Key Takeaways
- Wyoming has the highest pet ownership rate at ~72% of households (AVMA, 2024)
- Hawaii has the lowest at ~45%, partly due to strict quarantine laws (AVMA, 2024)
- Rural states consistently outrank urban states — the top 10 are all below the national median population density
- Southern and Mountain West states lead dog ownership; the Northeast and Pacific Northwest lean toward cats
- Connecticut residents spend the most per pet despite ranking 48th in ownership rate (APPA, 2024)
- Pet ownership correlates with single-family home rates at r=0.72 (US Census, 2023)
- Colorado, Oregon, and Virginia rank as the most pet-friendly states based on vet access, rental laws, and shelter save rates
- The national average is 67% of households with at least one pet (APPA, 2024)
- States with pet-friendly rental legislation show 4–6% higher ownership rates than neighboring states without such laws
Full 50-State Pet Ownership Ranking
Wyoming leads the nation with approximately 72% of households owning at least one pet (AVMA, 2024). The top of this ranking skews heavily rural and Southern. The bottom skews urban, coastal, and expensive.
| Rank | State | Ownership Rate | Dog Households | Cat Households |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | ~72% | ~54% | ~34% |
| 2 | West Virginia | ~71% | ~52% | ~38% |
| 3 | Arkansas | ~70% | ~52% | ~35% |
| 4 | New Mexico | ~68% | ~48% | ~33% |
| 5 | Oklahoma | ~68% | ~50% | ~32% |
| 6 | Montana | ~67% | ~49% | ~35% |
| 7 | Mississippi | ~67% | ~52% | ~30% |
| 8 | Idaho | ~66% | ~50% | ~34% |
| 9 | Indiana | ~66% | ~48% | ~33% |
| 10 | South Dakota | ~65% | ~47% | ~32% |
| 11 | Nebraska | ~65% | ~46% | ~33% |
| 12 | Oregon | ~65% | ~43% | ~38% |
| 13 | Kentucky | ~65% | ~48% | ~34% |
| 14 | Vermont | ~64% | ~40% | ~42% |
| 15 | Tennessee | ~64% | ~49% | ~31% |
| 16 | Kansas | ~64% | ~47% | ~32% |
| 17 | North Dakota | ~64% | ~45% | ~30% |
| 18 | Colorado | ~63% | ~46% | ~32% |
| 19 | Missouri | ~63% | ~48% | ~33% |
| 20 | Iowa | ~63% | ~44% | ~34% |
| 21 | Texas | ~63% | ~48% | ~28% |
| 22 | Alabama | ~63% | ~50% | ~30% |
| 23 | Maine | ~62% | ~39% | ~42% |
| 24 | Louisiana | ~62% | ~48% | ~28% |
| 25 | Michigan | ~62% | ~45% | ~34% |
| 26 | South Carolina | ~62% | ~47% | ~30% |
| 27 | Washington | ~62% | ~42% | ~37% |
| 28 | Arizona | ~62% | ~46% | ~30% |
| 29 | Ohio | ~61% | ~44% | ~33% |
| 30 | Wisconsin | ~61% | ~43% | ~34% |
| 31 | North Carolina | ~61% | ~46% | ~31% |
| 32 | Minnesota | ~60% | ~42% | ~33% |
| 33 | Georgia | ~60% | ~46% | ~28% |
| 34 | Florida | ~60% | ~44% | ~29% |
| 35 | Virginia | ~59% | ~43% | ~30% |
| 36 | Pennsylvania | ~58% | ~41% | ~33% |
| 37 | Utah | ~58% | ~43% | ~27% |
| 38 | Nevada | ~57% | ~42% | ~28% |
| 39 | Delaware | ~57% | ~40% | ~30% |
| 40 | Alaska | ~57% | ~42% | ~30% |
| 41 | New Hampshire | ~56% | ~39% | ~34% |
| 42 | Maryland | ~56% | ~39% | ~29% |
| 43 | Illinois | ~55% | ~40% | ~29% |
| 44 | California | ~55% | ~40% | ~28% |
| 45 | New Jersey | ~54% | ~38% | ~28% |
| 46 | Massachusetts | ~54% | ~36% | ~30% |
| 47 | Rhode Island | ~53% | ~36% | ~29% |
| 48 | Connecticut | ~52% | ~35% | ~28% |
| 49 | New York | ~50% | ~34% | ~26% |
| 50 | Washington, D.C. | ~48% | ~32% | ~22% |
| 51 | Hawaii | ~45% | ~30% | ~24% |
Data compiled from AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook (2024) and APPA National Pet Owners Survey (2023–2024). Dog and cat household percentages reflect individual ownership rates and may overlap in multi-pet homes.
