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With its beautiful hiking trails, great weather, and pet-friendly laws, Georgia is a good place to bring a pup into your family.

Pawsafe, a reputable site for pet safety information, ranks Georgia the 17th most pet-friendly state in the country. They found that Georgia has the highest concentration of dog-friendly trails. Of the 1,188 trails in the state, 987 are dog-friendly (83%). Pawsafe ranked Georgia 12th for pet-friendly attractions and activities.

However, Safewise conducted a similar study in which Georgia was ranked as the 8th least pet-friendly state. Georgia took a hit for low pet-friendly rentals with only 27% of rentals accepting dogs and cats.

Both studies evaluate states for their animal cruelty laws, pet-friendly accommodations, and the number of dog parks and hiking trails.

Is Atlanta a pet-friendly city?

Wallethub reviewed the 100 largest cities in the country to rank them by pet-friendliness. In their study, Atlanta – Georgia’s largest city by far – ranked 12th. Good job, Atlanta!

Specifically, the city was 56th for outdoor pet-friendliness, 11th for pet budget, and 25th for pet health and wellness. The city has the 5th lowest dog insurance premiums. It also has the 4th most animal shelters per capita.

A Trust for Public Land (TPL) study reviews the nation’s 100 largest cities to see which has the most dog parks. In the study, Atlanta is ranked 58th with 0.8 parks per 100,000 residents.

A few more statistics for Georgia’s dog lovers

Thirty-seven percent of Georgia residents own a dog. This is just below the national average of 40%. 

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the most popular dogs in Georgia are German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles. Georgia loves a working family dog! In Atlanta, the most popular breeds are Lab mixes, Chihuahua, Goldens, Shih Tzus, Pitbulls, and Yorkies. 

As a whole, the state seems to prefer dogs over cats. Georgia has a 1.15 dog to cat ratio. This is the 10th highest in the country.

Animal welfare & dog shelters in Georgia

Georgia saved 136,941 dogs and cats during 2020. This is 14,510 more animals than in 2019, but approximately 14,735 were killed the past year. Out of 159 animal shelters, only 60 have a no-kill policy. The overall save rate for the state is 82.7%. We like that Georgia seems to be going in a positive direction, and hope to see this progres continue.

A recent WalletHub study analyzed the 100 largest US cities to see which are the most pet-friendly. In the study, Atlanta is ranked the 12th most pet-friendly. The city is one of the most affordable places to own a pet, ranking 25h overall for pet budget. Atlanta also ranks 11th for pet health and wellness, so it has everything you’ll need to raise a healthy dog.

Dog parks and outdoor activities in Atlanta

Atlanta has a variety of dog parks and other outdoor activities for your pup to get his daily dose of exercise. Over a dozen of these parks are off-leash parks where your pooch can play without constraint. Some of the most popular dog parks in the city include Grant Park, Fetch Park, Renaissance Park, and Piedmont Dog Park. 

Atlanta also has several hiking trails for you to take your dog on a trek. A couple spots worth exploring with your furry friend include Whitewater Creek Trail and Trolley Line Trail.

Life in Atlanta with a dog

Atlanta has over 140 pet-friendly restaurants, so you’ll always have plenty of new places to grab a meal with your dog. A few of the most popular dog-friendly restaurants in the city include Dakota Blue, Jo’s Grille, Highland Bakery, JCT Kitchen and Bar, and The Brass Trap. 

In Atlanta, you can enjoy plenty of other dog-friendly establishments like pet shops, daycares, and groomers. Plus, every year there are several events to celebrate dogs and their owners. One of the most popular events is Bark At The Park, where you and your dog can watch an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park. Another enjoyable occasion is the annual Atlanta Symphony Orchestra outdoor, dog-friendly concert in Piedmont Park.

If you have friends or family visiting Atlanta, they will find numerous pet-friendly hotels where they can stay with their dogs. Some of the most popular pet-friendly hotels in the city include the Ellis Hotel, Hotel Clermont, and Kimpton Overland.   

Popular dog breeds in Atlanta

Atlanta is home to a diverse mix of dog breeds. The most popular breeds in the city include French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Poodles. No matter which breed you decide to add to your family, your new pup will have many peers across the city.