It’s no secret that Americans love their pets. Whether they’re cats, dogs, hamsters, or other lovable critters, about 70% of U.S. households own a furry friend.

With the release of “The Secret Life of Pets 2” movie on June 7, SafeWise wanted to find out which states provide the safest and most welcoming environment for domestic animals.. They dug into data from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, BringFido, and the nØkill Network to find the most and least pet-friendly states in the country for 2019.

California ranked No. 4 among the top 10 most pet-friendly states in the country.

The top 10 most friendly states are:

  1. Oregon
  2. Colorado
  3. Maine
  4. California
  5. Washington
  6. Louisiana
  7. Virginia
  8. Rhode Island
  9. Texas
  10. New Hampshire

Check out the full rankings and summer safety tips by clicking here:

Following are some Study Highlights:

  • Oregon is the most pet-friendly state in the US, with strict anti-abuse laws, a high concentration of no-kill shelters, and thousands of pet-friendly locales to visit.
  • Iowa is the least pet-friendly state in the US, with weak animal protection laws, a high number of puppy mills, and not many pet-friendly destinations.
  • California has the most veterinarians in the country, but Montana has the most veterinarians per capita. California has the most veterinarians in the country (7,380), but Montana tips the scale per capita with 390, or 0.845 vets per every 1,000 jobs.
  • Illinois has the strictest animal protection laws according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
  • Missouri is the 2nd least pet-friendly state in the country with the most puppy mills out of any state and weak animal protection laws.

Be kind to your animal this summer, especially as temperatures climb into the triple digits.

The top three safety tips, according to SafeWise, are:

Keep food and water out

Whether you’re hiking or just hanging out, your pets need plenty of water and food during the summer season. Just be sure to wash out their bowls often to avoid contamination. And during the hottest days, turn on the sprinkler system for your pups to play in.

Remember the first aid kit

If you take your hounds on a hike, be sure to prepare for anything. Even if your dog is just a goofy klutz, it’s wise to at least have bandages and ointment. If something happens, these supplies can help until you get them to the vet.

Avoid outdoor parasites

Hikes are full of exciting new sights and smells, but don’t let your dog into tall grass or dense forests. These areas can be full of creepy crawlies that could cause serious damage to your pet’s health. Ticks, for example, carry Lyme disease and other health hazards. Talk to your veterinarian to learn more about parasite prevention.

 

 

 

Image Sources

  • Resting dog: Cindy Uken