States with the Highest Pet Ownership
Wyoming tops the national ranking at ~72% of households with pets (AVMA, 2024). The reasons are structural, not cultural. Wyoming has the lowest population density in the contiguous US at 5.8 people per square mile (Census, 2023). Nearly 75% of its housing stock is single-family detached homes. Land is cheap, yards are large, and most residents live in settings where keeping a dog is the norm rather than a lifestyle choice.
West Virginia (71%) ranks second despite having one of the lowest median household incomes in the country at $51,248 (Census, 2023). Pet ownership here tracks with rural housing patterns and a strong hunting culture. West Virginia has the highest rate of hunting license holders per capita in the East, and many households keep working dogs for upland bird hunting, deer tracking, or livestock protection. Arkansas (70%) mirrors West Virginia's profile — low housing costs, high rural population share, and a cultural orientation toward outdoor activities with dogs. The state's median home price of $167,000 (Zillow, 2024) means most families live in houses with yards. Pet deposits and breed restrictions, common barriers in high-rent markets, are largely irrelevant when most people own their homes.| State | Ownership Rate | Median Home Price | % Single-Family Homes | Pop. Density (per sq mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | ~72% | $290,000 | 75% | 5.8 |
| West Virginia | ~71% | $128,000 | 78% | 74 |
| Arkansas | ~70% | $167,000 | 76% | 58 |
| New Mexico | ~68% | $265,000 | 72% | 17 |
| Oklahoma | ~68% | $168,000 | 74% | 57 |
| Montana | ~67% | $385,000 | 73% | 7.5 |
| Mississippi | ~67% | $140,000 | 77% | 63 |
| Idaho | ~66% | $425,000 | 74% | 23 |
| Indiana | ~66% | $198,000 | 74% | 189 |
| South Dakota | ~65% | $260,000 | 72% | 12 |
Indiana is the outlier in this group. Its population density of 189 people per square mile is well above the other nine states. Indiana's high ranking reflects affordable housing (median $198,000), a strong single-family home culture, and Midwestern pet norms rather than rural sprawl.
New Mexico's position at #4 reflects its mix of rural communities, ranching heritage, and relatively affordable land. The state's large Native American population also contributes — reservation communities have historically high rates of dog ownership, though many of those animals would not be classified as "pets" in the traditional AVMA survey sense.
Montana's ranking at #6 comes despite having the highest median home price among the top 10 at $385,000 (Zillow, 2024). The Bozeman and Missoula housing booms have driven prices up 60% since 2019. But Montana's pet ownership rate has barely budged because the newcomers — remote workers from Seattle, Portland, and the Bay Area — are themselves heavy pet owners. Many moved specifically for outdoor access with their dogs.
Oklahoma and Mississippi round out the top tier with similar profiles: low cost of living, high homeownership, and deep-rooted outdoor cultures. Oklahoma has more than 1 million registered hunting and fishing license holders (Oklahoma DWC, 2024), roughly one for every four residents. Mississippi's pet ownership skews heavily toward dogs — 52% of households own dogs versus just 30% for cats, the widest gap in the country.
Regional Patterns in High-Ownership States
The top 20 states cluster into three geographic belts. The Mountain West corridor (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, South Dakota, Colorado) shares low density and outdoor recreation culture. The Southern belt (Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky) shares low housing costs and hunting traditions. The Midwest group (Indiana, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri) shares affordable single-family housing and agricultural heritage.
