Posted by: Adam McCann

To many of us, pets are family — even if they’re covered in fur, feathers or scales. Naturally, the nearly 85 million households in the U.S. that own pets want to live places where their beloved companions can enjoy long, healthy lives without breaking the bank. The American Pet Products Association projects that in 2018, pet ownership will cost Americans over $72 billion.

Years ago, pet owners had access to only a handful of businesses offering animal services and supplies. Petco and PetSmart were among the biggest names. But the market for pet businesses is growing to fill increasing consumer demand. For example, in 2017, the pet food industry grew three times as fast as the packaged food industry. And there are new ways to buy goods for your animal, such as monthly subscription boxes.

But adding an animal to the family roster can be hard on the wallet. A long list of expenses that include licenses, grooming and medical care can cost between $227 to more than $2,000 annually, depending on the type of animal. Health insurance alone can exceed $200 per year for a dog, and it may not even be worth it. And if you rent an apartment with an animal, you can expect to pay hundreds, if not thousands, more for a pet deposit, fee and rent.

With animal parents in mind, WalletHub compared the pet-friendliness of the 100 largest U.S. cities across 24 key metrics. Our data set ranges from minimum pet-care provider rate per visit to pet businesses per capita to walkability. Scroll down for the winners, pet advice from a panel of experts and a full description of our methodology.

1. Main Findings
2. Ask the Experts
3. Methodology

Main Findings

Embed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/5562/geochart-petlovers.html" width="556" height="347" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:556px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="https://ift.tt/2vr1nhJ>  

