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San Francisco is one of the best year-round US cities to travel with a pet: cool fog summers (10-15 °C), dry sunny fall (the best season), one of the densest off-leash networks in the country combining ~30 Rec & Park DPAs with the federal GGNRA sections (Crissy Field, Fort Funston, Ocean Beach north), strong patio dining culture under California AB 1681, and three 24/7 emergency vets. The main constraints are the hilly streets (tough for senior or short-legged dogs), the cold Pacific (rip currents on the ocean side), and California's strict carrier rule on BART/Muni for non-large dogs.
Dogs entering the US from rabies-free or low-risk countries (EU, UK, Canada) need a valid rabies vaccination, a microchip, and a CDC Dog Import Form completed online before travel (cdc.gov/importation/dogs). Rules tightened in August 2024: all dogs must arrive at one of 18 CDC-approved airports (SFO is one), be at least 6 months old, and be accompanied by the CDC form receipt. Cats currently have no federal vaccination requirement on entry, though airlines often require one.
San Francisco summer (June-August) is famously cool and foggy in the west (Sunset, Richmond, Ocean Beach can stay 12-15 °C all day), while the Mission and the East Bay are 20 °C sunnier. Pacific water is 10-15 °C year-round with strong rip currents on the ocean side; calm Bay water at Crissy Field is the only safe dog-swim option. Many streets in Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Pacific Heights and the Castro have 20-30% gradients: tough for short-legged breeds (dachshunds, basset hounds, French bulldogs), seniors and dogs with hip issues; plan flat routes via Embarcadero, Marina Green or Golden Gate Park.
San Francisco Park Code requires dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet on all public streets, sidewalks and parks except inside Rec & Park Dog Play Areas and the voice-control sections of the GGNRA (Crissy Field East Beach, Fort Funston, Ocean Beach north of Stairwell 21). Owners must pick up waste (fine starts at $192). California has no statewide breed-specific legislation, but individual buildings, hotels and HOAs may apply their own restrictions: always confirm with your hotel before booking. On BART and Muni Metro the carrier rule is strict for non-service dogs; large dogs on Muni only outside peak hours with muzzle and short leash.