If St. Augustine seems to be going to the dogs, that's a good thing.

The Nation's Oldest City was named one of the Top 10 dog-friendly small cities in the United States, according to a Web site for people who travel with their dogs.

DogFriendly.com, a site based in Pollock Pines, Calif., ranks major cities and resort areas on the basis of its dog-friendly lodgings, interesting things to do with a dog and outdoor restaurants that welcome dogs.

The city is listed eighth in the resort category, with Key West, Cape Cod and Jekyll Island, Ga.

Mayor George Gardner said he's seen the list and added that his golden retriever, Casey, was thrilled at the news.

"When we do travel, when possible, we do like to take Casey with us," Gardner said.

"If you're a pet owner, this kind of ranking is very important."

Gardner said the city this spring opened the Kid's Care Canine Center at Pomar Park off Masters Drive, where dogs can run free and mingle with other dogs.

St. Johns County's first dog park -- Paw Park -- opened several years ago at Treaty Park off Wildwood Drive.

Dog-friendly motels on the site include Best Western at Interstate 95, Days Inn at the Outlet Centers Mall, Howard Johnson Express Inn at 137 San Marco Ave., La Quinta Inn in the Historic District, and the Holiday Inn at 860 A1A Beach Boulevard.

Attractions include the Fountain of Youth at 11 Magnolia Ave., which tells guests, "Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome both outside and inside the buildings." Also on the dog-friendly list are Ghostly Encounters Walking Tour at 3 Aviles St., Ghost Walk St. Augustine on St. George Street, St. Augustine Transfer Carriages at Avenida Menendez and Hypolita Street, and all of the downtown historic district.

Parks include the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Restaurants include outside tables at Florida Cracker Cafe, Habana Village Cafe, Harry's Seafood Bar Grille, La Pentola, Scarlett O'Hara's and The Pizza Garden.

© The St. Augustine Record