Only Oregon cracks the top 12 from outside these three belts. Oregon's high rate reflects a different driver: progressive pet culture, strong animal welfare organizations, and the nation's first comprehensive pet-friendly rental legislation.
States with the Lowest Pet Ownership
Hawaii has the lowest pet ownership rate in the US at ~45% of households (AVMA, 2024). The state's strict 120-day animal quarantine law — reduced to a 5-day-or-less program for pre-qualified animals in 2024 — has historically discouraged pet transport to the islands. High housing costs compound the effect. The median home price in Honolulu exceeds $750,000 (Zillow, 2024), and the majority of rental units prohibit pets.
Washington, D.C. (~48%) has the second-lowest rate. D.C. is almost entirely urban, with 95% of residents living in apartments or condos. The district has one of the youngest, most transient populations in the country — the median age is 34, and roughly 40% of residents have lived there less than five years (Census, 2023). High mobility and apartment living both suppress ownership. New York (~50%) ranks 49th despite being home to an estimated 1.1 million pet dogs and 900,000 pet cats statewide (AVMA, 2024). New York City drags the state average down. The five boroughs have a pet ownership rate of roughly 30%, compared to 62–65% in upstate regions. The city's strict breed-specific building policies, small apartments, and landlord restrictions create a significant barrier.| State | Ownership Rate | % Renters | Avg Rent (1BR) | Pop. Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | ~45% | 42% | $1,850 | 230 |
| Washington, D.C. | ~48% | 59% | $1,950 | 11,686 |
| New York | ~50% | 46% | $1,700 | 421 |
| Connecticut | ~52% | 34% | $1,350 | 741 |
| Rhode Island | ~53% | 38% | $1,200 | 1,061 |
| Massachusetts | ~54% | 38% | $1,550 | 901 |
| New Jersey | ~54% | 36% | $1,450 | 1,263 |
| California | ~55% | 44% | $1,750 | 254 |
| Illinois | ~55% | 33% | $1,200 | 228 |
| Maryland | ~56% | 34% | $1,350 | 636 |
The correlation between renter percentage and low pet ownership is strong but not perfect. California has a 44% renter rate similar to New York's 46%, yet its ownership rate is five points higher. Warmer climate, suburban sprawl in Southern California, and more pet-friendly rental legislation all contribute to the gap.
Connecticut and Massachusetts show an interesting pattern — relatively wealthy states where residents own fewer pets but spend more per animal. Connecticut's per-pet annual spending exceeds $2,400, the highest in the nation (APPA, 2024).
The Middle Tier: Swing States of Pet Ownership
The states ranked 25th through 40th — Michigan, South Carolina, Washington, Arizona, Ohio, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Minnesota, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania — hover between 58% and 62% ownership. These states share a common feature: mixed housing markets with both dense urban cores and suburban/rural peripheries.
Florida illustrates this split. Miami-Dade County's pet ownership rate sits around 42% (high rent, heavy condo concentration), while rural Polk and Levy counties exceed 70%. The statewide 60% figure masks that internal variation. The same pattern plays out in Georgia (Atlanta metro ~50% vs rural south Georgia ~72%), Texas (Houston ~52% vs Hill Country ~68%), and North Carolina (Charlotte ~55% vs Appalachian west ~70%).
These swing states are where pet industry growth is concentrated. Their suburban rings are expanding, new single-family construction is adding pet-friendly housing stock, and remote work migration is bringing pet owners from higher-cost metros. Between 2020 and 2024, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina each gained over 200,000 net new pet-owning households (APPA, 2024 est.).
