If you’ve always dreamed of becoming a pet parent, you’ve probably thought about which dog breed you want and what name you’ll give your furry companion. However, one important factor you may not have considered is where you live. After all, your location can play a major role in your dog’s overall happiness and, in some cases, make pet ownership more challenging. If you’re curious what the top 10 least dog-friendly cities are, you’re in luck because a new 2026 study reveals just that.
In fact, Independent game studio, Windup Minds, which is the creator of the PC pet simulator Stay: Your Forever Pet, just released a ranking of America’s least dog-friendly cities. The data highlights the divide in dog ownership access across different U.S. cities. While some cities foster pet-friendly communities, others prove to make it difficult to bring a dog home. The study was evaluated using publicly available data across six categories, including dog parks per capita, walkability scores, access to trails and green space, density of pet services, average weather suitability for outdoor activity, and local rental and housing policies affecting pet ownership. Therefore, the overall rankings represent a composite score across all categories.
Read on to discover if you call one of these places home. If you do, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a dog—it simply means your city may not be as dog-friendly as others. With a little extra planning, care, and attention, you can still create a happy and comfortable life for your furry family member.
Related: PetSmart Just Named the Top 25 Dog-Loving Cities, and the Results Might Surprise You
#1 Least Dog-Friendly City in the United States
While this place is considered a haven to some people and a tropical retreat, it sadly is not ranked as a great place to have a pet. Can you guess what it is? You may be surprised! Drumroll….The answer is Honolulu, Hawaii.
According to the study, no matter if you have a big dog or a little dog, it’s not the best place to raise a pup. The reason? The study suggests Honolulu’s isolation and high housing costs create compounding difficulties for owning a pet. On top of that, it notes that the fact that most people live in small apartments there with restrictive rental rules and limited green space in crowded neighborhoods makes it hard for dogs to have a place to play and be active in that city compared to other cities in the United States.
Related: 25 Dog-Friendly Stores Where Pups Are Welcomed With Open Arms
Top 10 Least Dog-Friendly Cities in the United States
A map of the U.S.Getty Images Ahmed
(Getty Images Ahmed)
While Honolulu was ranked the #1 worst city to have a pet in, there are several others that made the list as well. See if where you live is one of the top 10 least dog-friendly cities in the United States. That way, if you are considering becoming a dog owner, you can keep your location in mind.
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Mar 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