Most Pet-Friendly Cities

Overall Rank*	City	Total Score	‘Pet Budget’ Rank	‘Pet Health & Wellness’ Rank	‘Outdoor Pet-Friendliness’ Rank
1	Scottsdale, AZ	60.48	80	1	4
2	Orlando, FL	58.35	14	4	46
3	San Diego, CA	58.10	78	3	6
4	Austin, TX	56.20	33	2	58
5	Phoenix, AZ	56.00	49	13	16
6	Tampa, FL	55.41	30	20	19
7	Cincinnati, OH	55.31	4	32	29
8	Seattle, WA	54.49	86	6	11
9	Las Vegas, NV	54.44	63	16	10
10	Irvine, CA	54.34	96	5	5
11	Portland, OR	54.29	83	11	7
12	Atlanta, GA	53.13	21	10	80
13	Albuquerque, NM	52.85	6	79	20
14	Sacramento, CA	52.58	48	26	21
15	Plano, TX	52.28	70	9	35
16	Columbus, OH	52.05	1	63	56
17	Los Angeles, CA	51.77	97	12	3
18	Oakland, CA	51.55	85	18	9
19	Long Beach, CA	50.98	77	24	12
20	St. Louis, MO	50.91	32	33	41
21	Fremont, CA	50.79	94	19	2
22	Denver, CO	50.79	81	7	50
23	Tucson, AZ	50.78	42	23	42
24	Fort Worth, TX	50.68	11	30	73
25	Colorado Springs, CO	50.61	74	25	14
26	Oklahoma City, OK	50.42	2	69	82
27	Stockton, CA	49.95	12	89	39
28	Henderson, NV	49.86	51	67	8
29	Miami, FL	49.79	15	35	64
30	Arlington, TX	49.40	20	46	59
31	Birmingham, AL	49.27	44	34	52
32	Madison, WI	49.23	43	48	30
33	Raleigh, NC	49.08	27	21	85
34	San Antonio, TX	48.90	8	60	63
35	Tulsa, OK	48.77	7	59	75
36	Boise, ID	48.66	50	47	37
37	Kansas City, MO	48.38	22	51	55
38	Anaheim, CA	48.30	90	8	40
39	Glendale, AZ	48.21	31	42	60
40	Omaha, NE	48.15	3	77	68
41	St. Petersburg, FL	48.05	40	73	24
42	San Francisco, CA	47.98	100	14	1
43	North Las Vegas, NV	47.46	51	81	22
44	Pittsburgh, PA	47.18	60	55	27
45	Riverside, CA	47.07	82	36	28
46	Hialeah, FL	47.03	24	75	61
47	Lexington-Fayette, KY	46.93	35	41	83
48	Chula Vista, CA	46.76	53	70	32
49	Minneapolis, MN	46.72	66	44	36
50	Chicago, IL	46.45	89	15	49
51	Jersey City, NJ	46.38	92	31	18
52	Reno, NV	46.09	54	28	76
53	Gilbert, AZ	46.03	75	22	69
54	Garland, TX	45.93	56	38	66
55	Corpus Christi, TX	45.87	5	91	86
56	Louisville, KY	45.84	16	53	94
57	San Jose, CA	45.81	39	84	25
58	Irving, TX	45.76	45	37	93
59	Toledo, OH	45.74	9	76	57
60	St. Paul, MN	45.48	58	66	38
61	Houston, TX	45.46	46	45	71
62	Wichita, KS	44.72	18	58	98
63	Nashville, TN	44.56	37	62	78
64	San Bernardino, CA	44.50	67	85	15
65	New Orleans, LA	44.49	72	43	53
66	Aurora, CO	44.44	65	29	77
67	Chesapeake, VA	44.32	61	86	26
68	Bakersfield, CA	44.07	79	68	34
69	Winston-Salem, NC	44.06	25	80	89
70	Greensboro, NC	44.05	19	74	62
71	Durham, NC	44.03	26	65	90
72	Dallas, TX	43.97	84	40	47
73	Chandler, AZ	43.75	59	49	67
74	Indianapolis, IN	43.60	23	56	97
75	Washington, DC	43.39	98	50	17
76	Santa Ana, CA	43.37	95	17	54
77	Lubbock, TX	43.16	29	87	91
78	Boston, MA	43.16	69	72	44
79	Memphis, TN	43.14	17	78	99
80	Philadelphia, PA	43.08	88	61	33
81	Lincoln, NE	43.03	38	90	65
82	Jacksonville, FL	42.95	41	71	84
83	Baton Rouge, LA	42.82	36	54	95
84	El Paso, TX	42.77	28	98	45
85	Anchorage, AK	42.48	71	95	23
86	Milwaukee, WI	42.04	13	96	81
87	Detroit, MI	41.92	34	93	70
88	Virginia Beach, VA	41.30	47	82	87
89	Cleveland, OH	41.14	55	83	79
90	New York, NY	41.05	99	39	13
91	Fresno, CA	40.94	76	88	43
92	Charlotte, NC	40.34	57	52	96
93	Newark, NJ	40.28	93	27	92
94	Norfolk, VA	40.11	61	94	48
95	Mesa, AZ	39.35	87	64	74
96	Baltimore, MD	37.97	64	97	51
97	Laredo, TX	37.26	9	99	72
98	Fort Wayne, IN	37.06	68	57	100
99	Buffalo, NY	36.92	73	92	88
100	Honolulu, HI	32.95	91	100	31

*No. 1 = Most Pet-Friendly  

Ask the Experts

For the right reasons, pet ownership can be very fulfilling. But it also can bring about challenges, especially financial ones. For advice to aspiring pet owners, we asked a panel of experts to weigh in with their thoughts on the following key questions:

1. What tips do you have for individuals and families looking to own pets without breaking the bank?
2. In evaluating the best and worst cities for pet lovers, what are the top five indicators?
3. What are the pros and cons of purchasing pet insurance? Do you recommend it?
4. What measures can local authorities take in order to make their cities more pet-friendly?

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• Kathie Jenni Professor of Philosophy, Director of Human-Animal Studies, University of Redlands
• Jessica Pierce Ph.D., Bioethicist and Writer, Faculty Affiliate, Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado Denver, Anchutz Medical Campus
• Ellen Furlong Assistant Professor of Psychology, Illinois Wesleyan University
• Sarah M. Bexell Ph.D., Visiting Clinical Associate Professor, Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Director of Humane Education, University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work
• Gary Comstock Editor-in-Chief, On the Human- a project of the National Humanities Center, Professor, Carolina State University
• Alan M. Beck Sc.D., Professor and Director, Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine
• Ingrid Newkirk President, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Kathie Jenni Professor of Philosophy, Director of Human-Animal Studies, University of Redlands

What tips do you have for individuals and families looking to own pets without breaking the bank?

