Property owners allowing tenants to have dogs on their premises must provide an adequate enclosed space to secure the animal. Article 5 Section 5-1-120 HA (BAT) permit must be obtained by, but not limited to persons wishing to breed their dog or cat, persons wishing to advertise the sale or give away of an unaltered dog or cat, persons who intentionally or unintentionally cause or allow the breeding of a dog or cat. Article 5 Section 5-1-105 and Section 5-1-106; the fine for violation of this ordinance is $500.00.
Oklahoma can vary from extreme Heat to extreme Cold, with a current Arctic Blast which is beginning to move across Southwest Oklahoma, right now, I wanted to take a minute and remind everyone, and share with you our Ordinance(s) which cover this, like I do each time these Storms Roll in.
5. Shelter to allow the animal to remain dry and protected from the elements. Such shelter shall be fully enclosed on three sides, roofed, and have a solid floor. The entrance to the shelter shall be flexible to allow the animal’s entry and exit, and sturdy enough to block entry of wind or rain. The shelter shall be small enough to retain the animal’s body heat and large enough to allow the animal to stand and turn comfortably. The enclosure shall be structurally sound and in good repair. The shelter provisions will apply in situations where animals are left outdoors longer than two (2) hours per day.
Each year, thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized by cities across Oklahoma because they are unwanted or go unclaimed. In an effort to combat this situation, city ordinances have been put in place to limit the breeding of dogs and cats and to ensure that those that are advertised for sale or given away are sterilized.D. Owners and keepers of dogs, cats, and other small animals shall provide food, shelter, and medical attention to such animals, including, but not limited to, the following:
transfer (BAT) permit ($250.00) may apply for such permit through the Lawton Animal Welfare Division. The holder of the permit would be authorized to breed, sell, trade, advertise or transfer ownership of no more than one litter per licensed animal per year.
The LAW DOES Require/Mandate that any Animal Left Outside for more than 2 hours a Day to have a SHELTER… IE some sort of Dog House, as long as it matches the description in 5-1-120-D.5…
No person shall, at any time, fasten, chain, tie, or tether any animal. Should you have a confinement issue with your pet, you should consider erecting an escape-proof enclosure. Minimum requirements for any outside enclosure is 100’ square feet and are outlined in the definitions in Section 5-1-101 A-37 of the city code. Article 5-1 Section 5-1-120 F
An “A” license will be issued for dogs and cats that have been spayed or neutered (Fixed). The fee for this license is $10.00 (no charge for Senior Citizens age 62 & older). There is no renewal fee as long as the license is validated every year, with a current copy of their Rabies shot/record turned into Lawton Animal Welfare, prior to the current expiration date.
All dogs and cats that live within the jurisdiction of Lawton Animal Welfare are required to be licensed. City licenses are available from the Lawton Animal Welfare Division.
We highly suggest that you double check your PETS information once a year, just in case you changed your telephone number, address, or any other pertinent information.
It is unlawful for any owner or person to permit any animal to run at large. Any dog or cat that is not confined and not under physical control of its owner / leaseholder or keeper will be presumed to be running at large. Any animal found running at large within the city limits shall be impounded by an Animal Welfare Officer and taken to Lawton Animal Welfare and/or cite the owner of such dog or cat to appear in Municipal Court. Fines for running at large are a minimum of $100.00 for the first offense, $150.00 for the second offense and $200.00 for the third and any consecutive offenses. Upon the second impoundment, it is mandatory for the animal to be spayed or neutered. Article 5-1 Section 5-1-115
You’ll want to make a list of everything your pet regularly needs, including medications or treatments, along with travel accommodations, emergency supplies, and information about nearby pet clinics.
Why does Craigslist keep removing my dog post?
Terms of Use Violations. Most of the listings that are removed from Craigslist are deleted because they violate the site’s terms of use in some way. Content prohibited from Craigslist by the terms of use includes illegal, offensive, fraudulent and malicious content.
