Photo by Joe Lanane

Tunnel: Agility tunnels can be extended or shortened depending on a dogs experience level.

Austin recently beat out cities across the country to become DogTown USA.

Dog Fancy Magazine awards the honor to a city every year based on dog-friendly accommodations such as centers, businesses, parks, legislation, veterinarians and more, according to a July 15 news release that announced Austin as this year's winner.

What made Austin stand out from other nominated cities was the progress made to becoming a no-kill city, according to the release.

"Thanks to innovative programs and dedicated animal lovers in both public and private organizations, the Austin community saves the lives of more than 90 percent of the animals who enter shelters, making Austin the largest metropolitan city to sustain a no-kill goal," said Ernie Slone, editor of Dog Fancy magazine and DogChannel.com.

Slone will present the city with a $5,000 check Sept. 13 at the Strut Your Mutt fundraiser at Mueller Lake Park, 1829 Simond Ave. The city has chosen to donate the money to Austin Pets Alive.

"As America's first large no-kill city, it's an honor to receive this recognition from Dog Fancy awarding Austin the title of being the best city for dogs and people who love them," Austin City Councilman Mike Martinez said in a news release. "Years of dedication and hard work on behalf of the Austin Animal Center, Austin Pets Alive! and so many other valuable partner organizations and volunteers have helped us achieve our animal-welfare goals and fostered a pet-friendly environment citywide."

Cities that came in a close second for the award were Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Charleston, South Carolina and Minneapolis, Minnesota.