There are many factors to consider when deciding which part of the United States you want to live in. Of course, you should also take into consideration things like how close you are to friends and family, and the type of work you're interested in. While they play a role, more and more people are also considering the needs of their pets when deciding where to call home.
Forbes recently compiled a study on the best cities for pet owners in 2024. The survey found recent data shows that 87% of prospective homebuyers with pets consider their pets' needs when choosing an area to live. And more than three-in-four (82% of prospective home buyers) think their pet's needs are as important or more important than their own pet's needs. . Considering that many of us think of our pets as our own children, it makes sense that we would want our fur babies to live in a place where they can live long, healthy lives.
To determine the most pet-friendly cities, Forbes Advisor looked at available data across 13 key metrics across four categories: dog vet costs, cat vet costs, vet access, and pet-friendly spaces. was used to compare the 81 most populous cities. The ranking of the top five cities is as follows:
5: Wichita, Kansas
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Wichita dog owners pay the lowest prices for vet visits (average cost $57.95), vaccinations ($196.82), and teeth cleanings (average cost $346.95).
There are seven off-leash dog parks in Wichita.
4: Raleigh, North Carolina
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Raleigh ranked 9th in pet-friendly spaces and had the 10th highest percentage of pet-friendly apartments (88.7%) among the cities analyzed. According to Downtown, Raleigh has plenty of dog-friendly patios where you can enjoy a drink or meal while your furry friend gets some fresh air and sunshine.
3: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Cat owners in Albuquerque also have the 8th cheapest vet visits (average cost of $64.95), vaccinations ($91.22), spay/neuter surgeries (average cost of $283.70), and dental cleanings (average cost of $380.95). Available for a fee.
2: Nashville, Tennessee
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Nashville dog owners also pay the fifth lowest average amount for spay/neuter surgery at $479.20. His website for VisitMusicCity lists many dog-friendly parks, hotels, and places to eat. Just don't tell Knoxville, which is very dog friendly.
1: Kansas City, Missouri
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Kansas City topped the list for dogs with a score of 100/100, making it the best city in the country for pet owners, in part due to its second-best veterinary costs for dogs and cats. Masu.
It's refreshing to see so many places adding important amenities for pet owners, like pet-friendly parks and places to grab a bite to eat on the patio with your dog or cat.
You can read the entire Forbes Advisor study here, including information on how we determined the best cities for pet owners. Plus, check out the infographic and the rest of the top 10 cities.
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