As pet parenthood continues to evolve, so do travel habits — and 2024 surveys reveal a remarkable trend: 78% of American pet owners now travel with their pets at least once per year. From cross-country road trips to weekend getaways, more people are prioritizing their pets' comfort and enjoyment while on the move.
In response to this growing trend, Basepaws created the Ultimate Pet Travel Index 2025 — a data-driven guide that ranks the best and worst U.S. states for dog-friendly travel this summer. By analyzing seven key factors — dog-friendly dining, beaches, pet-centered events, parks, hiking trails, average summer temperatures, and accommodations — this index helps dog owners plan unforgettable adventures while avoiding travel pitfalls. Whether you’re chasing coastal breezes or forest trails, this list reveals which states truly roll out the welcome mat for our four-legged companions — and which ones fall short.
“With more Americans traveling with pets than ever before, we wanted to go beyond anecdotes and offer a data-driven look at which states truly cater to dogs. Our index is designed to help pet parents choose destinations that offer both fun and safety for their furry companions,” explains Stefani Andrews, a veterinary advisor at Basepaws.
Top-Ranked U.S. States for Dog-Friendly Summer Adventures
With more Americans than ever bringing their furry friends along for summer trips, choosing the right destination makes all the difference. The Ultimate Pet Travel Index 2025 analyzed seven key metrics—dog-friendly dining, beaches, dog events, parks, hiking trails, summer temperature, and pet-welcoming hotels—to rank each state’s overall travel suitability for dogs. Here are the Top 10 Most Dog-Friendly States This Summer:
When it comes to planning the ultimate summer escape with your pup, these states rise to the top with a winning combination of pet-friendly amenities and outdoor accessibility. California leads the nation with an impressive score, thanks to its unmatched number of dog-friendly restaurants, hotels, parks, beaches, and hiking trails — making it the ultimate playground for adventurous dogs and their humans. Florida isn’t far behind, offering abundant dog-welcoming restaurants, beautiful beach access, and a strong calendar of pet-focused events. While its warm climate may require extra care for heat-sensitive breeds, many pets and pet parents will find the Sunshine State ideal for year-round travel. North Carolina and Texas also performed strongly, offering a well-rounded mix of pet-friendly accommodations, dog parks, and event opportunities — though Texas falls short on beach access, it makes up for it with ample dining options and green space.
New York and Michigan stood out for their more temperate summer climates and well-balanced dog-friendly infrastructure, including hiking trails, beaches, and urban amenities. Washington, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania earned their spots on the list by providing nature-filled escapes and solid access to pet-friendly trails, parks, and lodging — all with climates that are generally safe and enjoyable for dogs in the warmer months. Rounding out the top ten is Virginia, which offers a comfortable summer climate along with a healthy spread of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and parks. Together, these top-tier states make it easy to plan a summer road trip where dogs aren’t just included — they’re truly celebrated.
The 10 Worst States for Dog Travel — And Why
While many states offer welcoming environments for dogs and their owners, some fall short when it comes to pet-friendly travel during the summer months. The bottom 10 states on our index score low across multiple key areas such as outdoor amenities, dog events, and climate suitability. Extreme summer heat and humidity, limited access to dog parks, hiking trails, and pet-friendly dining or lodging options all contribute to making these states less ideal for traveling with dogs. Whether it’s the logistical challenges of pet travel in places like Hawaii or the scarcity of dog-centric activities in states like Kansas and Delaware, dog owners should plan carefully to avoid potential discomfort or frustration in these areas.
Alaska scored the lowest on our index, with harsh summer temperatures for most breeds, no listed dog parks, and a noticeable lack of pet-friendly amenities. In the southern U.S., Louisiana and Mississippi also landed near the bottom due to extreme heat, limited dog-centric events, and few outdoor activity options to keep pets comfortably entertained. Arkansas and Oklahoma followed suit, with scarce access to dog-friendly beaches, trails, and a lower concentration of welcoming restaurants.
Even more central states like Kansas and Nebraska struggled with outdoor accessibility, offering few parks or beach options and scoring low for dog-friendly infrastructure overall. Despite its scenic coastline, Delaware was hindered by a lack of dog parks and dining options, while Hawaii’s strict pet travel regulations and limited accommodations made it a surprisingly difficult destination for pet-inclusive trips.
Rounding out the list, Alabama's high humidity, sparse hiking trails, and few pet-centered events placed it firmly in the "think twice" category for summer dog travel. For those looking to plan a smooth, adventure-filled getaway with their pup, these states may pose more obstacles than opportunities.
Best States for Specific Dog Travel Needs
Top States for Pet-Friendly Dining
When it comes to dining out with your dog, some states truly go above and beyond to welcome four-legged guests. Florida leads the nation with an impressive 1,654 pet-friendly restaurants, earning a perfect dining index score of 100.00. Whether you're grabbing brunch by the beach or enjoying outdoor cafés in the city, Florida makes it easy to include your dog in the experience. California follows closely, with 1,457 dog-welcoming eateries, reflecting its strong culture of outdoor living and pet inclusivity. Texas, North Carolina, and New York also rank in the top five, offering hundreds of dog-friendly dining options across diverse cities and landscapes. These states make eating out with your pup not just possible—but a true part of the travel experience.
