Picture this: you’ve spent decades building your career, raising a family, and planning for retirement. Now you’re ready to embrace your golden years with your most loyal companion by your side. Your four-legged friend has been there through thick and thin, so naturally, you want your retirement town to welcome them with open arms too.
These furry babies are the perfect little companions that can help retirees, especially those who live alone, by providing them with the emotional support that they need. A Pew Research Center study notes that an estimated 34% of American seniors live alone, a figure that is 10% higher than the national average. For many of these seniors, having a pet can help “offset” the impacts of loneliness. Your dog doesn’t just need a place to sleep; they deserve beaches to romp on, trails to explore, and communities that genuinely celebrate the human-canine bond. Let’s discover where you and your best friend can truly thrive together.
Scottsdale, Arizona: Desert Paradise for Dogs
Scottsdale is the most pet-friendly city , boasting an extremely high number of pet businesses and dog-friendly shops per capita. This desert gem isn’t just about cacti and golf courses; it’s a haven where you and your pup can enjoy year-round sunshine and endless outdoor adventures.
In addition, Scottsdale makes owning a pet while renting easy. Approximately 88% of rental listings in the city allow pets, one of the highest percentages in the country. Homes in the city have a very high average square footage, at over 2,300 square feet, too, giving pets plenty of space to roam around. Nearly 27% of the city is parkland, the fourth-highest in the country, and the city has the third-best weather , though summers can get quite hot. You can even find plenty of spots to take your companion out to eat, since the city has the tenth-most dog-friendly restaurants per capita.
St. Petersburg, Florida: Sunshine State Bliss
For the ultimate dog lover in search of the most dog-friendly city, look no further than St. Petersburg, Florida. For pet care, residents have access to the fifth-highest number of pet stores and vet offices (84.5 for every 10,000 establishments). The Sunshine State delivers more than just warm weather; it offers a lifestyle where your golden retriever can truly live their golden years.
You’ll also find roughly 18 dog shops (third-highest among all cities in the study) and 134 dog-friendly restaurants (39th-highest out of 97 cities). Tampa is a top destination in Florida, especially for retirees and their pups! The tropical climate means you can walk your dog comfortably throughout most of the year, and the abundance of beaches provides endless opportunities for your furry friend to experience new sights, sounds, and smells.
Tampa Bay Area: Retirement Haven with Tail-Wagging Appeal
Tampa is the second-best city for pet owners, ranking among the top cities in the country when it comes to animal shelters per capita. This vibrant metropolitan area combines urban sophistication with laid-back Florida charm, making it ideal for retirees who want culture and canine-friendly amenities.
To top things off, Tampa has the 10th-most dog parks per capita, and a very large number of dog-friendly restaurants, so it’s easy to go on a fun outing with your canine companion. Tampa ranks in the 30 least-expensive cities for vet and pet care provider costs, too. Dog owners have access to the fourth-highest number of dog parks per capita (4.9 parks for every 100,000 residents). There are also 242 dog-friendly restaurants in Tampa, Florida (18th-highest), as well as 62.5 pet stores and vet offices per 10,000 establishments (39th-highest).
Austin, Texas: Keep Your Dog Weird
Austin stands out to be one of the best retirement cities for dog lovers due to a plethora of dog-friendly parks, restaurants, trails, and other outdoor spaces available. The warm climate that Austin boasts is a plus for both seniors and their pups, where they can spend quality time watching a movie in the park, enjoy strolls, or simply savor the pet-friendly culture in the city. The capital city embodies Texas-sized hospitality for both humans and hounds.
Austin has nearly 20 off-leash dog parks and a variety of pet-friendly restaurants, bars, and shops that make the city ideal for pet owners. The city’s slogan “Keep Austin Weird” extends to its dog-loving culture, where you’ll find everything from dog yoga classes to bars with dedicated off-leash areas where your pup can socialize while you enjoy a cold beverage.
Portland, Oregon: Pacific Northwest Pet Paradise
Portland, Oregon ranks second-best for both the number of dog parks per capita (5.8 for every 100,000 residents) and the number of pet stores and vet offices per capita (94.2 per 10,000 establishments). The city also ranks seventh-best for its total number of dog-friendly restaurants (412). This quirky city perfectly balances urban amenities with outdoor adventure.
The Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty provides endless hiking opportunities, and Portland’s food truck culture means you and your dog can sample everything from gourmet donuts to craft beer together. The city’s commitment to green spaces and walkability makes it perfect for seniors who want to maintain an active lifestyle with their canine companions.
Cincinnati, Ohio: Midwest Gem with Southern Charm
Cincinnati is the third-most pet-friendly city, with a high number of veterinarians and animal trainers per capita. Pet care is also reasonably priced, with the average dog insurance premium at around $57 per month. In addition, over 16% of Cincinnati is parkland, offering plenty of green space for pets to enjoy.
