Pet Ownership Statistics By State

Last updated September 18, 2024

Pet Ownership Rate
Dog Ownership Rate
Cat Ownership Rate
Top
Last
Pet Ownership Rate
1.WyomingWyoming71.8%
2.West VirginiaWest Virginia71%
3.IdahoIdaho70%
4.VermontVermont70%
5.IndianaIndiana69.2%
6.ArkansasArkansas69%
7.MississippiMississippi65.5%
8.OklahomaOklahoma65%
9.KentuckyKentucky64.1%
10.North DakotaNorth Dakota63.7%
11.MaineMaine63.5%
12.MissouriMissouri63.5%
13.WashingtonWashington63%
14.KansasKansas62.8%
15.MichiganMichigan62.4%
16.OhioOhio62.4%
17.South CarolinaSouth Carolina62%
18.MontanaMontana62%
19.TennesseeTennessee61.7%
20.PennsylvaniaPennsylvania60.6%
21.New MexicoNew Mexico60%
22.AlabamaAlabama59.8%
23.OregonOregon59.2%
24.IowaIowa59%
25.North CarolinaNorth Carolina59%
26.WisconsinWisconsin59%
27.UtahUtah58.5%
28.TexasTexas58.2%
29.ArizonaArizona58%
30.DelawareDelaware57.9%
31.FloridaFlorida56%
32.VirginiaVirginia55.5%
33.LouisianaLouisiana54%
34.MinnesotaMinnesota54%
35.NevadaNevada53%
36.New HampshireNew Hampshire52%
37.NebraskaNebraska51.3%
38.GeorgiaGeorgia51%
39.New YorkNew York50%
40.ConnecticutConnecticut50%
41.MassachusettsMassachusetts49%
42.MarylandMaryland48.6%
43.IllinoisIllinois48.6%
44.New JerseyNew Jersey47.4%
45.ColoradoColorado47.2%
46.South DakotaSouth Dakota46%
47.Rhode IslandRhode Island45.4%
48.CaliforniaCalifornia40.1%

Fur, Feathers, and Scales Across the States

Pet ownership in the United States is a widespread phenomenon, enriching lives with companionship and mutual affection. The bond between humans and their pets continues to grow, with different states showing varying levels of pet adoption influenced by factors like lifestyle, climate, or economic constraints. From dogs and cats to birds or reptiles, each pet owner in America holds diverse preferences reflecting their unique personality and lifestyle choices. Transporting us into this realm of pet fascination, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) conducts detailed surveys capturing the nuances of pet ownership among households. Nearly 59% of American households were proud pet owners, making pets an integral part of American households. Key findings from the data include:

  • Wyoming tops the ranking with the country's highest pet ownership rate at 71.8%, followed closely by West Virginia at 71% and Idaho and Vermont, both at 70%.
  • In contrast, California, with a pet ownership percentage of 40.1 %, has the lowest pet ownership rate. Rhode Island and South Dakota also show lower percentages with 45.4% and 46% respectively.
  • Among the top 10 states with high pet ownership, seven are rural states, indicating a potentially higher preference for pets in rural settings. On the other hand, states with large urban populations like California and New Jersey exhibit lower pet ownership rates.
  • While dogs maintain their edge as America's preferred pet, having found a home in nearly 40% of households by the end of 2019, roughly 27.8% of households hosted cats.
  • Most states have pet ownership rates higher than 50%, reflecting the nation's love for pets and the integral role they play in many American households.