First and foremost, do not buy a pet, but adopt a homeless pet from a rescue or shelter. This is important not just ethically, but also in terms of likely vet expenses: animals bought at pet-stores or on-line often come from horrendous puppy-mills that are not only inhumane, but also breed pets that turn out to have many health problems and a lack of socialization.

Be mindful of how much vet expenses can run: even one pet's expenses can add up very quickly (to hundreds or thousands of dollars) if there is a serious problem. However, also be aware of the Humane Society facilities in the area and check them out: some cities (San Bernardino, CA is a notable example) have wonderful, low-cost vet clinics for those who are financially strapped. Other low-cost facilities may not be so good: serious research on these facilities is necessary.

What measures can local authorities take in order to make their cities more pet-friendly?

Local authorities could and should, first, eliminate limits on number of pets allowable in any one household. Some pet-guardians can responsibly care for many animals; others should not have even one. The laws should address animal welfare and conditions in which pets are kept, as well as whether neighbors are bothered -- not impose absolute numbers.

Along with that first measure, authorities should eliminate all breed-discriminatory laws, often aimed at "pit-bulls" or other types of dogs with bad stereotypes. While the media play up all attacks by some breeds (pit bulls, in particular), a dog's breed does not correlate with its likelihood of biting or injuring someone. National dog-bite statistics back this up. Instead of targeting the animals, municipal codes should target negligent/reckless owners and institute mandatory spaying/neutering, which substantially lowers dogs' and cats' aggressiveness and wanderings, helps address pet overpopulation, and carries health benefits for the animals.

Insurance companies should not be allowed to discriminate against households with dogs, or households with particular breeds of dogs. What matters is what safety measures -- gates, training, responsible guardians -- are in place.

Cities should follow the lead of Los Angeles and others and make it illegal to sell pets bred in puppy-mills and kitten-mills in pet-stores; stores should only sell animals taken from rescues and animal shelters. For so long as 5 million healthy, adoptable animals are killed in animal "shelters" every year, it's irresponsible to allow the selling of purposely-bred animals for profit.

In evaluating the best and worst cities for pet lovers, what are the top 5 indicators?

My idea of the top indicators for pet-friendly cities are different from many that I see out there. One of the most important is rental property pet-friendliness: are there limits on pets for renters? Limits on numbers, breeds, or sizes of pets? Limits on types of pets? (I don't mean for exotic or wild animals, which should never be kept as pets -- but for domesticated animals.) Are there limits on numbers or breeds of pets for homeowners OR renters?

Also, how strong are the animal-protection laws? If a neighbor's pet is being neglected, what can one do about it? I'm assuming that pet-lovers don't only care about their own pets, but also about other people's animal companions. Is it illegal to keep dogs chained? If a dog is getting no play-time at all, what can one do about it? Is it illegal to care for feral or abandoned cats in the neighborhood?

In my view, it's silly to focus on things like pet-friendly restaurants or even dog-parks: the important considerations are about how the pet and family will do in everyday, routine life at home. Although hiking trails and dog-friendly beaches (with leashes required for everyone's safety) are very nice, the other things I've mentioned are, in my view, far more important.

Jessica Pierce Ph.D., Bioethicist and Writer, Faculty Affiliate, Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado Denver, Anchutz Medical Campus

What tips do you have for individuals and families looking to own pets without breaking the bank?

Having a pet is a serious commitment and it is good to know your expected financial outlay before deciding to adopt an animal. When people ask me how much it costs to own a pet, my first answer is “A lot more than you would expect.” Dogs are likely to cost around $1,200-1,500 an average year, and cats slightly less, at about $1,000. Costs are typically higher during the first year, when an animal needs vaccinations and frequent veterinary check-ups, and during an animal’s golden years (or months) when they may need careful management of illness, pain, or disability. Over the lifetime of a dog, you might spend around $40,000; for a cat, maybe around $30,000.

