Top 10 most pet-friendly places in the world includes an Ontario city | insauga

Just in time for National Dog Day, a travel company ranked the top 10 most pet-friendly places in the world—and an Ontario city makes the cut.

The Pawprint Guide, a global ranking of the world’s top pet-friendly cities for 2025, from travel search aggregator Skyscanner, is “pooch-approved” and “tolerated by cats.”

Making room for four-legged companions has become a priority for some travellers, and tourist attractions and accommodations are taking note.

From off-leash beaches in Valencia to free dog rides on Brighton trains and Toronto’s waterfront dog-friendly parks, the Pawprint Guide highlights the best cities for stress-free pet travel – and the surprising cities that made the top 10, like Ljubljana, Rovinj, and Graz, Skyscanner said.

The company added that searches for pet-friendly hotels is up 37 per cent year-on-year and Google searches for “Dog Passport” has climbed 179 per cent since 2017.

When creating the ranking, the company looked at several factors, including green spaces and dog parks, visas and pet passports, the amount of pet-friendly accommodation, café and restaurant inclusivity, transport accessibility, and local pet culture.

Here are 10 cities that have gone to the dogs:

1. New York, U.S.A.

This city gets a paws up for Central Park’s off-leash hours, dog-friendly hotel chains and pup-permitting patios. Dogs are allowed on the subway and buses if they are in carriers or leashed and well-behaved.

2. Nice, France

Few cities do glamour and canine comfort quite like Nice, according to Skyscanner. Leashed dogs are welcome along the Promenade des Anglais, and the city’s sea-facing cafés often provide water bowls without being asked. Public beaches with dog zones and dog-welcoming vineyards just outside town complete the picture.

3. Valencia, Spain

In Valencia, dogs can go off-lead in the massive Turia Gardens or join locals for a sunset stroll at Playa Canina. With mild weather year-round and pet-welcoming eateries, Valencia makes sure everyone in the pack feels at home. The sprawling Turia Gardens even host dog meetups, and Playa Canina is fully leash-optional during off-peak hours.

4. Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj is a coastal town where meandering cobbled alleys meet aquamarine sea – and dogs are as welcome as the tourists. Many of the beaches here offer pet-friendly zones, and restaurants tucked into pastel-coloured buildings are known to sneak your pup a treat. Nearby islands like Red Island allow dogs on ferries and have trails perfect for canine exploration.

5. Brighton, England

Dogs ride free on local buses and trains, and the Volk’s Electric Railway is famously pup-friendly. Brighton blends pebble beaches, bohemian charm and boundless pet-friendly energy. Stroll the vibrant promenade with your pup, pop into one of the city’s many dog-welcoming cafés, or explore the rolling South Downs just inland. Independent shops often leave water bowls out, and locals won’t blink at a dog in a boutique.

6. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana may be small, but it’s mighty when it comes to pet-friendly travel. The whole city feels like a park – green, slow-paced, and open. Dogs are welcome on buses, in cafés, and even on paddle boards along the Ljubljanica River.

7. Grosseto, Italy

Grosseto sits quietly on the edge of Tuscany’s Maremma region – perfect for long countryside walks and beachside romps. The Maremma Regional Park offers leash-optional hiking zones and dog-friendly beaches like Marina di Alberese.

8. Graz, Austria

From Schlossberg hilltop hikes to riverside rambles, Graz offers gentle adventures with a side of schnitzel. Leashed or muzzled dogs ride local transport with half-fare tickets, and pet-friendly bed and breakfasts are common in the old town.

9. Toronto, Canada

Skyscanner noted Toronto’s pet-friendly waterfront, clean public parks, and dog-designated beaches. Dogs are welcome on public transport (with a leash), and local breweries often roll out water bowls alongside the IPAs. Leashed pets are allowed on Toronto Transit, and the city’s dog-designated beaches have rinse stations for muddy paws.

“Bonus points for polite locals,” Skyscanner added.

10. Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt is sleek, tidy and surprisingly good with dogs. Public transport is pup-welcome, green spaces are plentiful, and even upscale cafés might nod to your furry co-pilot. Whether exploring river walks or the massive Grüneburgpark, you’ll find that Germans take their pet hospitality just as seriously as their punctuality. Frankfurt’s transport system allows leashed dogs at a reduced fare, and upscale hotels often offer pet welcome kits.

For the full report, see the Skyscanner website here.

Lead photo: muhannad alatawi 

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