Two Tampa Bay Cities Ranked Most Pet Friendly

If you have pets, you're going to love this story. Two Tampa Bay Cities Ranked Most Pet Friendly There are so many people with furry family members in the Tampa Bay area. Walking through my neighborhood, I would say almost every other house has a dog. People see their pets as part of the family these days, so there will always be a need for services, pet-friendly parks, restaurants and stores. There are over 92 million American households with pets living with them.

Wallethub.com just did a study to find the most pet friendly city. Two Tampa Bay cities just ranked most pet friendly in America. Tampa, FL actually came it at number two on the list. St. Petersburg, FL came in at number seven. Wallethub crunched the numbers by looking at three key areas: Pet Budget, Pet Health & Wellness and Outdoor Pet-Friendliness.

The number one city on the list is Scottsdale, Arizona. Number two on the list is Tampa. Number seven on the list is St. Petersburg. Orlando this year came in at number 20 and Miami at 34 this year. That gives Florida four spots in the top.

Wallethub compared 100 of the largest cities in the country, looked at 23 key metrics, including veterinarian costs, the number of pet businesses per capita, and walkability. Tampa shines when it comes to animal shelters, where it ranks at the top of the nation. Pet health care is another strong suit for the city, with an impressive number of veterinarians per capita.

94% of rental listings in the Tampa Bay area allow pets. There are also a bunch of doggie daycares and boarding facilities, which is perfect for those who need care for their furry friends during busy days or vacations.

Adding to the city’s pet-friendly charm, Tampa boasts the 10th most dog parks per capita, and many dog-friendly restaurants, ensuring there are plenty of spots to enjoy time with your pet.

Check out Visit Tampa Bay's website, they have a great dog-friendly guide in case you’re looking to explore the city with your pet.

Hate leaving your furry friend at home while you go out? Next time bring them with you to one of our favorite 7 dog bars in Tampa Bay. Whether you want to be near downtown Tampa or by the beach in St. Pete, we have the list of places to bring along your best friend.

We went to Yelp to see what their recommendations are for the best dog bar in Tampa Bay. They had a list of 10 places but we condensed it to our favorite 7 spots (and added a few of our own favorite places.) Some of these spots require doggy patrons to have a membership to ensure all pups are healthy and nonaggressive. Some places allow day passes or you can get a monthly or yearly membership. Dog owners will also have to bring in proof of current vaccines and rabies shot.

You don't need a dog to visit these places, but you must love them! Here are the best 7 dog bars in Tampa Bay.

Tampa's first and only off-leash A/C indoor and outdoor dog park and bar! Bring your furry friend here for some quality time or let them meet new friends. They have 20 rotating taps and a robust selection of wines to our human friends. Four-legged friends enjoy unlimited water and even splash through water features outside to cool down. They have food trucks for small bites and events every week like trivia and bingo.

Across the bridge in St. Pete is another indoor/outdoor dog bar! Pups Pub is Tampa's only full liquor, off-leash dog bar. If beer isn't really your thing, you'll have more options at Pups Pub. Click here for membership info.

Dog Bar is a unique combination of an off leash dog park and a full service bar. Dog Bar also requires memberships but they have many levels/prices to choose from. $7 day pass, $50 10-punch pass or $100 annual membership.

Ferg's dog part has been a great addition to the staple St. Pete bar. They've even introduced homemade dog food that's been a hit with pups all around Tampa Bay. No membership needed here but doggos do have to stay on their leash.

Get it? It’s PAW for short. An award-winning, dog-friendly brewery with doggone good beer and more taps than a dog has toes! Head there on Thursday's for Yappy Hour.  A local rescue will be set up with information on adoptables in the tap room. Purchase a PAW beer from 6-8pm and they’ll donate a portion of proceeds back to the rescue. 

City Dog Cantina was inspired by a San Diego classic. City Dog Cantina offers a balance of feisty flavors and healthy must-haves that will keep you barking back for more.

Hair of the Dog Park is an acre of beautifully shaded land conveniently located on Nebraska right around the corner from Ella's, Nebraska Minimart, and Southern Brewing. Come and watch your best friend run around and play off leash while you sip on locally crafted beer or wine! You don't need a membership but they do ask you upload your dog's up to date vaccinations for rabies, DHLPP, and bordetella on their website.