The two things I would tell people to splurge on are good quality food and regular, good quality veterinary care. Pet owners can save money by making homemade toys and treats, by holding back on nonessential items like pet clothing and fancy beds (inexpensive beds can be just as comfortable). Another way to save money is to think about the additional costs that might be associated with a certain breed of dog or cat. Taking dogs as an example, you might avoid breeds that require regular grooming, which can be pricey. And you might think twice about breeds that have significantly increased risk of medical problems, such as bulldogs, German Shepherds, or Cocker Spaniels. My advice is to adopt a mixed-breed dog from a shelter– it is good for your wallet because adopting is generally much less expensive than buying from a breeder, mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier, and you can make a homeless dog very happy.

What are the pros and cons of purchasing pet insurance? Do you recommend it?

Pet insurance is a good idea for the majority dog and cat owners. Policies vary widely, but a pet owner can find good coverage for around $30-50 a month. If the average yearly veterinary cost for a dog is $227 (an estimate provided by the AVMA), it may seem more economical to simply pay out of pocket, but one emergency visit for an accidentally ingested squeaker toy or a cut on the paw can easily run $500-1,000 or more, so you will quickly recoup the monthly cost of insurance. The Pros: having insurance encourages people to seek regular care, even for things that they might suspect are not life-threatening and it provides peace of mind for pet owners on a careful budget. Cons: that monthly payment can be painful, policies vary in how well they cover some aspects of care (such as palliative care for elderly or ill animals), and some policies exclude animals with preexisting conditions.

What measures can local authorities take in order to make their cities more pet-friendly?

Here are a few things that communities can do: Provide support for well-run, well-funded shelters to help animals who have been lost, abandoned, or relinquished. Shelters can also provide valuable help to pet owners by having educational programs, training classes, and advice for people who have dogs or cats with challenging behaviors; Provide some form community-supported low-cost veterinary care (including spay/neuter, vaccinations, pain medication); Make “poop stations” widely available in parks and other public places frequented by dogs, with poop pick-up bags, trash cans, and friendly reminders for dog owners. Encouraging responsible poop clean-up will keep relations friendly between dog owners and other members of the community and, of course, helps keep parks and open spaces pleasant and clean.

In evaluating the best and worst cities for pet lovers, what are the top 5 indicators?

Five things I would look for as indicators of a pet-friendly city:

1. Availability of pet-friendly housing (e.g., apartments, rental homes, vacation rentals);
2. Ample dog parks and, especially, hiking and walking areas where dogs can be off leash;
3. Access to high quality pet foods and specialty pet stores;
4. Access to excellent and reasonably priced veterinary care (cost of care can vary by region; access to a veterinary teaching hospital and 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic are a bonus);
5. A good “vibe.” This is hard to put a finger on, but some cities just feel more dog friendly than others– you see dogs all over the place, the dogs look happy and their people look happy, dogs are welcome in public areas such as city parks, and there are lots of places for dogs to meet each other and play together.

Ellen Furlong Assistant Professor of Psychology, Illinois Wesleyan University

What tips do you have for individuals and families looking to own pets without breaking the bank?

I would say to remember that animals don’t actually need all the bells and whistles that we are often told they do. I would suggest investing in a few high quality products that you will use often – for dogs this may include a good high quality leash and collar or harness, perhaps a crate and/or a dog bed. My 14-year-old dog, Cleo, has had the same collar since she came into my life 13 years ago, and had the same bed until a visiting dog ate it. Keep the expenses down where you can and splurge, when you’d like, on things that will benefit your pet (keep in mind, many pet things are marketed to you; Fido won’t mind if you don’t buy her that dog tutu, I promise). I splurge, for example, on high-quality toys for my dogs, but to keep them new and exciting you can take some toys out of rotation for a few months so when you re-introduce them your dog is excited to see them again.

What are the pros and cons of purchasing pet insurance? Do you recommend it?

