Pets aren’t just animals, they’re family. Nearly 87 million households own pets in the United States, and finding a place to live that accommodates your furry family members is extremely important.
Zillow ranked Austin as the most pet-friendly city in the United States.
According to the report, 80.8% of rental listings in Austin allow pets. In addition to Austin, three other Texas cities secured the spot for most pet-friendly cities. Dallas took the spot for #2 with 78% of rental listings, Fort Worth took third place with 77.2% of rental listings, and San Antonio took the #6 spot at 75.8%.
If you’re a pet owner contemplating a move, here are 8 compelling reasons why a pet-friendly city such as Austin should be at the top of your list:
1. Pet-Friendly Housing Options
With 4 out of 5 rental listings allowing pets, Austin offers a significantly wider selection of pet-friendly homes to choose from than other cities in the United States.
If you’re thinking about moving to Austin with pets, the search will be far easier with so many pet-friendly options.
2. A 350-acre Off-Leash Dog Park
Spanning 350 acres, Zilker Park is the largest off-leash dog park in Austin. There’s always something happening at Zilker: music, shows, and tons of other events you can bring your pup to.
3. Hiking Trails, Swimming Spots & Zilker Botanical Garden
The Lady Bird Lake Hike is a great spot for dogs. Just be sure they don’t go into the lake, as it isn’t safe for dogs to swim. Onion Creek District Park allows pets to swim and is a safer spot for them to cool down. If you want to go for a stroll, dogs are allowed to walk in Austin’s gorgeous Zilker Botanical Garden (as long as they’re on a leash).
4. Pet-Friendly Bars and Restaurants
Numerous restaurants and cafes welcome pets, often accompanied by treats and water bowls. Here are some of our favorites:
- MUTTS® Canine Cantina: MUTTS is a dog-friendly restaurant with two off-leash dog parks. It features a fantastic bar and grill, a great social scene, and a clean, safe outdoor space for your pup to run around.
- Yard Bar: What’s better than a dog park? A dog park with a bar! Yard Bar is Austin’s original dog park bar. It offers a full menu and over 20,000 square feet of space for dogs to run around. They also have “Bark Rangers” who oversee the space and ensure dogs are getting along. According to their website, all dogs must be four months old or older, spayed/neutered, and current on their vaccinations. They also require pet owners to register their dogs and sign waivers for liability and the park rules.
- Bouldin Acres: Bouldin Acres really has everything you can ask for, including a dog-friendly patio with tons of seating, pickleball courts, food trucks, a bar, and a playground. They also have WiFi, making it a great spot to bring your pup and work during the day.
- Cosmic Pickle and Beer Garden: One of the best pet-friendly bars in Austin, Cosmic’s outdoor space includes shaded seating, a Cowboy Pool, lots of greenery, food trucks, and a full bar on-site.
- Neighbors Dog Park & Cafe: Neighbors is a coffee shop and dog park that also offers membership options, similar to Yard Bar, as well as day passes for visitors.
5. Great Pet Stores
If you like to shop local, Tomlinson’s has been family-owned and operated since 1946. An Austin original and a piece of the city’s history, Tomlinson’s donates over 175,000 lbs of healthy pet food every year. They have several locations throughout the city selling high-quality food and a friendly staff that loves when customers bring their pets to say hello.
6. A Thriving Pet-Centric Business Scene
There are great salons and bakeries throughout Austin that your pet will adore. Here are some good ones to check out:
- Pawstin Barkery: Pick up “pupcakes” made from locally sourced ingredients, baked fresh daily, and delivered throughout Austin.
- Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming: Another spot where dogs can even get their own special cupcakes!
7. Pet-Friendly Coworking Spaces
Missing your dog during the work day? Numerous co-working spaces welcome dogs, such as Impact Hub on Bouldin Creek. There’s a big backyard for them to run and play while you work.
8. MeetUp Groups for Pet Owners
Austin offers several MeetUp groups for dog owners, making it easy to find friends in a new city. Here are some to check out:
Thinking about Moving to Austin? Check out DK Riata in Austin’s Tech District
If you’re in the market for an apartment rental, our sprawling DK Riata property offers a pet spa and a dog park, making it ideal for pet owners. The property boasts 195 one-bedroom apartments and 112 two-bedroom units across 17 buildings, with five three-floor apartment properties and a selection of two-story rental townhomes.
Luxury amenities include co-working spaces, a resident lounge, two large fitness centers offering on-demand fitness classes, a resort-style pool with loungers and cabanas, a two-grill outdoor kitchen, and a large fire pit area.
Set in a prime location in Austin’s tech district, DK Riata is located within walking distance of Apple’s expanding Austin corporate campus and provides convenient access to Austin’s top attractions.
Apartments offer 1- and 2-bedroom floor plans ranging in size from 713 to 1,848 square feet and feature plank-style flooring, granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, 9-foot ceilings, washer/dryer in the unit, smart thermostats, and spacious walk-in closets. Certain apartments located on the ground floor also have private fenced-in yards.
Contact us to set up a tour or to learn more about this beautiful Austin property.
Making the Move to a Pet-Friendly Paradise
The decision to relocate is a significant one and carries an extra layer for pet owners. Choosing a city that not only accommodates but actively celebrates pets makes a big difference.
Austin, with its overwhelming network of pet-centric businesses, abundant green spaces, and welcoming community, is truly a pet-friendly paradise.
