Pack the Leash: America’s Most Pet-Friendly Destinations for Summer 2026
June 16, 2026 • Travel
Dogs aren't just coming along for the ride anymore. They're helping choose the destination.
With nearly 87 million U.S. households owning a pet and an estimated 78% of travelers bringing their furry companions on trips each year, pet-friendly travel has officially moved from niche to mainstream. The trend is reflected in recent travel data from KAYAK, which reports that searches for pet-friendly hotels have increased by 20% compared to last year.
To help travelers discover the best places to vacation with their four-legged family members, KAYAK analyzed accommodation data across the country to identify destinations with the highest percentage of pet-friendly lodging options. The results may surprise you.
Rather than major metropolitan areas, smaller cities and outdoor-focused destinations dominated the rankings. Leading the pack is Topeka, Kansas, where an impressive 64% of hotels welcome pets. Close behind are Amarillo, Texas (61%), Yakima, Washington (56%), and Klamath Falls, Oregon (55%), proving that some of America's most welcoming destinations can be found off the beaten path.
Florida also earned multiple spots on the list, including Ocala, Titusville, and Boca Raton, while destinations such as Madison, Wisconsin; Springfield, Missouri; and Long Beach, Washington offer travelers plenty of opportunities to explore scenic outdoor adventures with their canine companions.
The appeal is easy to understand. Many of these destinations feature wide-open spaces, hiking trails, parks, lakes, beaches, and a growing number of businesses that recognize pets as valued guests rather than afterthoughts.
Planning a successful pet-friendly vacation takes more than simply finding a hotel that allows dogs. Travelers must consider pet policies, nearby walking areas, pet-friendly attractions, dining options, and road-trip logistics. That's why KAYAK created its Pet Travel Playbook, a resource packed with practical advice for everything from choosing accommodations to preparing for long drives with pets.
KAYAK has also updated its search experience by integrating pet-friendly preferences directly into the travel planning process. Instead of treating pet accommodations as a secondary amenity filter, travelers can now identify pet-friendly options more easily from the start, reflecting a simple reality: pets are part of the family and part of the journey.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway to Amarillo, exploring the natural beauty of Klamath Falls, or discovering the coastal charm of Long Beach, one thing is clear: America is becoming increasingly welcoming to traveling pets.
Before you hit the road this summer, be sure to check out KAYAK's Pet Travel Playbook and start mapping out your next adventure. After all, the best travel memories often come with a wagging tail and muddy paw prints along the way.