It really depends on your circumstances and your pet. When I got Cleo I was in graduate school, barely making ends meet, and she was utter chaos in dog form. In the first year she dislocated her knee (twice), needed surgery, sliced her foot open on a piece of glass at the dog park, had an obscure parasite that was difficult (and expensive) to diagnose, and developed a skin infection from her allergies. Her treatments together cost more than I made in a year. That’s the kind of dog that needs insurance. I got full coverage insurance on her and it was worth every penny. Now that she’s 14 I’ve changed her coverage a bit – she no longer has full coverage, mostly because she’s wised up and doesn’t have as many catastrophes. But we do have coverage for accidents and (non-routine) illnesses that may break the bank. For example, we were in a car accident a few months ago and her insurance covered the check up to make sure she was ok afterward (she was), and she’s covered if she develops something scary and expensive like cancer. However, most insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions and different insurance companies have different definitions of what is pre-existing, so it’s worth shopping around. For example, Cleo's seasonal allergies and arthritis are not covered and on average we spend about $150 a month on treatments for these ailments. I do wonder when I shell out money for insurance every month if it’s worth it, but to me it’s worth the peace of mind to know that if she gets cancer I won’t have to make decisions about her treatment based on finances alone.

Our other dog, Charlie, visits the vet for his annual check-ups but is otherwise extremely healthy. We do not have insurance for him. A friend of ours has done something I think is very smart; she started a savings account for pet expenses. Every month she puts in $50. Over the lifespan of her cat that money has grown quite a bit and now that the cat is older and having some health problems she is able to pay for them out of that savings account without incurring financial distress. This is something I would consider doing the next time around.

What measures can local authorities take in order to make their cities more pet-friendly?

This may be controversial but the #1 important thing for me is for cities to have (and enforce) leash laws. This keeps dogs safe from traffic (all but the most well trained dogs will be tempted to dart across the street at some time or another) and from other dogs. Many owners think that because their dog is friendly to other dogs it’s acceptable for them to run loose and approach other dogs. But not all dogs are friendly, and for some dogs being approached by a dog they don’t know can be a scary experience – they can attack out of fear or they can bolt, wrenching the leash from their owners. I’ve heard of cases in which dogs end up lost or hit by a car and killed because a dog approached them and they ran in fear. Owners can also end up injured by loose dogs too– I was once knocked to the ground and injured by a loose dog (whose owner insisted it was friendly), as it was trying to attack Cleo. Leash laws may be annoying for the tiny percentage of dog owners who have dogs with perfect obedience training, but they can be life or death for many dogs.

In evaluating the best and worst cities for pet lovers, what are the top 5 indicators?

• In Bloomington-Normal we have a 45-mile long rails-to-trails multi-use path. It’s a great place for dog walks because it is meandering and therefore easy access from most of the town. For the most part it is shaded (and therefore not too hot even in the summer), and there are water fountains for humans and dogs every mile or two. Having an outdoor walking trail that’s clearly welcoming to dogs like this is a huge indicator of a great city for pet lovers. Other cities also have dog poo bag dispensers which are also a great addition.
• Well-regulated dog parks. Dog parks can be great experiences for dogs, but they can also be dangerous – dog parks that screen for aggression and ensure that dogs have been vaccinated (including kennel cough and canine flu) are great.
• A community of animal people. Excellent vets who are up to date on best practices (for example, Cleo does hydrotherapy every few weeks for her arthritis, it’s given her new life! Not all cities have access to such treatments), dog trainers that rely on positive reinforcement, animal emergency clinics that are open 24/7, high-quality dog daycare centers, a pool of reliable pet sitters / dog walkers, restaurants that allow your pup to sit with you on the patio while you enjoy your meal, businesses that welcome well behaved dogs in their doors, and, increasingly, many universities have dog cognition labs like mine where your dog can go and do some mental gymnastics for a bit.
• As I went into above – leash laws. They make everything safer.
• Spay and neuter programs and excellent pet shelters. Some cities have to import dogs from other parts of the country because the spay and neuter programs there have been so successful there that they don’t have enough pets in shelters to meet the demand. More spaying and neutering means less euthanasia and pet lovers certainly like that!

Sarah M. Bexell Ph.D., Visiting Clinical Associate Professor, Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Director of Humane Education, University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work

What tips do you have for individuals and families looking to own pets without breaking the bank?