Pet Ownership Statistics By State

Region ↕Pet Ownership Rate↕Dog Ownership Rate 2016↕Cat Ownership Rate 2016↕
Alabama iconAlabama59.8%46.9%26.1%
Arizona iconArizona58%43.0%26.4%
Arkansas iconArkansas69%51.6%34.8%
California iconCalifornia40.1%40.1%22.9%
Colorado iconColorado47.2%47.2%27.1%
Connecticut iconConnecticut50%24.0%26.7%
Delaware iconDelaware57.9%42.2%24.1%
Florida iconFlorida56%39.8%24.2%
Georgia iconGeorgia51%36.7%20.4%
Idaho iconIdaho70%58.3%33.3%
Illinois iconIllinois48.6%31.0%21.0%
Indiana iconIndiana69.2%49.4%37.5%
Iowa iconIowa59%36.3%35.6%
Kansas iconKansas62.8%43.1%32.4%
Kentucky iconKentucky64.1%46.5%32.2%
Louisiana iconLouisiana54%38.3%19.0%
Maine iconMaine63.5%35.9%43.6%
Maryland iconMaryland48.6%30.2%18.6%
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts49%28.9%23.5%
Michigan iconMichigan62.4%41.9%31.2%
Minnesota iconMinnesota54%35.5%26.5%
Mississippi iconMississippi65.5%51.0%29.1%
Missouri iconMissouri63.5%45.1%28.6%
Montana iconMontana62%51.9%22.8%
Nebraska iconNebraska51.3%47.1%30.9%
Nevada iconNevada53%36.8%23.1%
New Hampshire iconNew Hampshire52%23.7%36.4%
New Jersey iconNew Jersey47.4%29.1%18.9%
New Mexico iconNew Mexico60%39.4%25.2%
New York iconNew York50%27.0%21.1%
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina59%41.3%26.5%
North Dakota iconNorth Dakota63.7%44.3%24.8%
Ohio iconOhio62.4%37.9%30.7%
Oklahoma iconOklahoma65%47.7%28.4%
Oregon iconOregon59.2%37.8%30.0%
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania60.6%38.9%28.9%
Rhode Island iconRhode Island45.4%25.8%16.7%
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina62%45.3%25.2%
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota46%32.1%26.6%
Tennessee iconTennessee61.7%47.0%30.9%
Texas iconTexas58.2%43.4%20.5%
Utah iconUtah58.5%36.2%24.7%
Vermont iconVermont70%28.3%44.6%
Virginia iconVirginia55.5%35.6%23.9%
Washington iconWashington63%42.8%30.5%
West Virginia iconWest Virginia71%49.6%37.7%
Wisconsin iconWisconsin59%33.6%32.4%
Wyoming iconWyoming71.8%36.0%30.0%

States with the Highest Levels of Pet Ownership

When it comes to states with the highest levels of pet ownership, Wyoming secures the top spot with a pet ownership rate of 71.8%. This is closely followed by West Virginia, which holds a pet ownership rate of 71%. Idaho and Vermont tie for third place, each showcasing a pet ownership rate of 70%. Coming in just behind the top three, Indiana holds a pet ownership rate of 69.2%. This is followed closely by the southern state of Arkansas with a pet ownership rate of 69%. Despite its predominantly rural nature, Mississippi still has a robust pet ownership rate of 65.5%. The eighth position is held by Oklahoma, with a pet ownership rate of 65%. Not far behind, Kentucky sports a pet ownership rate of 64.1%. Last in the top 10 list but no less important, is North Dakota, showcasing a pet ownership rate of 63.7%. States with the Highest Levels of Pet Ownership:

  1. Wyoming - 71.8%
  2. West Virginia - 71%
  3. Idaho - 70%
  4. Vermont - 70%
  5. Indiana - 69.2%
  6. Arkansas - 69%
  7. Mississippi - 65.5%
  8. Oklahoma - 65%
  9. Kentucky - 64.1%
  10. North Dakota - 63.7%

By Region

Alabama

See Less

Ranked in U.S.

#22

Dog Ownership Rate

46.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#11

Cat Ownership Rate

26.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#29

Arizona

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Ranked in U.S.

#29

Dog Ownership Rate

43.0%

Ranked in U.S.

#18

Cat Ownership Rate

26.4%

Ranked in U.S.

#28

Arkansas

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Ranked in U.S.

#6

Dog Ownership Rate

51.6%

Ranked in U.S.

#3

Cat Ownership Rate

34.8%

Ranked in U.S.

#7

California

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Ranked in U.S.