Top States for Dog Beaches
If your summer plans include sandy paws and salty breezes, these states offer the best access to dog-friendly beaches. California leads by a wide margin with 72 pet-accessible beaches and a perfect Beach Index Score of 100.00, making it the ultimate coastal playground for dogs. Florida comes in second with 54 beaches, offering a strong mix of sunny shorelines and dog-welcoming policies. Both Massachusetts and Michigan tie with 28 beaches each, showing that even northern states have great options for water-loving pups. Rounding out the top five is North Carolina, where 26 beaches offer scenic spots for dogs to splash, dig, and roam. These destinations combine quantity with quality, ensuring dogs have room to run and relax by the water.
“For many dogs, beaches are the ultimate playground, offering space to run, dig, swim, and explore new scents. But it’s important to remember that not all dogs are natural swimmers, and owners should always supervise water play, protect paws from hot sand, and ensure access to shade and fresh water,” advises Stefani Andrews, a veterinary advisor at Basepaws.
Top States for Dog Events & Social Outings
For dog owners who love a social calendar full of meetups, markets, and pet parades, these states offer the liveliest dog event scenes. Florida leads the pack with 128 events and a perfect Events Index Score of 100.00, making it a hub for year-round canine-friendly activities. North Carolina follows closely with 112 events, showing a strong culture of community engagement for pet lovers. California, known for its pet-positive attitude, offers 104 events that range from dog surf competitions to adoption fairs. Virginia and Texas also stand out with dozens of dog-centered gatherings that create space for pets and their humans to connect, explore, and celebrate. These top-ranking states offer the perfect backdrop for social pups and their people.
“Dog events aren’t just for the owners, they are a fantastic outlet for social, energetic breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherds who thrive on interaction and mental stimulation. Even small or shy dogs can benefit from the right kind of gathering, like quieter markets or breed-specific meetups where they can explore at their own pace,” says Stefani Andrews, a veterinary advisor at Basepaws.
Top States for Outdoor Activities (Parks + Hiking Trails)
For dogs that thrive on exercise, fresh air, and off-leash fun, these states offer the best blend of dog parks and hiking trails.
“Hiking offers dogs both physical exercise and mental stimulation, combining new scents, sights, and challenges. Active breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Huskies particularly thrive on the trail. Small dogs can also enjoy hiking, as long as their owner takes into account their stamina and comfort,” notes Stefani Andrews, a veterinary advisor at Basepaws.
California dominates the category with an unmatched 350 hiking trails and 215 dog parks, earning a perfect Outdoor Activity Index Score of 100.00. Florida comes in second with a solid 230 trails and 140 dog parks, offering a great range of options for dogs who love both strolls and playtime. Texas, North Carolina, and New York round out the top five, each with over 80 dog parks and a variety of trails to explore. These states stand out for giving active dogs and their owners plenty of space to roam, exercise, and connect with nature.
Top States for Ideal Summer Temperature
When planning a summer trip with your dog, temperature isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s a health concern. Dogs are far more sensitive to heat than humans and are at increased risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and paw pad burns in extreme temperatures. According to Stefani Andrews, Scientific Knowledge Manager at Basepaws, “Most dogs thrive in moderate climates. Once temperatures rise above 75°F, especially with humidity, the risk of heat stress increases dramatically—so choosing a travel destination with mild weather can make all the difference.” For this reason, we identified an optimal range of 55–75°F, with 65°F as the ideal travel temperature for dogs.
Leading the list is Vermont, with a near-perfect comfort score of 99.5 and an average summer temperature of 65.1°F, making it the most thermally comfortable state for dogs. Colorado, New Hampshire, Montana, and Washington also fall within this ideal range, combining scenic beauty with dog-safe temperatures. These cooler-climate states are excellent choices for active dogs who love hiking, exploring, and spending long hours outdoors without overheating.
Methodology:
Basepaws developed the Pet Travel Index 2025 to help dog owners identify the best travel destinations by ranking all 50 states on their dog-friendliness during the summer months. Our goal was to provide a comprehensive, data-driven resource that balances pet-friendly amenities with climate comfort, empowering travelers to plan enjoyable and safe trips with their dogs.
Each state was evaluated using seven equally weighted criteria:
The availability of dog-friendly parks, beaches, hiking trails, restaurants, and hotels rated 4 stars or higher, based on trusted listings from BringFido
The number of dog events scheduled for summer 2025, highlighting social and community opportunities for pets and their owners from BringFido
Average summer temperatures, sourced from CurrentResults.com, to assess climate suitability and minimize risks related to heat stress
All data was collected in May 2025. Each metric was normalized and weighted equally to calculate a final composite score that reflects both infrastructure quality and seasonal comfort. This index serves as a practical guide for pet owners seeking destinations that prioritize their dogs’ well-being and enjoyment.
Please note: The rankings rely on publicly available information and third-party data sources. Reviews of hotels, restaurants, and other venues reflect individual user experiences and are not endorsements from Basepaws. We respect and celebrate the diversity of cultures and communities throughout every state.
Fair Use Statement
We encourage sharing the data and visuals from the Pet Travel Index for non-commercial purposes to help spread awareness about dog-friendly travel. When sharing, please include a linked attribution to this page to acknowledge the source.