Dog Ownership by State
Arkansas leads the nation in dog ownership at approximately 52% of households (AVMA, 2024). Southern states dominate the top of the dog ownership rankings. Eight of the top 10 dog-owning states are in the South or Mountain West.
| Rank | State | Dog Households | Cat Households | Dog-to-Cat Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | ~54% | ~34% | 1.59 |
| 2 | Arkansas | ~52% | ~35% | 1.49 |
| 3 | West Virginia | ~52% | ~38% | 1.37 |
| 4 | Mississippi | ~52% | ~30% | 1.73 |
| 5 | Oklahoma | ~50% | ~32% | 1.56 |
| 6 | Idaho | ~50% | ~34% | 1.47 |
| 7 | Alabama | ~50% | ~30% | 1.67 |
| 8 | Montana | ~49% | ~35% | 1.40 |
| 9 | Tennessee | ~49% | ~31% | 1.58 |
| 10 | Indiana | ~48% | ~33% | 1.45 |
Mississippi has the widest dog-to-cat gap at 1.73:1. Southern dog culture reflects a mix of hunting tradition, rural property, and the prevalence of outdoor lifestyles. Hound breeds — Beagles, Bluetick Coonhounds, Treeing Walker Coonhounds — register at rates 3–4x the national average in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee (AKC, 2024).
Breed preferences vary sharply by region. Labrador Retrievers dominate everywhere but hold especially high registration shares in the Midwest and Northeast (AKC, 2024). Australian Cattle Dogs and Australian Shepherds rank disproportionately in Mountain West states. Catahoula Leopard Dogs — Louisiana's state dog — rarely appear in AKC registrations outside the Gulf Coast.
The states with the lowest dog ownership rates are the same ones at the bottom of overall pet ownership: Massachusetts (~36%), Rhode Island (~36%), Connecticut (~35%), New York (~34%), D.C. (~32%), and Hawaii (~30%). Dense housing and high costs suppress dog ownership more than cat ownership because dogs require more space, outdoor access, and daily walks.
Working dog culture adds another dimension to Southern dog numbers. The USDA estimates 2.1 million farm dogs work on American agricultural operations (USDA, 2023). Texas alone accounts for roughly 300,000 working dogs, more than any other state. These animals serve as livestock guardians, herding dogs, and vermin control. Many are not registered with the AKC and do not appear in breed popularity rankings, but they show up in household ownership surveys.
Guard dog prevalence also tracks with property crime rates. States with higher rural property crime — Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama — report above-average rates of large-breed dog ownership. The Rottweiler, Doberman, and German Shepherd together account for 18% of dog registrations in Alabama versus 11% nationally (AKC, 2024).
For breed-specific data and deeper demographic analysis, see our dog ownership statistics page.
Cat Ownership by State
Vermont leads the nation in cat ownership at ~42% of households, tied with Maine (AVMA, 2024). These two New England states have more cat-owning households than dog-owning households — a distinction they share with only a handful of other states.
| Rank | State | Cat Households | Dog Households | Cat-to-Dog Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | ~42% | ~40% | 1.05 |
| 2 | Maine | ~42% | ~39% | 1.08 |
| 3 | West Virginia | ~38% | ~52% | 0.73 |
| 4 | Oregon | ~38% | ~43% | 0.88 |
| 5 | Washington | ~37% | ~42% | 0.88 |
| 6 | Montana | ~35% | ~49% | 0.71 |
| 7 | Arkansas | ~35% | ~52% | 0.67 |
| 8 | Idaho | ~34% | ~50% | 0.68 |
| 9 | Minnesota | ~33% | ~42% | 0.79 |
| 10 | Iowa | ~34% | ~44% | 0.77 |
The "cat belt" runs from Maine through Vermont into the Pacific Northwest. Oregon and Washington both show cat-to-dog ratios near 0.88 — far more balanced than the 0.55–0.65 range typical in the Deep South. The pattern holds at the city level too: Portland, Seattle, and Burlington consistently rank among the most cat-friendly metros.
Several factors drive the Northeast's cat preference. Smaller lot sizes and older housing stock favor indoor cats over large dogs. Longer winters push residents toward low-maintenance pets. The region also has a higher percentage of single-person households (Census, 2023), and single adults are statistically more likely to own cats than dogs.
Southern states show the widest dog-over-cat gaps. Georgia's cat household rate is just 28% versus 46% for dogs — a ratio of 0.61. Texas (28% cats, 48% dogs) and Louisiana (28% cats, 48% dogs) show similar patterns. Outdoor culture, large properties, and guard dog traditions all tilt these states toward canines.