Finally, Cincinnati ranks second in the nation for dog shows per capita and offers a wealth of dog-friendly hiking trails, ranking 18th nationwide making it a standout destination for pet lovers. Known for its impressive zoo and 19th-century architecture, Cincinnati is a regional favorite. For residents, Cincinnati is generous and welcoming towards dogs. From public parks to nearby hiking trails, this is a dog walkers paradise.
Alexandria, Virginia: Historic Charm with Modern Pet Amenities
Nestled in the heart of Virginia, Alexandria welcomes dogs with open arms. From grooming salons to pet boutiques and veterinary clinics, the city is well-equipped to cater to your furry friend’s needs. Whether you’re pampering your pup or exploring the charming neighborhoods of Old Town, Alexandria ensures that every moment spent with your dog is filled with convenience and delight.
The city’s proximity to Washington D.C. means you’ll have access to world-class healthcare and cultural amenities, while still enjoying a smaller community feel. Historic cobblestone streets and waterfront parks provide beautiful settings for daily walks, and many local establishments welcome well-behaved dogs with water bowls and treats.
Naples, Florida: Upscale Living for You and Your Pooch
Sunny Naples, on Florida’s Paradise Coast, is an ideal retirement destination for people who enjoy the finer things, whether they prefer an active or laid-back lifestyle. The city snagged several high rankings, including No. This year, it took a double crown as the 2024-2025 Best Place to Live and Best Place to Retire in 2025. Naples, FL Del Webb Naples is an active adult community in the hometown of Ave Maria University in southwest Florida. The 5,000-acre Ave Maria master planned community is centered around an intimate town square and the University. The South Park, adjacent to Del Webb Naples, has a softball field, bocce ball courts, pickleball courts, horseshoe pits, an amphitheatre, dog park and picnic pavilions.
This sophisticated coastal city offers pristine beaches where your dog can feel the sand between their paws and upscale pet boutiques where they can be pampered like royalty. The year-round pleasant weather means daily beach walks are always an option.
Colorado Springs, Colorado: Mountain Air and Mile-High Adventures
Ranking 15th on our list of best retirement cities for dog lovers is Colorado Springs, Colorado. Though the cost of living is a bit higher than the national average, retirees can ensure their canine friends have all the amenities and recreational opportunities they need to live happily. The city boasts a thriving pet-friendly culture, complete with veterinary services and pet care facilities There are lots of dog-friendly parks, picturesque trails, and welcoming outdoor spaces for your fur babies as well.
The Rocky Mountain backdrop provides stunning scenery for hiking with your adventurous dog, while the crisp mountain air invigorates both of you. The area’s numerous trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes, ensuring there’s something perfect for every fitness level and dog breed.
Louisville, Kentucky: Southern Hospitality with Northern Convenience
Louisville, KY •Doggy spas, kitty corrals and pet boutiques •Pet School and Hotel offers grooming, board, day care and specialized training. •Four leashless dog parks, with plenty of open space for dogs to run and play, with separate areas for small dogs. Louisville, KY •Doggy spas, kitty corrals and pet boutiques •Pet School and Hotel offers grooming, board, day care and specialized training. •Four leashless dog parks, with plenty of open space for dogs to run and play, with separate areas for small dogs.
The city offers an affordable cost of living compared to many coastal retirement destinations, while still providing excellent veterinary care and pet amenities. The Kentucky Derby culture means horses aren’t the only four-legged friends celebrated here; dogs are welcomed throughout the community with genuine Southern warmth.
Special Considerations for Dog-Loving Retirees
Expect a pet deposit that will be anywhere from $100 to $500 at the time you agree to join the retirement community, or whenever you add a pet to your household. In addition to the pet deposit — which is sometimes fully-refundable, partially refundable, or not refundable at all — some facilities also raise the rent each month slightly. Usually the cost of having a dog or cat could raise the monthly rent anywhere from $25 to $75 per month When planning your move, budget for these additional expenses alongside regular pet care costs.
TigerPlace isn’t just pet friendly; this assisted living facility happens to be affiliated with a veterinary college. The University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing and College of Veterinary Medicine works in tandem with TigerPlace to provide regular visits from pet care assistants and access to veterinary care whenever it’s needed. Look for communities that go beyond basic pet acceptance to offer genuine support for your furry family member. Residents with pets receive visits from pet care assistants and have access to veterinary care.
Conclusion
Your retirement dreams don’t have to exclude your beloved canine companion. Dogs are great for our health, our longevity, and well, they’re just great. From the desert landscapes of Arizona to the beaches of Florida, from the mountains of Colorado to the historic charm of Virginia, there are wonderful communities across America where both you and your dog can thrive.
However, research suggests that pet ownership may help reduce feelings of loneliness, though studies show mixed results. As you explore these dog-friendly retirement towns, remember that the best choice is one where you both feel truly at home. After all, retirement is about enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and few things are simpler or more joyful than the unconditional love of a faithful dog.
What aspects of a dog-friendly retirement town matter most to you and your furry friend? Tell us in the comments.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
