Arkansas ranks as the top state for dog ownership, with 48% of the population owning a dog.
Massachusetts has the lowest percentage of dog owners in the country, at just 24%.
Only 9 states report more cat owners than dog owners, with 5 of those located in the Northeast.
The Labrador Retriever remains the most popular dog breed in 45 states.
Approximately 89 million Americans are proud dog owners, meaning countless individuals return home to the affectionate companionship of a canine. As pet ownership continues to rise, the American Pet Products Association notes that the number of pets has doubled since 1988, with 40% of households now having a dog.
While dogs provide joy and companionship, they also require a significant investment of time and finances. With Americans allocating a considerable portion of their income towards their furry friends, Zippia meticulously analyzed the landscape of dog ownership across the United States.
Other Interesting Findings
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85 million, or 67% of American households, have a pet.
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63.4 million, or 53% of American homes, own dogs.
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Most households tend to have only one dog. Sorry, Fido—no companions for you!
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The average pet-owning household spends $1,126 annually on their pets.
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Married couples without children tend to spend the most on their pets, while those with young children typically spend less.
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Southern states dominate the top 10 for dog ownership, while Northeastern states appear in the bottom 10.
A NOTE ON METHODOLOGY
To provide a comprehensive overview of dog ownership in the U.S., we utilized several data sources. The American Veterinary Medical Association provided insights into the percentage of pet-owning households and the comparison of cat versus dog ownership.
We also consulted the American Kennel Club to identify each state’s favored dog breed. Finally, we leveraged BLS TED data to analyze household spending on pets.
What State Has the Most Dog Ownership?
Arkansas is indeed a paradise for dog lovers, with 48% of households owning a dog. In contrast, Massachusetts only has 24% of households with a pet dog.
A notable geographic trend is evident: Southern states boast high rates of dog ownership, while Northeastern states tend to have lower numbers. This may be influenced by factors such as population density and seasonal weather, as walking a dog through heavy snowfall can be a challenge.
While states with a high percentage of dog owners generally have more dogs than cats, it’s interesting to note that New Englanders may not have a high number of dogs but excel in cat ownership. Perhaps they prefer pets that don’t require outdoor bathroom breaks during harsh winters.
Let’s take a look at the favorite dog breeds in various states:
Labrador Retrievers continue to reign as America’s favorite dog breed! While some states have different preferences, there’s no doubt that the Labrador is a beloved choice nationwide, alongside other breeds like the German Shepherd, Beagle, and French Bulldog.
As any dog owner knows, owning a dog comes with financial responsibilities. Let’s explore how much households are spending on their furry friends.
The data presented above encompasses all types of pets, which may explain the relatively low average (possibly influenced by the cost of care for smaller pets). However, it still sheds light on some intriguing spending trends.
One key observation is that married couples without children typically allocate a larger portion of their disposable income to pampering their pets. Conversely, spending tends to decrease when couples have young children, particularly those under six years of age. Once children reach adulthood, pet spending often increases again.
The States That Own the Most Dogs
In summary, the southern states are dog-friendly havens, while New England is a sanctuary for cat enthusiasts. Many pet owners, of course, enjoy both types of companionship, but dog ownership is particularly pronounced in the South.
Overall, the trend of dog ownership in the U.S. continues to rise. While certain states lead in dog ownership percentages, all dog owners share a common love for their pets. To see the extent of this love, just check out the data on annual spending for dogs!
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