Where’s the most dog-friendly place to live? Indiana ranks as the most pet-friendly state with a high pet population of 69.2%. Plus, nearly half (44.0%) of its apartments are pet-friendly. Indiana also has almost all of our “must-have” pet laws in place (aside from veterinary reporting requirements, which half of all the states lack too). Regarding pet health and safety, we recommend consulting your veterinarian for pet-specific advice and monitoring their basic vitals. And always keep an emergency vet’s phone number and location visible on your fridge. We’ll also go over other considerations like travel, shelters, and pandemic concerns that didn’t impact our ranking requirements but may be helpful for all the pet parents out there.Cars can be dangerous for pets after a while due to heat and a lack of food, water, or ventilation. Sometimes, bystanders feel compelled to break into the car to free the pet from the vehicle.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to your pet companions, so we’ve highlighted other key components to pet-friendly living. And if there’s something you want to change about your state’s laws, contact your local legislators and work with animal rights organizations for better pet justice.
Because of this, New Mexico may be the last place on your list of potential places to move with your pet—along with states like Montana, Connecticut, Idaho, and Iowa, which all have lower percentages of rentals and lack some of our desired pet protection laws.Pennsylvania stands out for requiring veterinarians to report animal cruelty inflicted by other veterinarians. Other reporting centers only require reporting for vet and patient relationships. (20 states require reporting in some form.)
Some equipment is more evident, like blades that attach to roosters’ legs or breaking sticks for prying dogs’ jaws open. Animal fighting training devices like hot walkers and treadmills may also fall under animal fighting paraphernalia laws.
According to the Animal Legal and Historical Center, as many as 29 states impose possession bans that restrict future ownership of animals by those convicted. SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links. Animal-cruelty laws also include the sexual assault of animals. These laws can vary widely and often come with vague or weak restrictions. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, three states still don’t have any animal sexual assault laws: Wyoming, New Mexico, and West Virginia.The Human Society estimates that there are 10,000 known puppy mills (and many more that are still unknown). On average, 500,000 dogs are kept solely for breeding purposes in all puppy mills, and 2.6 million puppy-mill-born puppies are sold every year.
Check pet policies before using any public or private travel service (like flights, taxis, rideshares, buses, trains, etc.). They may have special requirements or offer specialized services to keep your pet more comfortable during the journey. We break down more specific examples in our article on safe traveling tips for pets.
We normalized each measurement on a 0-1 scale, where 1 is positive for pet owners (more pet-friendly rentals, higher pet populations, and stricter animal laws) and 0 is negative. We added these measurements with different weights to get a score of 100 for ranking purposes.These laws require veterinarians to report signs of abuse or cruelty. Currently, only half of the states have veterinary reporting requirement laws, while other states may consider it a professional, rather than legal, responsibility.
In the US, there are over 50,000 pet-friendly rentals and more than 71 million households with pets. But where can you live that puts the safety of pets at the forefront?
*Note: We omitted Alaska and Hawaii because not all data points were available. See our animal ranking-factor or law overview sections for more information.Whether you’re looking for ways to perk up your local pet community, or you’re finding a new home for you or your furry friends, let’s look at the most pet-friendly states in America.
What is the dog limit in Oklahoma?
four dogs Pet ownership requirements Households are limited to no more than four dogs and four cats over 6 months old. All dogs and cats 4 months of age and older are required to be vaccinated against rabies, and the pet must wear a current rabies vaccination at all times.
Luckily, the prospect of returning to the office doesn’t seem to signify the end of our critter companionship for most folks, either. But when it comes to taking care of pets, the pandemic posed other problems:Some estimates put the pet population even higher: According to the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 70% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 90.5 million homes.
We mainly considered dogs and cats, which are the most common pets. Other animals like reptiles, fish, birds, and more often fall into the “pet” category. However, these animals may not be treated like dogs and cats for rental requirements or protective animal laws. (You may want to double-check with your landlord about that komodo dragon first.)