For complete cat breed trends and regional analysis, see our cat ownership statistics page.
Pet Spending by State
Connecticut leads the nation in per-pet annual spending at approximately $2,400 (APPA, 2024 est.). Wealthy northeastern states dominate the top of the spending ranking, even as they rank near the bottom in ownership rates. The pattern makes sense: higher local wages mean higher veterinary costs, premium pet food is more accessible, and pet insurance adoption runs higher in affluent zip codes.
| Rank | State | Est. Per-Pet Annual Spending | Ownership Rate | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | ~$2,400 | ~52% | $83,771 |
| 2 | New Jersey | ~$2,300 | ~54% | $89,703 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | ~$2,250 | ~54% | $89,645 |
| 4 | New York | ~$2,200 | ~50% | $74,314 |
| 5 | California | ~$2,150 | ~55% | $84,907 |
| 6 | Maryland | ~$2,100 | ~56% | $87,063 |
| 7 | Washington | ~$2,050 | ~62% | $82,228 |
| 8 | Colorado | ~$2,000 | ~63% | $80,184 |
| 9 | Virginia | ~$1,950 | ~59% | $80,615 |
| 10 | New Hampshire | ~$1,900 | ~56% | $83,449 |
At the other end, Mississippi pet owners spend roughly $950 per pet annually (APPA, 2024 est.). The gap reflects cost-of-living differences more than care quality differences. A routine vet visit in Manhattan costs $250–$400; the same visit in rural Mississippi runs $50–$100. Premium pet food brands that cost $80–$100 per bag in urban markets sell for less in lower-cost regions, and many rural pet owners feed store-brand kibble at $30–$40 per bag.
Veterinary spending accounts for the largest state-to-state variation. States with more veterinarians per capita — Colorado, Vermont, Oregon — have higher vet spending but also better outcomes. States with vet deserts — Mississippi, Alabama, parts of rural Texas — show lower spending partly because access is limited. The AVMA estimates that 20% of rural US counties lack a single veterinary practice.
| Rank | State | Est. Per-Pet Annual Spending | Key Spending Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | Arkansas | ~$1,050 | Low vet density |
| 47 | West Virginia | ~$1,000 | Low median income |
| 48 | Alabama | ~$980 | Rural vet deserts |
| 49 | Mississippi | ~$950 | Lowest median income |
| 50 | Louisiana | ~$920 | Limited specialty vet access |
The spending floor tracks almost perfectly with median household income. The bottom five spending states have four of the five lowest median incomes in the country. Pet insurance penetration in these states runs below 2%, compared to 6–8% in the top-spending states (NAPHIA, 2024). Lower insurance coverage means more out-of-pocket cost sensitivity, which suppresses elective procedures like dental cleanings and orthopedic surgeries.
Urban vs Rural Pet Ownership
Rural counties average roughly 70% pet ownership compared to 55% in dense urban cores (AVMA, 2024). The gap narrows in suburban areas, which average about 65% — close to the national figure.
Metro-level data reveals sharp contrasts within states.
| Metro Area | Pet Ownership Rate | Renter % | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, OR | ~65% | 46% | $1,500 |
| Denver, CO | ~62% | 40% | $1,600 |
| Nashville, TN | ~60% | 42% | $1,400 |
| Austin, TX | ~58% | 45% | $1,450 |
| Chicago, IL | ~48% | 44% | $1,300 |
| Los Angeles, CA | ~46% | 54% | $1,850 |
| San Francisco, CA | ~45% | 62% | $2,200 |
| New York City, NY | ~30% | 67% | $2,100 |
New York City's 30% rate is the lowest of any major metro — less than half the national average. Manhattan alone sits at roughly 20%. The five boroughs have 3.5 million rental units, and an estimated 70% restrict or prohibit pets. Size limits (under 25 lbs in many buildings) further reduce dog ownership specifically.
