With 95 million U.S. pet-owning households projected to spend $165 billion this year on their animal companions, the personal finance company WalletHub released an in-depth report on 2026’s Most Pet-Friendly Cities, as well as expert commentary, to determine where Americans’ animal companions can enjoy the best quality of life without their owners breaking the bank.
WalletHub compared the pet-friendliness of the 100 largest cities across 23 key metrics. The data set ranges from veterinarian costs to the number of pet businesses per capita to walkability.
Most Pet-Friendly Cities
Scottsdale, Arizona was ranked number one, the most pet-friendly city. It was followed by Tampa, FL; Las Vegas, NV; Orlando, FL; Cincinnati, OH; St. Petersburg, FL; Birmingham, AL: Tulsa, OK; Atlanta, GA; and, rounding out the top 10, Irvine, CA.
Least Pet-Friendly Cities
Among the least pet-friendly cities, coming in at 91 was Chula Vista, California. It was followed by Anchorage, AK; Newark, NJ; Durham, NC; Boston, MA; Honolulu, HI; Buffalo, NY; Milwaukee, WI; Chicago, IL; and, last on the list at number 100, New York NY.
Key Stats
Columbus, Ohio, has the lowest average veterinary care costs (annual exam), which is 2.5 times lower than in New York, NY, the city with the highest.
Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma, have the lowest monthly dog-insurance premium, which is 4.1 times lower than in Seattle, Washington, the city with the highest.
Scottsdale, Arizona, has the most pet businesses (per square root of the population), which is 8.2 times more than in Newark, New Jersey, the city with the fewest.
“The most pet-friendly cities aren’t just those where it’s cheapest to own an animal and take care of its health, although cost is definitely a major consideration. Many factors contribute to a good environment for pets, from the availability of vets and pet-friendly stores to the prevalence of parks and how walkable each city is,” noted WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo. “Scottsdale is the most pet-friendly city in America, boasting an extremely high number of pet businesses and dog-friendly shops per capita. In addition, nearly 98% of rental listings in Scottsdale allow pets, one of the highest percentages in the country. If you have a pet that needs to spend time outside, nearly 31% of Scottsdale is parkland and the city has the third-best weather in America, though summers can get quite hot.”
To view the full report, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/most-pet-friendly-cities/5562
Expert Commentary
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Lynn University
What tips do you have for individuals and families looking to own pets without breaking the bank?
Pets are one of the best investments a family can make, but they should never be an impulse purchase … One of the best ways to save money is to adopt or foster. Many shelters include vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying or neutering in the adoption fee, while giving a deserving dog, cat, or other companion animal a second chance. Preventive veterinary care is another smart investment because annual checkups and vaccinations are far less expensive than emergency treatment. If your employer offers pet insurance, compare the benefits carefully to see whether it fits your family’s needs. A pet’s life is much shorter than ours. Every dollar spent keeping them healthy is really an investment in more happy years together.
What are the main reasons why some pet owners skip veterinary care?
The biggest reason is cost. As veterinary expenses continue to rise, many families delay routine visits until a pet becomes seriously ill. Unfortunately, the most expensive veterinary visit is often the one that was delayed. Preventive care saves both money and lives. Pet insurance can help, but premiums may be high, especially for older pets, and coverage varies by plan. Some veterinary groups also offer their own wellness plans, making it important to compare every option before enrolling. Whether you own a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, or another companion animal, routine care is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.
What are the pros and cons of purchasing pet insurance? Do you recommend it?
Pet insurance provides valuable financial protection against unexpected illnesses and accidents that can cost thousands of dollars. Purchasing coverage while a pet is young generally provides the best value. The downside is that premiums can be expensive, coverage differs significantly among providers, and some plans exclude routine care or preexisting conditions. Owners should also understand how reimbursement works and whether their preferred veterinarian accepts their insurance process or offers a separate wellness plan. I recommend comparing several policies and checking whether your employer offers pet insurance as part of its benefits package. Insurance is not the right answer for every family, but every family should have a plan for unexpected veterinary expenses.”
What measures can local authorities take to make their cities more pet-friendly?
The communities at the top of WalletHub’s rankings demonstrate that investing in pets also strengthens local economies and neighborhoods. More dog parks, walking trails, shaded green spaces, water stations, adoption events, and pet-friendly outdoor dining encourage healthier lifestyles while supporting local businesses. Cities should also work with homeowner associations and landlords to update restrictive pet policies. Allowing responsible owners to have at least one dog or cat would help many families find housing without having to give up a beloved companion. Communities should also support cat adoption programs and resources for owners of birds, rabbits, and other companion animals.