The Horrible Hundred report notes that despite efforts to reduce puppy mills, Missouri still has the largest number of puppy mills for the ninth year in a row, with 21 known mills. Ohio follows with 16 mills, then Iowa (11 mills), and Nebraska and Pennsylvania (8 mills each).
Can Craigslist be trusted?
Craigslist is a legitimate website, and most Craigslist posts are legitimate and trustworthy as well. However, just like any other online platform, it can be used by scammers. Some people may post fraudulent listings only pretending to sell goods or services, so take precautions to ensure your safety.
The term “no-kill” shelter isn’t always clear, but these shelters give pets evaluations and long-term care. As a general goal, they aim for at least a 90% threshold for adoption placement. Still, some pets may be euthanized depending on illness or behavior issues. No official organization or governing body regulates “no-kill” standards, so exact standards vary.
Is it safe to use Craigslist for Dogs?
In general, buying a pet off of Craigslist is a bad idea, unless it is adopting from a shelter. The reason for this is because you have no idea of what shape the dog is in. Many people who sell animals off if Craigslist are backyard breeders.
More pet-friendly rentals means more options for pet owners’ living needs and budgets. We used Zillow Rental Data to analyze each state’s percentage of pet-friendly rentals.You’re also likely to find a fine place for you and your furry friends in Tennessee, North Carolina, Nevada, and Vermont, which all have plenty of pets among the population, a fair amount of pet-friendly rentals, and protective pet laws.We ranked states on seven different factors to find which ones have proper measures in place to protect animals. Each measurement was normalized on a 0-1 scale with 1 corresponding to the measurement that would most positively affect the final score and 0 corresponding to the measurement that would most negatively affect the final score. These adjusted measurements were then added together with the weights mentioned below to get a score of 100.If your state has fewer pet-friendly rentals, you can still find a place to live with your pet. But you’ll want to factor in more searching time between leases, as well as extra money for associated pet costs.
Despite having a higher pet population percentage of 60.1%, New Mexico lacks all of our “must-have” pet laws, and only 15.9% of its available rentals are pet-friendly—that’s just over half the national average of 26.2%
What makes a place the least pet-friendly place to live? A lower pet population, along with rentals that don’t allow pets, means fewer furry friends running around, and they’re less likely to be welcomed. And if animals don’t have legal protection, a state is less likely to prevent or bring justice to animal-related crimes.
The Animal Legal and Historical Center reports 14 states have no laws that require reporting by veterinary professionals. These states have voluntary or permissive reporting (meaning vets can break their patient confidentiality to report abuse).
We based half of our ranking on how easy it is for you and your pet to find a place to live alongside other pet-owning neighbors. In the other half of our weights, we considered which states had laws demonstrating compassion for pets and acting against animal abuse.Unfortunately, animal abuse from humans is a harsh reality that we can’t always prevent. Stricter anti-cruelty laws make it harder for abusers to own pets and potentially deter would-be abusers. *SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. This is not a guarantee. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products. The Animal Legal Defense Fund reports that any equipment possessed with the intent for animal fighting is considered illegal in 30 states and the US Virgin Islands. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), national euthanasia numbers likely double the rate of the “no-kill” requirement: Some websites like Pet Friendly Travel or Bring Fido help you find pet-friendly places to stay, parks and trails to explore, services, events, and user ratings. You can also check for nearby veterinary services to help prepare if your pet has known conditions.
Our rankings don’t reflect the spirit of kind-hearted people in these states or the lengths they’re willing to go through for their furry friends, but they do indicate what sort of legal or housing problems you may face.According to the Animal Legal and Historical Center, 31 states have laws that either prohibit leaving an animal confined in a vehicle under dangerous conditions or protect people who rescue distressed animals from vehicles.
When pets are more common in a state, you’re more likely to find pet playdates for your furry pal (and maybe even more businesses your pet is welcome inside). We used American Veterinary Medical Association data and found the average pet population percentage across America is 59.3%.