Bringing another family member into your home will cost a good bit of money, and it is hard to predict what will happen with their health, so it is critical that families are sure they can actually afford to accommodate the expenses of new family member. One way to save money and lives is to adopt and never buy a pet, the purchase of another life is unethical, and anytime a person purchases another life, one is lost in a shelter. If you believe that only one breed makes a good pet for you, likely it is that you are unready to be a good guardian to other species. Once you have adopted the next best thing to do is to feed them a good diet and provide appropriate exercise to keep them fit and healthy, just like you would for another human. Veterinary costs are high, so check into those costs before you make any decisions.

What measures can local authorities take in order to make their cities more pet-friendly?

Mandatory vaccinations and neuter/spay. Fund humane education programs in all shelters and hire more humane educators to reach schools and other environments where children and families can learn about wonderful relationships between humans and other animals.

In evaluating the best and worst cities for pet lovers, what are the top 5 indicators?

presence of an adequately funded rescue (shelter) facility, or more, depending on the size of the city; affordable veterinary care; well-trained humane educators who have adequate funding to reach all community members; policies that make vaccinations and neuter/spay mandatory; pet friendly open space that also respects wildlife (this space for wildlife may need to be in a completely different location).

Gary Comstock Editor-in-Chief, On the Human- a project of the National Humanities Center, Professor, Carolina State University

What measures can local authorities take in order to make their cities more pet-friendly? In evaluating the best and worst cities for pet lovers, what are the top 5 indicators?

There’s nothing like a dog to get a friendly conversation going with a stranger. Towns with policies encouraging pub and restaurant owners to open their establishments to dogs are adept at creating diverse and friendly environments. Portland, OR and Austin, TX are good examples of places like this, and places where you can easily meet new people as you both admire the other's companion animal. Make sure accompanied nonhumans are welcome on buses and light rail, too, and you’ve got a community ready-made for folks to meet up.

Alan M. Beck Sc.D., Professor and Director, Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine

What tips do you have for individuals and families looking to own pets without breaking the bank?

Family and friends may be a source as well reputable animal shelters. Cats are often available at low cost and small mammals and fish are often great for your people.

What are the pros and cons of purchasing pet insurance? Do you recommend it?

Pet insurance is often good investment; look for programs that help with basic wellness (exams and vaccinations) but also can help with rare but expensive events. As cancer is becoming more common, a program that will help with treatment would be good. Surprisingly insurance for dogs is much more common than for cats. Insurance is much less common in the US than Scandinavian or European countries. The downside of any insurance as perceived cost versus benefit.

What measures can local authorities take in order to make their cities more pet-friendly?

Authorities could be more responsive when pet owners behavior irresponsibly (e.g., running loose, too many animals, dangerous dogs), which makes ownership more difficult for all.

In evaluating the best and worst cities for pet lovers, what are the top 5 indicators?

Planning for dogs, like dog parks, are a good indicator. Also reasonable fees for licensing and standards for multiple pets. Look at Harmony, Florida, which plans for pets and contact with nature.

Ingrid Newkirk President, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

What tips do you have for individuals and families looking to own pets without breaking the bank?

Properly caring for an animal is expensive–there is no getting around that. Potential adopters must be sure that they can afford routine and emergency veterinary care, grooming, high-quality food, leashes, harnesses, collars, beds, toys, treats, litter, scratching posts, and the myriad other expenses that come along with taking care of an animal companion. Adopting an animal from a shelter instead of buying one from a breeder or pet store can save hundreds or thousands of dollars–and a life. Choosing a healthy mutt instead of a purebred can cut down on veterinary costs because purebreds are prone to debilitating hereditary diseases and health problems caused by being bred for distorted features such as a flat face or an elongated spine. Getting animals spayed or neutered as soon as possible can also prevent costly health woes: Spayed females have no risk of developing uterine or ovarian cancer and are far less likely to develop mammary cancer. Neutered males have no risk of developing testicular cancer and are less likely to develop prostate disease. Keeping animals indoors, except for supervised excursions outside on a leash or in a fenced area, protects them from accidents and injuries that require pricey veterinary visits.

What are the pros and cons of purchasing pet insurance? Do you recommend it?

