WalletHub Study Reveals 2025's Most and Least Pet-Friendly Cities in the U.S.
A recent WalletHub study highlights the best and worst U.S. cities for pet owners in 2025, based on affordability and quality of life for pets, with Scottsdale, AZ, leading and Honolulu, HI, at the bottom.
The personal finance website WalletHub has released its comprehensive report on 2025's Most Pet-Friendly Cities in the U.S., just in time for National Homeless Animals Day. With over 94 million pet-owning households expected to spend $157 billion on their pets this year, the study provides valuable insights into where pets can enjoy the best quality of life without imposing a financial burden on their owners.
WalletHub's analysis compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across 23 key metrics, including minimum pet-care provider rates per visit, pet businesses per capita, and walkability. Scottsdale, Arizona, topped the list as the most pet-friendly city, while Honolulu, Hawaii, was ranked the least pet-friendly. The study also highlighted significant disparities in pet care costs across the country, with Corpus Christi, Texas, offering the lowest average veterinary care costs, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, having the lowest monthly dog-insurance premiums.
For pet owners considering relocation or those curious about how their city stacks up, the WalletHub study offers a detailed look at the factors that contribute to a pet-friendly environment. The full report, including expert commentary and additional statistics, can be found here.
This study is particularly relevant as it not only aids pet owners in making informed decisions about where to live but also sheds light on the economic aspects of pet ownership, including the varying costs of veterinary care and pet insurance across different cities. With pet ownership on the rise, the findings of this study could influence future urban planning and the development of pet-related services in cities nationwide.