These states all have plenty of pets roaming around, a decent percentage of pet-friendly apartments, and animal safety laws that make it easier to own and protect dogs, cats, and other critters. Unfortunately, not every state makes pet ownership and animal protection a priority, as you’ll see in the lowest ranking states. To help folks looking to find a place to call home for themselves alongside their furry friends, we’ve highlighted the most (and least) pet-friendly states. We ranked according to pet population, rentals that allow pets, and laws that protect pets and prevent abuse. Our furry friends don’t like being tethered up for long periods, stuck in harsh weather, or constricted to cruel collars. Currently, 22 states (and Washington, DC) have laws regarding these abusive and negligent practices.
How many pets can you have in Lawton OK?
You are allowed up to three (3) dogs or cats, in any combination, totaling three (3) without any additional fees or permits.
The pandemic rippled out into the pet population in various ways, like changes in their owners’ incomes or housing statuses, which could affect ownership capabilities. But with remote work and more time at home, more people also found themselves wanting a cute companion.
Listings may be cancelled if they are flagged by other Craigslist users. Posts can be flagged because they are in the wrong category, discuss another ad, violate the terms of use or are considered to be spam. Posts that appear too frequently or across too many categories may be flagged. Free classified ads that receive sufficient flags are automatically removed, whereas paid adverts are queued up for review. Posts can also be flagged by Craigslist staff or by the network’s automated systems.An information technology journalist since 2002, David Nield writes about the Web, technology, hardware and software. He is an experienced editor, proofreader and copywriter for online publications such as CNET, TechRadar and Gizmodo. Nield holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and lives in Manchester, England.
Do you need a dog license in Oklahoma?
Did you know that all cats and dogs over the age of 6 months are required to have a pet license? To license your pet, fill out the Pet License Application and send it to the address below along with proof that your pet is spayed/neutered and has received a rabies vaccine from a licensed veterinarian.
Craigslist postings can be deleted by the user who created them. If one of your ads has vanished suddenly, check that none of your colleagues have chosen to remove it. Listings also expire after a certain amount of time has elapsed, depending on the type of posting and the city it is associated in. Paid job postings, for example, expire after 30 days, while event listings remain on Craigslist until the specified date of the event has passed. Also on the list are illegal telecommunications equipment, stolen property, burglary tools, property with serial numbers removed, fake ID, counterfeit currency and tickets (and the equipment used to make them), tickets you don’t have the right to sell, used or rebuilt batteries, used bedding and clothing (unless sanitized in accordance with the law); non-packaged food items and adulterated food and bulk email and mailing lists containing names, addresses and other personal identifying information. Even the official Craigslist list (in Resources) is not comprehensive. If your posting contains a prohibited item then it’s likely to be deleted. Certain items are prohibited on Craigslist. These include child pornography, obscene material, offers of illegal prostitution, weapons and related items, items issued to the US Armed Forces that haven’t been correctly disposed of, food stamps and other items received from governmental agencies; fireworks, explosives and other destructive devices; alcohol and tobacco products, controlled substances and illegal drugs (or substances used to make them); blood, bodily fluids, body parts, household pets of any kind, restricted or regulated plants and insects, and pesticides and hazardous substances.Most of the listings that are removed from Craigslist are deleted because they violate the site’s terms of use in some way. Content prohibited from Craigslist by the terms of use includes illegal, offensive, fraudulent and malicious content. In addition, listings that disclose personal, confidential or proprietary information, and listings that promote auto-posting services or unsolicited services, such as cold calling, are also forbidden from appearing on the site.
The Craigslist terms of use cover posting limitations as well as guidelines on what can and cannot be listed. Posts must be associated with the correct local area, and substantially similar content cannot be posted on multiple regional listings or multiple categories simultaneously. Posts that are identical or close to identical may not be posted within the space of 48 hours. The use of any kind of technological hack to circumvent Craigslist’s posting limitations is not allowed, as is posting on behalf of another, using any automated posting means and any content related to affiliate marketing. Each user must use a single verified account.
Craigslist has become a household name for a reason — it’s a popular platform for buying and selling nearly any item and service under the sun. But it comes with a bunch of risks you should be aware of. Read on to find out how to benefit from Craigslist without compromising your money or safety.
