Is your DC area neighborhood dog-friendly enough for a pooch?

Walk around D.C. right now and it feels like the city has gone to the dogs. Literally.

COVID-19 has us all feeling a little stir-crazy. It seems like, everywhere you look, D.C. apartment dwellers are using long walks with Fido to get out of the house.

Seeing dogs everywhere in the city may have you pondering getting a pup to reap all the stress-relieving benefits of companionship. But, getting a dog is a big decision. Whether you are one of the thousands of D.C. residents looking to adopt or hoping to buy your dream dog, it's important to consider if your D.C. neighborhood would make for a good home for a new best friend.

Luckily, a new study evaluated 47 D.C. area neighborhoods and ranked which places were the most dog-friendly. The rankings were based on several factors including dog-friendly apartments and establishments, pet services and stores, veterinarians and parks.

Topping the list was the Ballston neighborhood in Arlington, Va., which scored over 48/50 points. Nearby Arlington neighborhood, Shirlington came in sixth place, making the D.C. adjacent city Top Dog.

But as residents of D.C. Proper know, there are many dog-friendly neighborhoods with more central locations.

Inside the city lines, the top neighborhood was Dupont Circle, scoring a 43.3. In Dupont Circle, dog owners can find bars and cafes with dog-friendly patios, allowing you to add your pup into your social life after social distancing.

Close behind was the historic Georgetown neighborhood, scoring 43.1. Georgetown boasts a waterfront green and plenty of dog-friendly boutiques, making it the perfect neighborhood to get out and joy sunny city days with a dog. But note that local dog celebrity Jack the Bulldog, Georgetown University’s mascot, may be the neighborhood’s most popular pet.

At the bottom of the list was Penn Quarter/Chinatown, scoring just 3/50. While the area may be great for art and culture, it isn’t the best place for a dog.