Central Texas city ranked one of the most pet-friendly in US

Animal lovers will likely want to visit Texas’s capital – or even call it home. Austin proudly stands out as one of the top pet-friendly cities in Central Texas. With sunny weather, southern hospitality, and a deep affection for animals, it’s a haven for pet owners.

Among 100 U.S. cities, Austin ranks tenth in overall pet-friendliness. It’s also the only Texas city in the top 10. WalletHub’s ranking was based on 23 key metrics. These included pet-care costs, the number of pet-related businesses, and walkability. Austin scored 56.68 points and placed 8th in both pet health and wellness.

The city has plenty of outdoor spaces where pets and their humans enjoy time together. Dog parks like Red Bud Isle, Barking Springs, and Onion Creek Greenbelt let dogs run freely and socialize. Local businesses welcome pets too. Places like MUTTS Canine Cantina, Work and Woof, and The Watering Bowl ATX treat dogs with love and respect.

Recently, Austinites showed just how much they care for animals—another reason Austin shines among pet-friendly cities in Central Texas. Food influencer Taylor Hannan (known as Austin Eater) had his car stolen with his dog, Noodles, inside. The city mobilized instantly. People spread the word, shared posters, used social media, and reached out to volunteer groups. Even a private investigator joined the search. After six days, Noodles was found and safely returned to his grateful owner.

The tale resonated with hearts from all over the city and beyond. As a result, Mayor Kirk Watson declared August 5 as Noodles Day — to commemorate not only the dog’s safe return but also the spirit and compassion of Austin. Currently, the city ranks No. 10 in terms of pet friendliness. Nevertheless, such heartfelt experiences could very well push it higher in the coming years. Until then, it remains one of the best places in the U.S.A. for everything related to pets and their people.

Looking into Austin’s Pet-Friendly Situation a Bit More

1. The Pet-Bonded Community Action

Austin’s pet culture could not have flourished without its people. For example, joints, neighborhoods, businesses, and citizens come together to create a supportive community. From neighborhood groups to local activists and even online networks, residents recently mobilized to help save Noodles. Clearly, that shared spirit sets Austin apart. As a result, the city stands out for its genuine compassion toward animals.

2. Pet Services and Accessibility Tailored to Pet Needs

Besides the usual pet services, there are many other specialized options in Austin that cater to a pet’s unique needs. For instance, spa treatments, grooming centers, training schools, and dog-walking companies are available across the city.

Moreover, veterinary boutiques offer extended hours and even mobile services for added convenience. In addition, there are people- and dog-friendly adoption events hosted by humane societies in various neighborhoods.

What’s more, Austin promotes dog-friendly public transportation and safety initiatives. As a result, it’s incredibly easy to integrate dogs into daily life—just one more reason it ranks high among pet-friendly cities in Central Texas.

3. Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Social Spots

Austin embraces animals as possible social companions. Other than MUTTS Canine Cantina, other venues such as The Yard, Yard Bar, and Houndstooth Coffee are seen as locations where dog meet-ups often take place while accommodating the four-legged guests, thus giving the dogs a chance to mingle into casual hangouts and community events.

4. The Superb Dishes of the Great Outdoors

For the dog lovers, rustication invariably means surpassing the boundaries of the dog park. Thus, here are much-class services that Austin tries to make available:

Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail with dog trails. Green grass and patios at Breweries such as Zilker Brewing and Adelbert’s Brewery with a welcoming hand for leashed dogs. Seasonal pop-ups and farmer’s markets such as Blue Barn where pets get to accompany you while shopping.

5. Civic Acknowledgment of the Pet Culture

The Noodles saga exemplifies the lengths to which pets may establish themselves as civic symbols in Austin. The city of Austin formally bestows civic honors on pets with the designation of Noodles Day celebrated on August 5. Austin draws attention to the city’s pet culture narrative, while simultaneously enhancing civic pride.