The 20 Most Pet-Friendly States in America

Among the 26 states we considered for this list, Wisconsin is one of just seven with more than 1.3 No-kill shelters per 100,000 state residents. It also has a very high share of dog parks, with more than 1.7 parks per 100,000 people.

Oregon is among the best states for healthy dogs. It has by far the most dog parks per capita in the country, with more than two parks per 100,000 residents. Oregon also has the second highest share of veterinarians among all states.

Vermont has by far the most No-kill shelters among the 26 states we considered for this list. For every 100,000 Vermont residents, there are just over two No-kill shelters. This is important, as the state has a fairly high dog population — more than 22,000 per 100,000 people.

Veterinarians are 67% more common per capita in Colorado than in the average U.S. state — the highest share among states we considered for this list. Contributing to Colorado’s reputation for dog-friendliness, it ranks among the top 10 states we considered in terms of No-kill shelters, dog parks, and dog ownership rates per 100,000 people.

Maine ranks as the most pet-friendly state in the country, as every animal there is given every opportunity to live a long, healthy life. Animals are protected by the third-best animal cruelty laws in the country, according to the ALDF. Maine has the second-highest share of No-kill shelters and the fourth-highest share of dog parks among considered states. It also has a 55% higher concentration of veterinarians than the average state — the third best rate among considered states.