The number of households with pets is on the rise. According to a recent Packaged Facts market research report, "Pet Population and Ownership Trends in the U.S.: Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets, 4th Edition," more than half of American households have pets. The report also projected 4% growth in 2020 for pet ownership that would bring the total number of pet-owning households in the nation to nearly 71 million.
With this increase in pet ownership, Rent.com has taken a deep dive to break down the top cities for Fido and Fifi, highlighting cities’ pet-friendly apartments and pet-focused amenities, such as off-leash parks, hiking spots, veterinary hospitals, and doggy day cares.
The firm analyzed the percentage of apartments in its database that are pet-friendly, allowing for dogs or cats, and examined the average cost of veterinarian services in large metro areas with populations over 100,000 as well as the number of pet-related businesses and parks per capita to come up with its rankings.
Greeley, Colorado, tops Rent.com’s list for pet owners. About an hour away from Denver, it has a wealth of outdoor activities that renters can do with their dogs. It touts 10.2 pet businesses per capita (10,000 people) and 100% pet-friendly apartments. In addition, the average vet visit costs $36.86.
Charleston, South Carolina, comes in second. This historic city has its share of parks, trails, and even a dog beach. Charleston has 14.1 pet businesses per capita, with 92.9% of apartments being pet-friendly. The average vet visit costs $50.50.
Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is nicknamed Tree Town, comes in third with lots of green space for outdoor pet activities. Almost all of the college town’s apartments in Rent.com’s database, 97.3%, are pet-friendly, and there are 12.2 pet businesses per capita. The average vet visit costs $51.03.
Rounding out the top five are Boulder, Colorado, with 90% pet-friendly apartments and 13.1 pet businesses per capita, and Tyler, Texas, with 85.2% pet-friendly apartments and 15.1 pet businesses per capita.
To see the full list, visit https://www.rent.com/blog/best-cities-for-pets/.
