranked.

Finding the perfect vacation spot that’s as pet-friendly as it is fun can be a game-changer. Not all states and cities are equally welcoming to pets, so Stanton House Inn, a boutique inn and historic place to stay in Greenwich, CT, set out to find the ultimate pet-friendly destinations across the U.S. 

The study looked at over 700 cities, checking out listings on BringFido for pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities. Keep in mind, a higher number of pet-friendly spots doesn’t necessarily mean a state ranks better, it’s all about density and accessibility.

So which southern states made the Top 10? That would be Florida and North Carolina! Here are the Top 10…

• Rhode Island leads the ranking as the most pet-friendly state, with 560 pet-friendly hotels, 355 pet-friendly restaurants, and 116 pet-friendly activities per square mile. Its top destinations, Cranston, Westerly, and Newport, offer a wealth of options for pet owners looking to travel with their furry friends.

• Massachusetts follows in second place, with 3,036 pet-friendly hotels, 1,442 pet-friendly restaurants, and 703 pet-friendly activities, making it a haven for pet lovers. Cities like Edgartown, Cambridge, and Provincetown provide excellent accommodations and activities for pets and their owners.

• New Jersey secures the third spot with 2,250 pet-friendly hotels, 1,741 pet-friendly restaurants, and 482 pet-friendly activities. Popular pet-friendly destinations in the state include Cape May, Wildwood, and Ocean City, where pet-friendly lodging and beaches make for a great getaway.

• Delaware, despite its small size, ranks fourth with 808 pet-friendly hotels, 241 pet-friendly restaurants, and 92 pet-friendly activities. Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Lewes are top spots where pets are warmly welcomed.

• Florida takes the fifth spot, offering an impressive 22,835 pet-friendly hotels, 7,333 pet-friendly restaurants, and 1,629 pet-friendly activities. Orlando, Miramar Beach, and Naples stand out as the best places to visit with pets, thanks to numerous dog parks, pet-friendly resorts, and outdoor spaces. We’ve got a whole article on Florida’s pet-friendly beaches: 25+ Beautiful Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida for Fido’s Next Visit.

• Connecticut ranks sixth, featuring 1,091 pet-friendly hotels, 861 pet-friendly restaurants, and 366 pet-friendly activities. Stamford, Mystic, and New London are among the top pet-friendly locations within the state.

• Maryland places seventh with 2,183 pet-friendly hotels, 1,282 pet-friendly restaurants, and 412 pet-friendly activities. The best places for pet owners include Ocean City, Silver Spring, and Annapolis, offering plenty of accommodations and outdoor adventures for pets.

• North Carolina claims the eighth position, boasting 11,497 pet-friendly hotels, 3,150 pet-friendly restaurants, and 1,043 pet-friendly activities. The top destinations, Banner Elk, Bryson City, and Carolina Beach, provide a mix of mountains, beaches, and trails that pets and owners alike will enjoy.

• New Hampshire ranks ninth with 1,652 pet-friendly hotels, 445 pet-friendly restaurants, and 306 pet-friendly activities. Bretton Woods, Bethlehem, and North Conway are standout locations for pet-friendly experiences in the state.

• New York rounds out the top ten with 7,240 pet-friendly hotels, 3,510 pet-friendly restaurants, and 1,205 pet-friendly activities. Queens, Lake Placid, and Saratoga Springs offer a mix of urban pet-friendly experiences and scenic outdoor retreats.

So where did Georgia rank? According to the study, Georgia came in at a very respectable #19 with 6,025 pet-friendly hotels, 2,421 pet-friendly restaurants, and 624 pet-friendly activities. Blue Ridge, Hiawassee, and Blairsville in North Georgia were named as the most pet-friendly cities in the state. Atlanta’s got some great pet-friendly spots too! Check out these 15+ Popular Dog Parks Atlanta (and Fido) Adore!

I always want to know which ranked low on the list too, so if you’re like me, the states that came in at the bottom of the list were Montana (#46), Nebraska (#47), Wyoming (#48), North Dakota (#49), and Alaska (#50).

The list also named some of the most pet-friendly cities. Houston, TX, is the most pet-friendly city in the U.S., with 498 pet-friendly hotels, 536 restaurants, and 72 activities. From dog-friendly parks to pet-welcoming cafés, the city makes traveling with pets a breeze. Other notable cities include Denver, CO, with 292 pet-friendly hotels and 85 activities, and Scottsdale, AZ, which boasts 759 pet-friendly hotels and a luxurious experience for pet travelers.