News Summary
According to WalletHub, Scottsdale, Arizona, has been ranked the most pet-friendly city in the United States, scoring 66.19 points in a recent study. It outperformed other cities like Tampa and Cincinnati, particularly excelling in pet health and wellness. The study evaluated 100 cities on factors such as pet budget, health, and outdoor friendliness. Scottsdale’s strong ranking reflects its numerous pet-related amenities, pet-friendly rentals, and a commitment to improving pet welfare, making it a premier location for pet owners.
Scottsdale, Arizona has earned the title of the most pet-friendly city in the United States, according to a recent study conducted by WalletHub. With a notable score of 66.19 points, Scottsdale outstripped its closest competitor, Tampa, Florida, which scored 61.04 points. This latest ranking continues Scottsdale’s trend of being recognized as a top destination for pet owners, having held a similar distinction in the past, including a ranking in 2024.
The WalletHub study assessed 100 of the most populated cities in the country and evaluated them based on three main categories: pet budget, pet health and wellness, and outdoor pet-friendliness. Scottsdale’s performance was particularly impressive in the pet health and wellness category, where it secured the top spot. The city also ranked fifth in outdoor pet-friendliness, which speaks volumes about the amenities offered to furry companions.
Behind Scottsdale and Tampa, the top five pet-friendly cities included Cincinnati, Ohio, which came in third with a score of 59.97 points, followed by Las Vegas, Nevada in fourth place at 59.16 points, and Portland, Oregon, rounding out the top five with 58.98 points. Phoenix, Arizona also showed a commendable performance, ranking 18th overall among the study’s 100 cities.
Other cities in Arizona had mixed results in the rankings. Tucson was positioned at 61st, while Mesa lagged behind significantly at 88th. Despite its overall ranking, Scottsdale showcased impressive strong points in pet-related amenities, having the highest number of pet businesses per capita, signaling a robust market for pet owners.
Key Factors Contributing to Scottsdale’s Ranking
Several key features contributed to Scottsdale’s high ranking, particularly in its subcategories. Notably, 98% of rental listings in Scottsdale accommodate pets, which facilitates a pet-friendly living environment. Additionally, the city boasts spacious average home sizes of over 2,400 square feet, providing ample space for both pets and their owners.
Moreover, a significant 27% of Scottsdale is designated as parkland, which offers residents and their pets plenty of outdoor space. The presence of numerous dog-friendly restaurants further enhances the quality of life for pet owners in the city.
Pet Welfare Initiatives
While Scottsdale ranked 84th in terms of pet budget—reflecting the costs associated with pet ownership—the city continues to focus on enhancing the quality of life for pets. Interestingly, despite being ranked 94th regarding dog insurance prices, Scottsdale’s commitment to animal welfare is evident, as it ranks fifth in animal shelters per capita. In a related statistic, Phoenix tops this category, indicating a strong community effort towards fostering responsible pet ownership.
The rankings illustrate a broader trend in urban areas where pet ownership is becoming increasingly popular. Factors evaluated in the study included veterinary care costs, pet-friendly rental markets, favorable weather conditions, and the availability of dog parks per capita.
In sharp contrast, Honolulu, Hawaii was deemed the least pet-friendly city, with poor performance across various evaluated categories. The city’s low scores suggest a challenging environment for pet owners, highlighting the fluctuation in pet-friendliness among different cities.
Arizona’s ranking in the pet-friendly study emphasizes the growing awareness and dedication to ensuring a greener, more inclusive space for dogs and their owners. As the numbers suggest, Scottsdale’s focus on pet health, well-being, and a vibrant lifestyle for pets will likely continue to make it a premier location for animal lovers for many years to come.
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Additional Resources
- KTAR News: Scottsdale Most Pet-Friendly
- AZ Family: Scottsdale Ranks Most Pet-Friendly City
- The Travel: America’s Most Pet-Friendly City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pet Friendly Cities
- Google News: Scottsdale Pet Friendly
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