This website uses cookies to provide you with a safer and more personalized experience. By accepting, you agree to the use of cookies for ads and analytics, in line with our Cookie Policy.You can search your local area on Craigslist for ads for all sorts of used items, devices, cars, rentals, and even job offers. You can also place your own ads offering goods and services. Using Craigslist is free for all users with a few exceptions, like placing job postings in selected cities and for some therapeutic services.
What is the least pet friendly state?
1. South Dakota. South Dakota tops our list of the least friendly states for a few reasons. Only 14% of the population own pets, so you’re not as likely to see and meet as many cats and dogs on your travels.
As a platform with millions of buyers and sellers, Craigslist has put in place a rather strict privacy policy and some extra security measures to ensure the safety of its users. Here are the main measures that help to protect Craigslist users from scams:
If you are wondering “Is Craigslist safe?”, let us put your mind at ease — yes, it is safe if you use your common sense and follow our safety tips. Craigslist is a legitimate website, and most Craigslist posts are legitimate and trustworthy as well. However, just like any other online platform, it can be used by scammers. Some people may post fraudulent listings only pretending to sell goods or services, so take precautions to ensure your safety.Even with so many pet owners concerned that a hefty vet bill would wreak financial havoc, more than three-quarters (79%) of pet owners said they do not have pet insurance, according to a Forbes Advisor survey. Many pet owners are unlikely to purchase pet insurance amid inflation:
The most common pets in the U.S. are dogs and cats, but there’s still a lot of love for other animals and species. Millions of households include fish, birds and small animals like hamsters and rabbits.
Pet ownership in the U.S. has jumped significantly over the past three decades. As of 2023, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet.[1] That’s up from 56% in 1988, pet ownership statistics show. From companionship to emotional support, pets are a vital part of their owners’ lives. In fact, 85% of dog owners and 76% of cat owners consider their pets to be a member of the family.[2]Features like hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and skyline views are nice, but that’s not the top priority for many pet owners. More than two-thirds of Americans would pass on the perfect home if it wasn’t a good fit for their pets, according to a Forbes Advisor study.If you’re a pet owner on the hunt for pet-friendly apartments with access to nearby dog parks, pet stores and affordable veterinary costs, we compared the 91 most populated cities to find the best cities for pet owners. We analyzed data across four key categories: cat and dog veterinary costs, veterinary access and pet-friendly spaces.There’s no denying the benefits of dog ownership, but being responsible for a dog comes with challenges. These obligations can cause some to have regrets about owning a dog, a Forbes Advisor survey of 2,000 dog owners found. Messes, challenges in finding care for the dog and dog training are among the top reasons they regret getting a dog. The cost of vet bills is also a burden for some dog owners and can affect how often dogs go to the vet.
How many animals can you legally own in Oklahoma?
4 adult An individual household is allowed 4 adult dogs. The household can also have puppies less than 6 months in age. Can anyone with more than 4 dogs obtain a kennel license? No.
Colorado tops the list of states with the most devoted dog owners, followed by Virginia, Georgia, Alaska and Nevada. These aren’t the only states home to devoted dog owners:
The steady rise in pet ownership in the U.S. comes at a time when pet insurance is also rapidly gaining in popularity. What was once an obscure insurance product has more than doubled in growth from 2018 to 2021.
An unexpected accident or illness such as a dog’s broken bone, cancer, torn knee ligament or toxic ingestion can cost thousands of dollars in vet bills, according to a Forbes Advisor analysis of the cost of vet visits. Most dog owners (77%) consider various amounts of vet bills of $2,000 or below to be “unaffordable.”
Pet insurance can partially reimburse you when you pay the bill for your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. While you may not want to add another expense to your pet care costs, you might be surprised at how affordable pet insurance can be.The majority of dog owners (85%) and cat owners (76%) consider their pets to be members of the family. And a Forbes Advisor survey of 10,000 dog owners found that dog owners make professional, financial and lifestyle sacrifices for their canine companions.