It's vital that every animal guardian make a plan to cover routine and emergency veterinary expenses. At PETA, we offer our employees a discount on pet insurance because it's one good option to help ensure that animals get the care that they need in the event of an accident or illness–both of which can quickly result in bills of hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Pet insurance typically does not cover routine veterinary care, however, so guardians still need to maintain a fund to cover those expenses, ensure that proper attention is paid to dental care, and more.

What measures can local authorities take in order to make their cities more pet-friendly?

Lawmakers can greatly improve the quality of life for all animals in their cities by passing mandatory spay/neuter laws; funding low-cost spay/neuter and veterinary clinics; strengthening anti-cruelty laws and penalties for abusers; banning cruel practices such as chaining dogs outdoors and painful mutilations such as ear-cropping, tail-docking, and declawing; and ensuring that animal shelters keep their doors open to all animals without restrictions such as waiting lists and surrender fees.

In evaluating the best and worst cities for pet lovers, what are the top 5 indicators?

1. Strong laws protecting animals, particularly mandatory spay/neuter and anti-chaining ones.
2. A well-run, humane, open-admission shelter to care for stray and surrendered animals, to ensure prerelease sterilization, and to encourage residents to "adopt, not shop".
3. Low- to no-cost spay/neuter clinics (bonus if the clinics are mobile, like PETA's, so that they can travel to low-income communities).
4. Compassionate, skilled veterinarians who charge reasonable fees and/or will work with guardians on affordable payment plans and who euthanize, free of charge, when there is end-of-life suffering.
5. Animal-friendly amenities, such as dog parks, dog beaches, trails, and restaurants and stores that welcome animals.

Methodology

In order to determine the most pet-friendly places in America, WalletHub compared the 100 most populated cities across three key dimensions: 1) Pet Budget, 2) Pet Health & Wellness and 3) Outdoor Pet-Friendliness.

We evaluated those dimensions using 24 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for pets and their owners. Data for metrics marked with an asterisk (*) were available at the state level only. For metrics marked with an asterisk (**), the square root of the population was used to calculate the population size in order to avoid overcompensating for minor differences across cities.

Finally, we determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample. Our sample considers only the city proper in each case and excludes cities in the surrounding metro area.

Pet Budget – Total Points: 25

• Veterinary Care Costs: Full Weight (~10.00 Points)
• Minimum Pet-Care Provider Rate per Visit: Half Weight (~5.00 Points)
• Dog Insurance Premium: Full Weight (~10.00 Points)

Pet Health & Wellness – Total Points: 50

• Veterinarians per Capita**: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Pet Caretakers per Capita**: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Animal Trainers per Capita**: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Pet Businesses per Capita**: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Dog-Friendly Restaurants per Capita**: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Share of Pet-Friendly Hotels: Quarter Weight (~0.88 Points)
• Dog-Friendly Shops per Capita**: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Pet Meetup Groups per Capita**: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Doggie Daycare & Boarding Establishments per Capita**: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Pet-Friendliness of Rental Market: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)Note: This metric measures the percentage of pet-friendly rental units.
• Average Home Square Footage: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Share of Single-Family Detached Homes: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Share of Homes with One or Fewer Occupants per Room: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Animal Shelters per Capita**: Full Weight (~3.51 Points)
• Strength of Animal Protection Laws: Full* Weight (~3.51 Points)Note: This metric is based on the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s “Best & Worst States for Animal Protection Laws” ranking.

Outdoor Pet-Friendliness – Total Points: 25

• Weather: Full Weight (~4.55 Points)Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s “Cities with the Best & Worst Weather” ranking.
• Dog Parks per Capita**: Full Weight (~4.55 Points)
• Parkland as Share of City Area: Full Weight (~4.55 Points)
• Walk Score: Full Weight (~4.55 Points)
• Dog-Friendly Trails per Capita**: Full Weight (~4.55 Points)
• Dog Shows per Capita**: Half* Weight (~2.27 Points)

 

Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Yelp.com, Zillow, WalkScore.com, TripAdvisor, RentPath, Pets Best Insurance Services, Council for Community and Economic Research, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Sittercity, BringFido, InfoDog, Trust for Public Land, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Meetup and WalletHub research.

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