Richmond, VA is the overall best city for renters with pets New York, NY has the largest rent increase for pet-friendly rentals vs. non-pet-friendly Jersey City, NJ is the overall least pet-friendly city Choosing the right city for you and your companion is an important decision for any pet owner. About 43% of renters reported having pets in our 2023 renter survey, speaking to the need for pet-friendly accommodations. Factors such as pet-friendly amenities, green spaces, and access to veterinary care can greatly impact the quality of life for both you and your pets. To help you make an informed choice, we have compiled and analyzed data on various cities across the United States to determine the top 10 cities that offer the best environment for pets. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the data and what makes these cities stand out as the best places for pets and renters alike. The top 10 most pet-friendly cities for renters
1. Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, claims the top spot as the most pet-friendly city, thanks to its high overall score and excellent pet-friendly amenities. With a relatively low cost of living, Richmond offers affordable pet care services, making it easier for pet owners to provide their animals with the best care possible. The city’s above-average percentage of pet-friendly rentals and a high number of parks per capita ensure that pets can enjoy a plethora of activities and exercise opportunities. Additionally, Richmond’s good air quality and walkability score contribute to creating a healthy environment for both pets and their owners to thrive.
2. Madison, WI
As the second-best city for renters with pets, Madison, Wisconsin, excels in offering an outstanding quality of life for furry, fluffy, or scaly, companions. With a high percentage of pet-friendly amenities, including parks and recreational spaces, Madison encourages owners to engage in various outdoor activities with their pets. The city’s high volume of veterinary care availability ensures that pets can receive the best healthcare services. Madison’s walkability score and moderate cost of living further enhance the pet-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place for pet owners to reside. Median rent for a 1-bedroom pet-friendly apartment in Madison, as of April 2024, is $1,499.
3. Columbus, OH
Columbus, Ohio, secures the third position on our list due to its exceptional pet-friendly amenities and relatively affordable cost of living. With a high percentage of pet-friendly rentals and a sizable number of parks per capita, Columbus provides ample opportunities for pets to enjoy outdoor activities and socialize with other animals. The city’s affordable veterinary care and moderate air quality contribute to a healthy and happy living environment for pets and their owners.
4. Minneapolis, MN
Known for its stunning parks and recreational spaces, Minneapolis, Minnesota, ranks fourth as one of the most pet-friendly cities. Minneapolis boasts an above-average number of parks per capita, ensuring that pets and owners can partake in various outdoor activities. The city’s abundance of veterinary care and good air quality make it a safe and welcoming environment for pets to thrive.
5. Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, Missouri, claims the fifth spot, offering a pet-friendly atmosphere with numerous parks per capita and a good percentage of pet-friendly apartments for renters to choose from. With affordable veterinary care and moderate air quality, the city ensures that pets receive proper medical attention and enjoy a healthy living environment.
6. Omaha, NE
Omaha, Nebraska, stands out as the sixth-most pet-friendly city, providing numerous parks per capita and a significant percentage of pet-friendly establishments. Some top parks in Omaha include the Beardmore Freedom Dog Park and Hefflinger Dog Park. The city’s affordable veterinary care and good air quality contribute to a comfortable and nurturing environment for pets.
7. Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, Tennessee, ranks seventh on our list, offering an above-average percentage of pet-friendly rentals and a considerable number of parks per capita. With a high volume of veterinary care and a high walkability score, Chattanooga ensures that pets and their owners can explore the city together safely and comfortably.
8. Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, Iowa, secures the eighth position, providing a pet-friendly environment with a good number of parks per capita and a significant percentage of pet-friendly rentals. The city’s affordable veterinary care and moderate air quality make it an ideal destination for pet owners seeking a nurturing living environment.
9. Denver, CO
With an impressive number of parks per capita and a high percentage of pet-friendly rentals, Denver, Colorado, ranks ninth on our list. The city’s excellent veterinary care and above average walkscore make the Mile High City an attractive place to live with pets. However, Denver’s high rent prices could be a deterrent for some more budget-conscious pet owners, with the median 1-bedroom pet-friendly rent coming in at $1,812, as of spring 2024.
10. Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon, rounds up our list of the most pet-friendly cities, offering a high percentage of pet-friendly listings and a significant number of parks per capita. The city’s affordable veterinary care and good air quality create a welcoming and vibrant environment for pets and their owners.
The top 10 cities with the largest rent increase for pet-friendly vs. non pet-friendly rentals
- New York, NY
- Santa Ana, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Oakland, CA
- Denver, CO
- Atlanta, GA
- Boston, MA
- San Diego, CA
If you’re planning to rent in NYC with a pet, prepare to add $250 a month to your rent. With the median 1-bedroom pet-friendly rent at $3,950 vs. $3,700 for non-pet-friendly rent, renters should plan to increase their budget when searching for housing with a pet. Santa Ana, CA, has a $200 difference, with San Jose, CA, following closely with a $180 difference. Los Angeles, CA, has a $160 difference, with a pet-friendly median of $2,500 and a non-pet-friendly median of $2,340. Renters in Jersey City, NJ, and Oakland, CA, will find a cost separation of $150 for pet-friendly apartments. At the same time, Denver, CO residents can expect to spend $1,812 for a pet-friendly 1-bedroom apartment vs. $1,650 for a non-pet-friendly apartment. Atlanta, Boston, and San Diego present a difference of $130, $120, and $110, respectively.
When searching for apartments with pets, renters should also be aware of additional fees and deposits that can accompany pet rent. Likewise, breed restrictions can play an essential role in finding housing, so be sure to filter your searches and read through each pet-friendly listing carefully.