#48

Dog Ownership Rate

40.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#23

Cat Ownership Rate

22.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#39

Colorado

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Ranked in U.S.

#45

Dog Ownership Rate

47.2%

Ranked in U.S.

#8

Cat Ownership Rate

27.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#23

Connecticut

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Ranked in U.S.

#40

Dog Ownership Rate

24.0%

Ranked in U.S.

#47

Cat Ownership Rate

26.7%

Ranked in U.S.

#24

Delaware

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Ranked in U.S.

#30

Dog Ownership Rate

42.2%

Ranked in U.S.

#20

Cat Ownership Rate

24.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#35

Florida

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Ranked in U.S.

#31

Dog Ownership Rate

39.8%

Ranked in U.S.

#24

Cat Ownership Rate

24.2%

Ranked in U.S.

#34

Georgia

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Ranked in U.S.

#38

Dog Ownership Rate

36.7%

Ranked in U.S.

#31

Cat Ownership Rate

20.4%

Ranked in U.S.

#44

Idaho

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Ranked in U.S.

#3

Dog Ownership Rate

58.3%

Ranked in U.S.

#1

Cat Ownership Rate

33.3%

Ranked in U.S.

#8

Illinois

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Ranked in U.S.

#43

Dog Ownership Rate

31.0%

Ranked in U.S.

#40

Cat Ownership Rate

21.0%

Ranked in U.S.

#42

Indiana

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Ranked in U.S.

#5

Dog Ownership Rate

49.4%

Ranked in U.S.

#6

Cat Ownership Rate

37.5%

Ranked in U.S.

#4

Iowa

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Ranked in U.S.

#24

Dog Ownership Rate

36.3%

Ranked in U.S.

#32

Cat Ownership Rate

35.6%

Ranked in U.S.

#6

Kansas

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Ranked in U.S.

#14

Dog Ownership Rate

43.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#17

Cat Ownership Rate

32.4%

Ranked in U.S.

#9

Kentucky

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Ranked in U.S.

#9

Dog Ownership Rate

46.5%

Ranked in U.S.

#12

Cat Ownership Rate

32.2%

Ranked in U.S.

#11

Louisiana

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Ranked in U.S.

#33

Dog Ownership Rate

38.3%

Ranked in U.S.

#27

Cat Ownership Rate

19.0%

Ranked in U.S.

#45

Maine

See More

Ranked in U.S.

#11

Dog Ownership Rate

35.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#35

Cat Ownership Rate

43.6%

Ranked in U.S.

#2

Maryland

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Ranked in U.S.

#42

Dog Ownership Rate

30.2%

Ranked in U.S.

#41

Cat Ownership Rate

18.6%

Ranked in U.S.

#47

Massachusetts

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Ranked in U.S.

#41

Dog Ownership Rate

28.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#43

Cat Ownership Rate

23.5%

Ranked in U.S.

#37

Michigan

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Ranked in U.S.

#15

Dog Ownership Rate

41.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#21

Cat Ownership Rate

31.2%

Ranked in U.S.

#12

Minnesota

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Ranked in U.S.

#34

Dog Ownership Rate

35.5%

Ranked in U.S.

#37

Cat Ownership Rate

26.5%

Ranked in U.S.

#27

Mississippi

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Ranked in U.S.

#7

Dog Ownership Rate

51.0%

Ranked in U.S.

#4

Cat Ownership Rate

29.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#19

Missouri

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Ranked in U.S.

#12

Dog Ownership Rate

45.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#14

Cat Ownership Rate

28.6%

Ranked in U.S.

#21

Montana

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Ranked in U.S.

#18

Dog Ownership Rate

51.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#2

Cat Ownership Rate

22.8%

Ranked in U.S.

#40

Nebraska

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Ranked in U.S.

#37

Dog Ownership Rate

47.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#9

Cat Ownership Rate

30.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#13

Nevada

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Ranked in U.S.

#35

Dog Ownership Rate

36.8%

Ranked in U.S.

#30

Cat Ownership Rate

23.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#38

New Hampshire

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Ranked in U.S.