Half (50%) of dog owners say they are very concerned or somewhat concerned about their ability to pay for an unexpected vet bill in the next three months.
Michelle is an insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over 30 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.Nearly one-third (30%) of dog owners say they would not pay for surgery for their dogs (elective or emergency) and 20% say they would reduce veterinary checkups.You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website.Pet insurance prevents you from having to pay the full cost of unexpected vet bills if your pet is injured or gets sick. It’s a smart way to add a layer of financial security to your budget. Here are more interesting facts related to pet ownership:
Among dog owners who do not have pet insurance and are unlikely to buy pet insurance in the next three months, 42% said the primary reason is because they think it’s too expensive, according to a Forbes Advisor survey.
The average pet insurance cost for dogs is $44 a month, and the average pet insurance cost for cats is $30 a month, based on Forbes Advisor’s analysis. Having pet insurance is like putting a leash on your potential vet costs so they don’t run out of control. That can leave you with more money to spend on spoiling your furry companion.
What is the 1 pet in America?
Dogs are the most popular pet in the U.S. (65.1 million U.S. households own a dog), followed by cats (46.5 million households) and freshwater fish (11.1 million households).
Whether cats or dogs make better companions has long been a bone of contention among many pet parents. Popularity certainly has nothing to do with how much a pet is loved by its human family. But in terms of ownership, more households include dogs than cats.
What state has the most legal pets?
The 10 most pet-friendly states in America in 2022RankStateScore1Indiana80.232Tennessee75.993North Carolina754Nevada71.71
While the love of a pet is priceless, the cost of owning one is not. Veterinary care, grooming, food, treats and other outlays can add up quickly. For example, a Forbes Advisor survey of more than 5,000 U.S. dog owners found that 41% of dog owners spend between $500 and $1,999 a year on their dogs and 8% spend more than $2,000. And if an unexpected vet bill pops up for a major incident, you can be on the hook for thousands of dollars just for that—42% of pet owners say they can’t cover a surprise vet bill of $999 or less. Forbes Advisor conducted a deep dive into the latest available pet owner statistics to determine which pets are most popular, how pet ownership and spending habits differ by generation, the cost of pet ownership and the most common lifestyle sacrifices made by pet owners. The Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS) is fighting to make every shelter in every community a no-kill shelter by 2025. According to them, an estimated 1.5 million cats and dogs were killed in 2016 because shelters couldn’t find safe places to rehome them. In 2020, that number was 347,000. And if you’re considering moving into the neighborhood, there are more than 605 pet services. From pet sitters to doggie daycare and groomers, Illinois has got you covered. So why are these facilities legal? While there may not be any laws to prohibit them, puppy mills must adhere to the 1996 Animal Welfare Act. This sets up minimum care standards, and registered mills are regulated by the US Department of Agriculture. Yet, less than 3,000 are actually regulated, and many more operate through loopholes in the law.While Florida and Louisiana give people immunity to rescue a distressed animal, Texas has no law whatsoever to protect animals. Or protect people wanting to save an animal.In the very southeasterly corner of the state, from Kittery Point all the way up to Portland, you’ll find the majority of Maine’s off-leash beaches clustered together. Animallaw.info tells us that 15 states have brought in laws that will allow any person to “rescue a distressed animal” from a vehicle. Previously, only local enforcement could act. Oregon scored consistently well across the board in our test. It has some strong animal protection laws and a high percentage of no-kill shelters. Plus, many of its counties already meet the criteria for no-kill. In fact, the number of animals killed in Oregon is in the hundreds rather than the thousands.
And it’s not just restaurants that will pull up a chair for your four-legged friends. More than 1,000 hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds encourage you to bring your pets.
According to a Trust for Public Land study, there are 810 dedicated dog parks across America’s 100 largest cities. This number has jumped by more than a third from the previous year. In fact, the study estimates that there has been a 74% increase in the number of dog parks in these cities since 2009. Here are the top 10 you need to know about:Since every state has room for improvement, they were placed into tiers based on the number of strengths versus weaknesses. Those placed in the top tier had more strengths than weaknesses and, for those in the bottom tier, the weaknesses outweighed the strengths.
