Colorado Springs is #1 for pets

We'd buy a giant foam "We're #1" finger to celebrate, but someone's dog would chew it to bits.

Once again, Colorado Springs is getting a thumbs-up for being a pet-friendly city, this time from the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

We've been celebrated as a great place to live if you're a dog, largely for our half-dozen dog parks and hundreds of miles of dog-friendly trails.

The Professional Pet Sitters group on Wednesday gave us kudos for having a plethora of pet supply stores, veterinarians, day and longterm care centers, and pet sitters (apparently, more than 50!).

See photos of fun-loving dogs romping around last weekend!

We also got a shout-out in May for the amount we spend on our pets. (Hint: It's more than $25 a month.)

“For many pet parents, it’s important to not only live in a pet-friendly community, but to also live in an area that caters to both you and your pets’ needs,” John D’Ariano, president of NAPPS, stated in a news release.

And it appears Colorado Springs is a great place to live, two-legged or four, furred or feathered.

Gone to the Dogs
Looking for a great place to take your dog? Colorado Springs has several options. Most trails allow dogs as long as they are leashed. If your furry friend likes to roam without constraints and enjoys the company of other dogs, check out these dog parks and off-leash areas:

FENCED
Bear Creek Dog Park ... photos
Rio Grande and 21st Street

Cheyenne Meadows Dog Park
Charmwood and Canoe Creek drives

Palmer Dog Park ... photos
3650 Maizeland Road (off Academy Boulevard)

Rampart Dog Park
8270 Lexington Drive off Union Boulevard


NOT FENCED
Garden of the Gods Off Leash Dog Area
3130 N. 30th St.

Palmer Dog Park (Yucca Flats)

Red Rock Canyon Off Leash Dog Area
High Street off Highway 24 (Cimmaron)