Portland bucks the urban trend with 65% ownership. Oregon's statewide pet-friendly rental law, enacted in 2019, prohibits blanket no-pet clauses in most residential leases. Landlords can charge pet deposits but cannot refuse animals outright. The policy has measurably increased pet ownership in Portland and Eugene compared to pre-law baselines.
Denver and Nashville show how Sun Belt migration and pet culture interact. Both metros have attracted young, pet-owning professionals from higher-cost markets. Nashville's pet ownership rate has climbed 4 percentage points since 2018, driven partly by an influx of remote workers from New York and Chicago who brought their dogs south.
Apartment complexes have increasingly adopted pet-friendly policies as a competitive tool. In markets with tight vacancy rates, allowing pets can reduce turnover by 15–20% (National Apartment Association, 2023). Many new-build luxury apartments now include dog parks, grooming stations, and pet spas as standard amenities.
Most Pet-Friendly States
Colorado ranks as the most pet-friendly state in the US based on a composite of vet access, rental protections, shelter outcomes, and park infrastructure.
| Rank | State | Vets per 100k Residents | Pet-Friendly Rental Laws | Shelter Save Rate | Dog Parks per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | 32 | Yes (2019) | 91% | 4.2 |
| 2 | Oregon | 29 | Yes (2019) | 89% | 3.8 |
| 3 | Virginia | 28 | Partial | 90% | 3.5 |
| 4 | California | 27 | Yes (2020) | 88% | 3.1 |
| 5 | Vermont | 34 | No | 93% | 3.9 |
| 6 | Minnesota | 26 | No | 90% | 3.4 |
| 7 | Washington | 28 | Yes (2021) | 87% | 3.6 |
| 8 | Maine | 30 | No | 91% | 2.8 |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 27 | No | 89% | 2.9 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 25 | Partial | 86% | 3.2 |
Colorado combines high veterinary access (32 vets per 100k, well above the national average of 22), robust pet-friendly rental legislation, and a 91% shelter save rate. The state also leads in dog parks per capita, reflecting its outdoor recreation culture.
Vermont has the highest vet-per-capita ratio in the country at 34 per 100k residents and the highest shelter save rate at 93%. Its lack of pet-friendly rental legislation matters less because 73% of Vermont residents are homeowners.
Shelter save rates — the percentage of animals that leave shelters alive through adoption, transfer, or return to owner — have improved dramatically nationwide. The national average reached 83% in 2024 (Shelter Animals Count), up from 64% a decade earlier. States with organized rescue networks and well-funded municipal shelters lead the way. States with high intake volumes relative to population — Texas, California, the Carolinas — still face overcrowding challenges despite improving outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the most pets?
Wyoming has the highest pet ownership rate at ~72% of households (AVMA, 2024). Texas has the largest total pet population because of its 10+ million households, but ownership as a percentage of households ranks only 21st at ~63%.
Which state has the fewest pet owners?
Hawaii has the lowest ownership rate at ~45% of households (AVMA, 2024). Strict animal quarantine laws, high housing costs, and limited yard space all contribute. Washington, D.C. ranks second-lowest at ~48%, though it is technically not a state.
Why do rural states have more pets?
Three factors drive the gap: housing type, cost, and culture. Rural states have higher rates of single-family home ownership, lower housing costs that leave more disposable income for pet care, and stronger traditions of keeping working dogs for hunting, herding, and property protection. Apartment-based pet restrictions — the primary barrier in urban markets — barely exist in rural areas.
What is the most popular pet in each state?
Dogs are the most popular pet in 48 out of 50 states when measured by household ownership rate (AVMA, 2024). Vermont and Maine are the two exceptions where cat-owning households outnumber dog-owning households. Freshwater fish technically outnumber all other pets by total population count but are kept by only 11.8% of households nationally.
Which states are most pet-friendly for renters?
Colorado, Oregon, California, and Washington have enacted pet-friendly rental legislation that restricts landlords' ability to impose blanket no-pet policies. These states allow pet deposits but prohibit outright pet bans in most residential leases. Oregon's 2019 law has been the most studied and shows measurable increases in renter pet ownership since passage.