Traveling with a pet isn’t always simple. But some states make it easier than others, with hotels, restaurants, and activities that welcome your furry sidekick.
Stanton House Inn, a boutique inn in Greenwich, dug into BringFido listings across more than 700 U.S. cities to uncover the most pet-friendly states.
The ranking looks at density, how many pet-friendly options you’ll find in a given area, not just total numbers. Here’s how the top 10 shook out:
10. New York
With 7,240 pet-friendly hotels, 3,510 restaurants, and 1,205 activities, New York has plenty of options whether you’re in the city or upstate. Queens offers urban pet perks, while Lake Placid and Saratoga Springs give you trails and fresh air alongside pet-friendly stays.
9. New Hampshire
This smaller state punches above its weight with 1,652 pet-friendly hotels, 445 restaurants, and 306 activities. Bretton Woods, Bethlehem, and North Conway are standout spots for mountain scenery and places that actually welcome your four-legged friend.
8. North Carolina
North Carolina’s mix of beaches and mountains works in your pet’s favor. With more than 11,000 pet-friendly hotels, 3,150 restaurants, and over 1,000 activities, destinations like Banner Elk, Bryson City, and Carolina Beach let you balance hiking, water, and downtime with your dog in tow.
7. Maryland
Maryland logs 2,183 pet-friendly hotels, 1,282 restaurants, and 412 activities. Ocean City is especially popular for dog-friendly beaches, while Silver Spring and Annapolis add a mix of urban dining and waterfront adventures.
6. Connecticut
Connecticut has 1,091 pet-friendly hotels, 861 restaurants, and 366 activities. Towns like Stamford, Mystic, and New London give you everything from seaside walks to cozy, pet-friendly B&Bs.
5. Florida
With 22,835 pet-friendly hotels, 7,333 restaurants, and 1,629 activities, Florida is stacked with options. Orlando, Miramar Beach, and Naples all stand out for their dog parks, resorts, and year-round outdoor weather.
4. Delaware
Delaware might be small, but it ranks high with 808 pet-friendly hotels, 241 restaurants, and 92 activities. Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Lewes are go-tos for laid-back, pet-inclusive trips.
3. New Jersey
New Jersey offers 2,250 pet-friendly hotels, 1,741 restaurants, and 482 activities. Cape May, Wildwood, and Ocean City are especially known for their dog-friendly lodging and boardwalk vibes.
2. Massachusetts
Massachusetts racks up 3,036 pet-friendly hotels, 1,442 restaurants, and 703 activities. Edgartown, Cambridge, and Provincetown are popular with pet owners, whether you’re aiming for coastal charm or city energy.
1. Rhode Island
Rhode Island tops the list, with 560 pet-friendly hotels, 355 restaurants, and 116 activities packed into a small footprint. Cranston, Westerly, and Newport lead the way, making this the most accessible pet-friendly state in the country.
If you’re curious about pet-friendly travel beyond just the state level, I’ve also rounded up the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S.—perfect for planning your next road trip with your pup. And for pet parents who really want to take things to the next level, check out BARK Air, the world’s first airline designed exclusively for dogs.