As National Homeless Animals Day on Aug. 18 approaches and with more than 85 million U.S. pet-owning households projected to spend $75 billion this year, the personal finance website WalletHub recently released an in-depth report on 2019’s Most Pet-Friendly Cities.

In order to determine where Americans’ animal companions can enjoy the best quality of life without breaking the bank and their wallets, WalletHub compared the creature-friendliness of the 100 largest cities across 24 key metrics. The data set ranges from minimum pet-care provider rate per visit to pet businesses per capita to walkability.

What is ISAR

The International Society for Animal Rights conceived and began International Homeless Animals’ Day (IHAD) in 1992. Since that time, ISAR’s International Homeless Animals’ Day Observances have consistently grown in number. The events bring people all over the world together to shed light on pet overpopulation and the spay/neuter solution. To date, IHAD events have been celebrated in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, in more than 50 countries and on six continents, saving millions of animals’ lives, according to its website.

“Animal protection organizations and concerned individuals from around the world come together on the third Saturday of August each year to raise awareness about the pet overpopulation epidemic. ISAR’s IHAD activities often include candlelight vigils, adopt-a-thons, spay/neuter clinics, microchip clinics, blessings of the animals, and heartfelt speeches given by council members, local veterinarians, humane officers and shelter personnel. Other activities include slideshows, rallies, dog walks, open houses, award ceremonies, live music, raffles, and games …,” the website adds.

ISAR invites individuals, organizations and animal-friendly businesses wishing to take part in ISAR’s International Homeless Animals’ Day events to order a complimentary downloadable event planning packet by contacting ISAR by mail, phone, fax or email.

Top Pet-friendly Cities

To see where your city rates on the pet-friendly cities check out the lists below proved by WalletHub’s study.

Most Pet-Friendly Cities Least Pet-Friendly Cities
1 Scottsdale, AZ 91 Detroit, MI
2 Orlando, FL 92 Aurora, CO
3 Tampa, FL 93 Nashville, TN
4 Austin, TX 94 Newark, NJ
5 Phoenix, AZ 95 Santa Ana, CA
6 Las Vegas, NV 96 Chula Vista, CA
7 Atlanta, GA 97 Milwaukee, WI
8 St. Louis, MO 98 Buffalo, NY
9 Seattle, WA 99 Laredo, TX
10 Portland, OR 100 Fresno, CA

Key Stats

  • Stockton, CA. has the lowest average veterinary care costs (per visit), $37.08, which is 2.3 times lower than in Plano, Texas, the city with the highest at $84.24.
  • Miami has the most veterinarians (per square root of population), 0.3380, which is 88.9 times more than in Newark, N.J. the city with the fewest at 0.0038.
  • Paul, MN, has the lowest monthly dog-insurance premium, $34.84, which is 2.5 times lower than in San Francisco, the city with the highest at $88.76.
  • San Francisco has the most pet businesses (per square root of population), 0.8455, which is 21.4 times more than in Newark, New Jersey, the city with the fewest at 0.0395.

Source: ISAR and WalletHub