The ASPCA explained that a puppy has a 60% chance of being adopted, whereas an older dog (i.e., one that has been returned) only has a 25% chance of being adopted.
Just because some states haven’t scored that highly in our study doesn’t mean they’re all terrible. In fact, generalizing a whole state for its behavior in a country so vast is a little unfair.Puppy mills are commercial dog-breeding facilities set up to generate profit, often prioritized over the wellbeing of dogs, and they’re big business in the US. They’re not illegal in America, but there is widespread opposition across the country.
A lot! At the time of writing, there are more than 332,422,000 people in the USA. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) US pet ownership statistics, nearly 40% of those people own dogs, and 25% own cats.Those states with the highest pet ownership were considered more accommodating to pets. You know that if you take young Fido along to the nearest park, you’re likely to bump into a friend here or there. You can be safe in the knowledge that you’re surrounded by pet lovers just like you.
You’ll also find that many of Arizona’s state and national parks allow leashed dogs. But this doesn’t apply to them all, so double check before you visit.
If you’re currently in Boise, Portland, or Henderson, get outside and enjoy the abundance of pet-friendly parks. Or if you were wondering whereabouts in, say, Florida you want to move, knowing that you’re surrounded by dog parks in Tampa might be a factor to consider.You don’t need me to tell you that pets aren’t just for Christmas. There’s a multitude of factors you need to consider before you bring one into your life and your family. For example, in Massachusetts, no person can tether a dog for longer than “five hours in a 24-hour period and outside from 10pm to 6am.” A first offense will get you a written warning or a fine of no more than $50. New Mexico makes this list for having the most work to do regarding animal protection laws. The ALDF ranked the state at the very bottom of its bottom tier.Maryland tells a similar story. Pet ownership is just under 50% (around the national average), but neglect and abandonment of animals is not a felony — something many of us would expect as standard.
Its animal protection laws aren’t necessarily the worst in the country, but, as you’ll find with this top 10, South Dakota has a lot of work to do. Currently, vets are not required to report suspected animal cruelty, and neglect or abandonment of an animal is not a felony. Only 14% of the state’s shelters are considered no-kill.
Simply put, a no-kill shelter ensures that animals placed in their care are not killed. It is important to flag that there is no governing body that determines what a no-kill shelter is. However, it is widely agreed upon that to hold the no-kill status, a shelter must achieve a 90% placement rate — a percentage that has increased over the years. That means that for every 10 animals placed in the care of the shelter, at least 9 of them will survive and get rehomed.When it comes to no-kill shelters, Florida has some work to do. The number of cats and dogs killed is decreasing yearly, and more cities are being classed as “nearly no-kill,” which is a step in the right direction.
BringFido, a leading pet travel site, tells us that 24 off-leash dog parks are dotted around the state. There are also 20 dog beaches, so there’s no shortage of safe places to run around. My top pick? The Little Long Pond leash-free area, where pups can play and paddle in this private area of the Acadia National Park.Of those states that do have laws limiting or controlling tethering, most stipulate the conditions of the tether. They consider how long the restraint is and how long you can lawfully leave an animal for. This varies from “no longer than is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task” (a sub-note of Californian law) to “no more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period” (Rhode Island).
Sneaking into the top 5 is Indiana, with one of the highest pet ownership rates in the country. It’s got satisfactory animal protection laws and nearly 1,000 pet-friendly restaurants to choose from.
