Tampa Named No. 2 Pet-Friendly City In U.S. For 2nd Year

TAMPA, FL — With the approach of National Homeless Animals Day on Aug. 20, one Florida city is going above and beyond to make sure dogs, cats and other pets are healthy, loved and welcomed.

On Tuesday, the personal financial website, WalletHub, released an in-depth report on 2022’s Most Pet-Friendly Cities, naming Tampa the second most pet-friendly city in the country behind Scottsdale, Arizona. This is the second year in a row that Tampa has been rated No. 2 by WalletHub. In 2020, Tampa was rated No. 1.

According to WalletHub, more than 90.5 million U.S. households with pets spent $123.6 billion last year on their pets. However, when the website compared 100 of the country's largest cities based on 23 metrics, it found that some cities are more affordable and friendlier to pets and pet owners than others.

Pet and veterinary experts recruited by WalletHub rated cities based on factors including veterinary care costs, availability of pet sitters and pet day cares, dog-friendly restaurants and dog parks.

When the numbers were tallied, Tampa came in second among the most pet-friendly cities in the nation with these scores:

• 29th – Veterinary Care Costs
• 53rd – Dog Insurance Premium
• 1st – Veterinarians per Capita
• 15th – Pet Businesses per Capita
• 8th – Dog-Friendly Restaurants per Capita
• 1st – Dog Parks per Capita
• 32nd – Walk Score
• 20th – Animal Shelters per Capita
• 53rd – Pet Caretakers per Capita

Dog Parks Galore

Among the areas in which Tampa has repeatedly excelled is the number of dog parks in and around the city. There are more than 75 dog parks, dog-friendly parks, walkways and hiking trails in the city of Tampa, unincorporated Hillsborough County and the cities of Temple Terrace and Plant City that welcome dogs.

Some of the dog parks recommended by the pet travel and lifestyle website, BringFido, are:

Julian B Lane Riverfront Dog Park at 5 W Laurel St. in Tampa, where dogs can cool off in a made-for-Fido fountain. There are separate sections for large and small breeds.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Dog Park at 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa, is a fully fenced park with artificial turf, drinking water and concrete fixtures to jump on and crawl through.

Queenie's Dog Park at Water Works Park, 1710 N Highland Ave., Tampa, is a riverfront park with open, green space and shaded areas for dog naps.

The Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park, 626 N Raymond Ave., Tampa, is consistently voted Tampa's top dog park. Named for fallen Hillsborough County sheriff's Deputy John Robert Kotfila Jr., who had a strong bond with his German shepherd, Dexter, the dog park makes creative use of normally vacant space beneath the Selmon Expressway where there are separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, canine turf, water fountains, built-in pet bowls, benches, tables for picnics and tunnels for dogs to run through. Plus, the expressway provides plenty of shade.

Davis Island Dog Park, 1002 Severn Ave., Tampa, is the perfect park for water dogs who enjoy romping through the sand and splashing in the bay.

Carrollwood Village Dog Park, 4680 West Village Drive, Carrollwood, is another favorite for both dogs and their people. It features dog washes, water fountains for dogs and separate areas for large and small dogs.

Opened just a year ago, the New Tampa Dog Park, 8680 Hunters Village Road, features dog-wash zones, canine water fountains, grass to roll in, shaded seating and fenced areas for small and large dogs.

Gadsden Dog Park at 6901 S MacDill Ave., Tampa, has plenty of shade and room to romp, with separate areas for large and small dogs.

Hairy Hangouts

Dogs and cats also get the VIP treatment at hangouts such as:

Hair of the Dog Park at 4211 N Nebraska Ave., Seminole Heights, where dogs can romp and socialize while their owners enjoy a craft beer or glass of wine.

Pups Pub at 2202 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, is an off-leash park bar where pets can play indoors and out while their people socialize over a craft cocktail.

Two Shepherds Taproom at 4813 N Grady Ave., Tampa, where dogs can socialize indoors and out while their owners relax with a beer or glass of wine.

The newly opened Cats & Caffeine cat cafe and lounge at 4033 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, is a place where cat lovers can sip a fresh brew while socializing with friendly felines seeking permanent homes.

St. Clement's Episcopal Church at 706 W 113th Ave., Tampa, offers Pet-Friendly Sundays the third Sunday of each month at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services through Dec. 18. Pets receive treats and blessings.

Adorable Adoptables

Be sure to check Facebook for monthly Yappy Hours and other pet-friendly events at Tampa area bars, cafes, pet specialty shops and outdoor markets. While you're visiting the pet-friendly vendor markets, be sure to visit the numerous cottage industries that make and sell organic dog treats, custom dog collars, scarves and leashes, personalized pet tags and handmade pet sweaters.

Some events coming up include:

The newly opened Pour House Tampa at Grand Central, 1208 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, is hosting a donation drive to benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay on Aug. 13 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Downtown Dogs, an upscale pet store in Hyde Park Village, 1631 W Snow Circle, Tampa, will host adoptable dogs from the Humane Society Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9 and Nov. 13 from noon to 2 p.m.

Rescues and shelters throughout Tampa Bay will participate in NBC's national Clear the Shelters campaign Aug. 27, offering free adoptions of cats and dogs. The campaign runs throughout the month of August. Some participating schelters are:

• Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary Inc.
• Cat Crusaders of Tampa
• St. Francis Society Inc.
• Rescue Cats of Florida Inc.
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay
• SPCA Florida
• Pasco County Animal Services
• Compassion Kind
• Cat Haven Rescue Inc. of Land O' Lakes
• Rescue Pets of Florida
• Friends of Strays Animal Shelter
• Runaways Animal Rescue

Fido-Friendly Hotels

More hotels are catering to pet owners who want to include their furry friends on their vacations.

The chic boutique historic Ybor City hotel, Hotel Haya, welcomes two dogs of any size for an additional fee of $50 per stay, including treats, bowls and dog beds.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, 5223 N Orient Road, Tampa, welcomes two pets, both dogs and cats, up to 40 pounds, and provides a grassy area and waste station.

Aloft Tampa Downtown in Midtown Tampa, 100 W Kennedy Blvd., allows two dogs up to 40 pounds for no additional fee. Well-behaved dogs may be left in guest rooms unattended.

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa, welcomes two pets up to 60 pounds for an additional fee of $100 per stay. Both dogs and cats are accepted. There is a grassy area with pet stations available.

Westin Tampa Harbour Island, 725 S Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa, welcomes two dogs up to 40 pounds for an additional fee of $50 per night. There is a grassy pet relief area with a waste station.

Le Meridien Tampa, located in the historic Tampa courthouse at 601 N Florida Ave., Tampa, welcomes two pets up to 40 pounds for an additional fee of $25 per pet. Both dogs and cats are allowed. Bowls are provided, and there is a grassy area for pet relief.

Click here for more pet-friendly hotels.