A recent study has shed light on the best cities in the United States to raise a dog or cat.
The study took into account several key factors to determine the pet-friendliness of each city. These included:
- Pet budget: The cost of owning a pet, including food, vet care, and supplies
- Pet health and wellness: The availability of pet health services, including veterinarians, animal trainers, and pet groomers
- Outdoor pet-friendliness: The availability of outdoor spaces, including parks, trails, and dog parks
- Veterinary care costs: The cost of veterinary care, including check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency care
- Dog insurance premiums: The cost of insuring a dog
Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cities
The top 10 pet-friendly cities in the United States, according to the study, are:
| Rank | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scottsdale | Arizona |
| 2 | Tampa | Florida |
| 3 | Las Vegas | Nevada |
| 4 | Birmingham | Alabama |
| 5 | Lexington-Fayette | Kentucky |
| 6 | Oklahoma City | Oklahoma |
| 7 | Jacksonville | Florida |
| 8 | Raleigh | North Carolina |
| 9 | Louisville | Kentucky |
| 10 | Colorado Springs | Colorado |
Scottsdale’s Pet-Friendly Features
Scottsdale, Arizona, took the top spot as the most pet-friendly city in the United States.
Some of the features that made Scottsdale stand out include:
- Third-best city for weather, with mild winters and hot summers
- Nearly 27% of the city is dedicated to park land, providing ample outdoor space for pets
- High number of pet businesses and dog-friendly shopping per capita
- 98% of rental properties allow pets, making it easy for pet owners to find housing
- A commitment to creating a pet-friendly environment, with many pet-friendly amenities and services available
Other Noteworthy Findings
In addition to the top 10 pet-friendly cities, the study also found some other interesting facts. For example:
- Columbus, Ohio, has the lowest veterinary care costs, making it an affordable option for pet owners
- Los Angeles, Irvine, San Francisco, and Santa Ana have the highest dog insurance premiums, making it more expensive for dog owners to insure their pets
- New York, Honolulu, Milwaukee, Durham, and Boston ranked near the bottom of the list, indicating that they may not be as pet-friendly as other cities
And, remember – if you are planning to bring your pet to the Aloha state, we have tips on how to get your dog to Hawaii without quarantine and a detailed explanation of all the key bits of Hawaiian Airline pet policy.
Study Methodology
The study compared the 100 most populated cities in the United States and evaluated factors like animal trainers per capita, dog-friendly restaurants per capita, and number of dog parks per capita.
The goal of the study was to find cities that provide a good environment for pets, not just the cheapest places to live.
By analyzing these factors, the study aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the best cities to raise a dog or cat.
Whether you’re a current pet owner or thinking of getting a new furry friend, this study can help you make an informed decision about where to live.
Table: Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cities by Category
| City | Pet Budget | Pet Health and Wellness | Outdoor Pet-Friendliness | Veterinary Care Costs | Dog Insurance Premiums |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scottsdale | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Tampa | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| Las Vegas | 8.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| Birmingham | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Lexington-Fayette | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Oklahoma City | 7.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Jacksonville | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| Raleigh | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Louisville | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| Colorado Springs | 7.3/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
Note: The scores are based on a 10-point scale, with 10 being the highest.