Tucson is known as being the home of Pitbulooza, created in the name of National Pit Bull Awareness Day. It’s now made a name for itself as a friend to all pets, with nearly 300 hotels and vacation rentals suitable for pets.There’s no end of dog parks around the state, from Heritage Park in Olathe to Shawnee’s Mission Off-Leash Dog Park. Hotels will welcome you and your pets with open arms, and nearly 500 restaurants are listed as pet-friendly on BringFido. From puppy mills to reporting animal cruelty, the disparity between states is something organizations like PETA, No Kill 2025, and the Humane Society are working hard to change. There are more than 400 pet-friendly restaurants. Plus, there are endless hiking trails and enough groomers, trainers, and pet sitters to service the whole city.If you’re a Missouri resident, make sure you visit DogtoberFest at the Kemper Outdoor Education Center in Blue Springs on the edge of Fleming Park. You can get in for free if you donate dry or canned dog food to support local animal shelters.But as we’ve also seen, change is happening, and it’s not all doom and gloom. Pet-friendly restaurants, beaches, hiking trails, stores, vets, and home rentals are booming, and we’re all here for it. So I’ll see you in Maine, at Little Long Pond, or Dog Mountain in Vermont, with my cats, very, very soon. Loki? Odin? Time to get you some cat harnesses…Imagine a place where puppies and kittens cats skip paw-in-paw down the street. They host get-togethers with hamsters and horses at the local off-leash park. Okay, maybe not, but Maine is the closest we’re getting to it, so let me dream.What’s the catch? No-kill doesn’t equal no euthanasia. The remaining 10% covers those animals where humane euthanasia is the kindest solution. It’s not a decision taken lightly, but some animals have serious, untreatable health issues. Some experience chronic pain or have behavioral issues that make them a danger to the community. These animals are sometimes put down. In these shelters, that route is only taken when all other options have been exhausted.
There is some progress, as a growing number of cities have banned the retail sale of pets. In 2017, California passed a bill prohibiting the retail sale of pets across the state. 4 more states followed suit: Maine, Maryland, Washington, and Illinois. Other states — including New York — have bills pending, but there is still much work to be done.
Sure, they’re the top contenders when we’re looking for a pet, but it seems we’re partial to some other species too. Fish and birds come in third and fourth place respectively.Of all the shelters in Delaware, for example, 100% of them are considered no-kill shelters. Delaware is the ONLY no-kill state in the US (since 2019), giving it some justified extra points in our study.
The variation in these laws is significant in the hottest states in the US. In these states, temperatures in a confined vehicle reach dangerous levels. Florida, Texas, and Louisiana are often listed as 3 of the hottest states. Each has an average annual temperature topping 70°F / 21°C.
We were always big fans of animals. But the pandemic has sent pet adoption numbers through the roof. PetPoint found that pet adoptions in the US rose 12% in 2020. As lockdown took hold, many people adopted cats and dogs for company during the pandemic.Alabama is another high-priority state when it comes to no-kill shelters. Only 30% of its shelters meet the no-kill threshold of saving 90% of animals. The state’s overall save rate is just under 75%.When it comes to finding a home, only 10% of rented houses and apartments will allow you to move in with your pet. That means your options are considerably reduced if you plan to move.Colorado makes the top 10 for many reasons. The number of no-kill shelters is above average, and its animal protection laws rank among the top 5 states.
It’s got some work to do, as does every state, but its animal laws seek to protect pets from animal cruelty. Immunity is given to someone rescuing an animal from a hot car (which is not the case in every state).
Out of 50 states, West Virginia and New Jersey are the only 2 that now make leaving an animal unattended and in dangerous conditions a criminal offense.It’s got the second-highest ranking for rentals that allow pets (3,000 options at the time of writing, and that’s just those that are available now). So, you’ll have no trouble finding a home somewhere that suits you and your four-legged friends. Illinois also comes in second with its animal protection laws, so you know that every animal is cared for. Louisiana redeems itself in part thanks to its abundance of pet-friendly hotels. This makes us think that maybe this is a place to visit with your pet, rather than live. There’s plenty of hiking trails and dog parks if you do pop by. If you’re known for your “Yappy Hour” at local bars, then you’re probably pretty welcoming to pets. Many local bars across the city let customers bring their pets along for a drink. At the Liberty Hotel, from May to October, Yappier Hour is every Monday and Wednesday. The season culminates in a Halloween dog costume competition.
