Rover and Redfin Have Ranked U.S. Cities for Dog Walking
A new guide helps pet owners identify the best cities for canine exercise based on walkability scores.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Dogs
Live Poll
Would you prioritize neighborhood walkability for your pet when choosing your next home?
Rover and Redfin have released a new guide ranking 107 U.S. cities for dog walking. The rankings utilize Walk Scores and data on common dog breeds to help families find areas best suited for their pets.
Why it matters
Choosing a neighborhood with high walkability can significantly improve daily logistics and exercise routines for pet owners. The guide highlights which urban environments best accommodate the needs of dogs and their owners.
San Francisco holds the top spot with an 88.7 Walk Score, followed by New York City at 88.0 and Chicago at 77.2. The report notes that Goldendoodles are the most popular breed in six of the top ten cities.
The players
Rover
An online marketplace for pet care services that tracks dog ownership trends and breed popularity.
Redfin
A residential real estate brokerage that maintains extensive data on neighborhood walkability and housing metrics.
The details
The analysis assigns cities an archetype based on their specific Walk Score and the preferences of their local dog populations. Breed popularity was determined by user-submitted data, such as the 826% year-over-year growth in Basset Hounds seen in Newark. The guide serves as a resource for pet parents to match a city's environmental personality with their dog's exercise requirements.
Timeline
Rover collected breed popularity data throughout August 2026.
The official dog walking guide was released on September 23, 2026.
The Home Front
The integration of pet-focused lifestyle data into traditional real estate walkability metrics reflects a growing trend in home-search priorities. This guide aligns standard urban planning scores with the practical daily needs of household pets.
If you are considering a move, check your potential neighborhood's Walk Score to gauge how accessible the area is for daily pet outings. Evaluate whether your current local breed trends align with your pet's activity needs to ensure a compatible living environment.
The takeaway
Selecting a home that prioritizes walking infrastructure can make a meaningful difference in your daily pet care routine. Use the rankings to research how your current city scores on walkability compared to others nationwide.
Further reading
For more on managing canine health and activity, see our Dogs section.
Live Poll
Would you prioritize neighborhood walkability for your pet when choosing your next home?