#36

Dog Ownership Rate

23.7%

Ranked in U.S.

#48

Cat Ownership Rate

36.4%

Ranked in U.S.

#5

New Jersey

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Ranked in U.S.

#44

Dog Ownership Rate

29.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#42

Cat Ownership Rate

18.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#46

New Mexico

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Ranked in U.S.

#21

Dog Ownership Rate

39.4%

Ranked in U.S.

#25

Cat Ownership Rate

25.2%

Ranked in U.S.

#31

New York

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Ranked in U.S.

#39

Dog Ownership Rate

27.0%

Ranked in U.S.

#45

Cat Ownership Rate

21.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#41

North Carolina

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Ranked in U.S.

#25

Dog Ownership Rate

41.3%

Ranked in U.S.

#22

Cat Ownership Rate

26.5%

Ranked in U.S.

#26

North Dakota

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Ranked in U.S.

#10

Dog Ownership Rate

44.3%

Ranked in U.S.

#15

Cat Ownership Rate

24.8%

Ranked in U.S.

#32

Ohio

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Ranked in U.S.

#16

Dog Ownership Rate

37.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#28

Cat Ownership Rate

30.7%

Ranked in U.S.

#15

Oklahoma

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Ranked in U.S.

#8

Dog Ownership Rate

47.7%

Ranked in U.S.

#7

Cat Ownership Rate

28.4%

Ranked in U.S.

#22

Oregon

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Ranked in U.S.

#23

Dog Ownership Rate

37.8%

Ranked in U.S.

#29

Cat Ownership Rate

30.0%

Ranked in U.S.

#18

Pennsylvania

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Ranked in U.S.

#20

Dog Ownership Rate

38.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#26

Cat Ownership Rate

28.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#20

Rhode Island

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Ranked in U.S.

#47

Dog Ownership Rate

25.8%

Ranked in U.S.

#46

Cat Ownership Rate

16.7%

Ranked in U.S.

#48

South Carolina

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Ranked in U.S.

#17

Dog Ownership Rate

45.3%

Ranked in U.S.

#13

Cat Ownership Rate

25.2%

Ranked in U.S.

#30

South Dakota

See More

Ranked in U.S.

#46

Dog Ownership Rate

32.1%

Ranked in U.S.

#39

Cat Ownership Rate

26.6%

Ranked in U.S.

#25

Tennessee

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Ranked in U.S.

#19

Dog Ownership Rate

47.0%

Ranked in U.S.

#10

Cat Ownership Rate

30.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#14

Texas

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Ranked in U.S.

#28

Dog Ownership Rate

43.4%

Ranked in U.S.

#16

Cat Ownership Rate

20.5%

Ranked in U.S.

#43

Utah

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Ranked in U.S.

#27

Dog Ownership Rate

36.2%

Ranked in U.S.

#33

Cat Ownership Rate

24.7%

Ranked in U.S.

#33

Vermont

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Ranked in U.S.

#4

Dog Ownership Rate

28.3%

Ranked in U.S.

#44

Cat Ownership Rate

44.6%

Ranked in U.S.

#1

Virginia

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Ranked in U.S.

#32

Dog Ownership Rate

35.6%

Ranked in U.S.

#36

Cat Ownership Rate

23.9%

Ranked in U.S.

#36

Washington

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Ranked in U.S.

#13

Dog Ownership Rate

42.8%

Ranked in U.S.

#19

Cat Ownership Rate

30.5%

Ranked in U.S.

#16

West Virginia

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Ranked in U.S.

#2

Dog Ownership Rate

49.6%

Ranked in U.S.

#5

Cat Ownership Rate

37.7%

Ranked in U.S.

#3

Wisconsin

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Ranked in U.S.

#26

Dog Ownership Rate

33.6%

Ranked in U.S.

#38

Cat Ownership Rate

32.4%

Ranked in U.S.

#10

Wyoming

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Ranked in U.S.

#1

Dog Ownership Rate

36.0%

Ranked in U.S.

#34

Cat Ownership Rate

30.0%

Ranked in U.S.

#17

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