6 Reasons Why Seattle Is So Pet-Friendly

Seattle is not just the land of artisan coffee and technological innovation, but also pets and their parents. When you walk down the street, you’re bound to see numerous pets going for a walk, chilling on a patio, or frolicking in an off-leash park. Both neighborhoods and the locals who inhabit them welcome people and their pets with open arms. See why Seattle is such a pet-friendly city, and how it could be the perfect place to settle down for you and your furry family member.

1. Pet-Friendly Apartments Are Everywhere

Pet-friendly apartments are the norm in Seattle, and many communities go above and beyond by offering pet amenities, like on-site dog parks, dog washing stations, or even pet-sitting services. Renting with a pet still means reading up on your community’s pet policies and fees, but in Seattle, you won’t have to search hard to find a place that welcomes your furry family member.

2. Acres of Parks and Miles of Trails Waiting for Paw Prints

All Seattle parks and many hikes are open to leashed pets, meaning you never have to settle for just a walk around the block. Adventure along the lakefront or dive under the forest canopy with your leashed companion for hours of fresh air, exercise, and enrichment. The abundance of green spaces and trails gives residents tons of options without straying too far from home.

3. Off-Leash Frolicking at Every Turn

Seattle is home 14 off-leash dog parks, with new ones added regularly and private options expanding that count. The options expand rapidly if you’re willing to travel outside of city limits. Marymoor Park, aka “Doggy Disneyland,” is only a 20-to-30-minute drive from Downtown Seattle in Redmond. Its 40-acre off-leash area gives dogs room to run, plus direct access to the Sammamish River for a swim. With so many options, a place where you can let your dog run free is never more than a short drive or walk away.

4. A Seat at the Table for Your Pet

Seattle has no shortage of spots to grab a meal with your pet, due to the sheer number of restaurants with pet-friendly patios. Breweries, Vietnamese spots, classic American fare, whatever you’re craving, chances are there’s pet-friendly outdoor seating. Many restaurants hand out water bowls and treats right as you sit down, and some might even have a special pet menu so your four-legged family member can chow down right alongside you.

5. Adventures Beyond the Dog Park

Seattle has more to offer than just parks and patios for pets and their owners. Outdoor shopping centers, cruises, sculpture parks, kayaking and paddleboarding, and city tours are just a few of the pet-friendly activities that four-legged locals can enjoy with you.

6. A City That Treats Pets Like Locals

Seattle treats pets like locals. Neighbors stop to say hello to your pet, and it is not unusual to spot a cat on a leash. Water bowls sit out in front of shops and cafes as an open invitation to stay awhile, and communities build through pet-centric meetups, regular trips to the dog park or pet store, or sharing recommendations. Your pet will have just as many friends as you do when you live in Seattle.

Your Pet's Perfect Pad Is Just a Search Away

Searching for a pet-friendly apartment in Seattle is easy on Apartments.com. In the filters, scroll down to “Pet Policy” and select your preferred policy from three options: dog friendly, cat friendly, or dog and cat allowed. Each listing also notes pet fees, deposits, and any breed restrictions, so you can compare options at a glance and find a place that welcomes your whole family.

This article was originally published on August 7, 2018 by Shannon Jones.