Cities ranked by top categories
Here are the top five cities for each individual category:
- Wichita, KS
- Akron, OH
- Shreveport, LA
- Lincoln, NE
- Des Moines, IA
The top 5 cities with the most affordable median 1-bedroom pet-friendly rent prices offer a haven for budget-conscious individuals seeking pet-friendly living environments. Leading the pack is Wichita, Kansas, where a 1-bedroom apartment costs just $690 on average. Akron, Ohio, follows closely with a median rent of $725. Shreveport, Louisiana, secures the third spot with a median rent of $740, ensuring that pet lovers can comfortably live alongside their furry companions without breaking the bank. In fourth place is Lincoln, Nebraska, with a median rent of $790. Lastly, Des Moines, Iowa, rounds out the top 5 with a median 1-bedroom rent price of $880, making it an attractive option for pet owners looking for cost-effective living while enjoying a pet-welcoming community.
Percent of pet-friendly apartments
- Richmond, VA
- Nashville, TN
- Tulsa, OK
- Irving, TX
- Gilbert, AZ
An impressive 62% of national apartment rentals on Zumper are pet-friendly. The top 5 cities with the largest percentage of pet-friendly rentals prioritize creating a welcoming environment for both tenants and their companions. Richmond, Virginia, comes in first with an impressive 85.43% of its rentals being pet-friendly, allowing residents to enjoy the company of their pets without restrictions. Nashville, Tennessee, follows closely with 84.83%. Tulsa, Oklahoma, secures the third spot with 83.78%. In fourth place is Irving, Texas, boasting a pet-friendly rental rate of 83.67%, making it a great destination for those seeking accommodations that embrace their four-legged friends. Gilbert, Arizona, rounds out the top 5 with 82.99% of its rentals being pet-friendly.
Parks per capita
- Gilbert, AZ
- Orlando, FL
- Mesa, AZ
- Denver, CO
- Atlanta, GA
The top 5 cities with the most parks, including both regular parks and dog parks, per capita have prioritized green spaces and outdoor recreation, creating a harmonious blend of urban living and natural serenity. Gilbert, Arizona, claims the lead while Orlando, Florida, follows closely. Mesa, Arizona, secures the third spot, while Denver, Colorado, takes fourth place with parks like Cherry Creek State Park and Fuller Dog Park as great options for some off-leash exercise. Lastly, Atlanta, Georgia, rounds out the top 5 with ample open spaces for residents to enjoy leisurely pursuits and forge connections with their community and pets alike.
Veterinarians per capita
- Atlanta, GA
- Portland, OR
- Gilbert, AZ
- Mesa, AZ
- Madison, WI
The top 5 cities with the highest number of veterinarians per capita demonstrate a strong commitment to the well-being and health of their beloved pets. Atlanta, Georgia, leads the list with an impressive 138.32 veterinarians per capita, showcasing a city that values the comprehensive care and attention that animals deserve. Portland, Oregon, secures the second spot with 119.21 veterinarians per capita. Gilbert, Arizona, follows closely with 93.66 veterinarians per capita, demonstrating a dedication to offering a multitude of veterinary options for pets within the community. Mesa, Arizona, captures the fourth place with 87.07 veterinarians per capita, and Madison, Wisconsin, rounds out the top 5 with 87.03 veterinarians per capita, showcasing a city that prioritizes a high standard of pet healthcare and maintains a thriving veterinary network to support its pet-loving population.
Lowest veterinarian costs
- Knoxville, TN
- Columbus, OH
- Raleigh, NC
- Sacramento, CA
- Des Moines, IA
The top 5 cities with the most affordable veterinarian costs prioritize accessible and reasonably priced pet healthcare for their residents. Knoxville, Tennessee, takes the lead with an average veterinarian cost of $39.40, demonstrating a commitment to offering quality care without breaking the bank. Columbus, Ohio, follows closely with a cost of $40.13, ensuring that pet owners have access to essential veterinary services at an affordable rate. Raleigh, North Carolina, secures the third spot with a cost of $41.13, while Sacramento, California, ranks fourth with an average cost of $43.33. Des Moines, Iowa, rounds out the top 5 with an average cost of $44.05, highlighting a city that prioritizes affordable and high-quality healthcare for pets.
Best air quality
- Anchorage, AK
- Urban Honolulu, HI
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Norfolk, VA
- Richmond, VA
The top 5 cities with the best air quality prioritize a clean and healthy environment for both residents and their pets. Anchorage, Alaska, leads the list with an air quality index of 28.58, highlighting a commitment to minimizing pollution and ensuring fresh air for all. Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, follows closely with an index of 29.24, emphasizing the city’s dedication to maintaining pristine air quality in a tropical paradise. Virginia Beach and Norfolk, both in Virginia, share the third spot with an index of 32.26, reflecting a joint effort to provide their communities with excellent air quality standards. Richmond, Virginia, secures the fourth position with an index of 35.89.
Best walkability
- Syracuse, NY
- San Francisco, CA
- New York, NY
- Jersey City, NJ
- Chattanooga, TN
The top 5 cities with the best walkability and walk scores prioritize pedestrian-friendly environments, encouraging both residents and their companions to explore the neighborhoods on foot. Syracuse, New York, leads the list with an impressive walk score of 93, indicating a city that promotes easy and convenient access to amenities, parks, and local businesses. San Francisco, California, follows closely with a score of 88.7, highlighting the city’s commitment to creating walkable neighborhoods that cater to both human and pet activity needs. New York City secures the third position with a score of 88, showcasing a metropolis that thrives on walkability, offering a myriad of pet-friendly spaces to enjoy. Jersey City, New Jersey, takes the fourth spot with a score of 86.6, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, rounds out the top 5 with a score of 85, underscoring a commitment to walkable communities that foster active lifestyles and quality pet-friendly experiences.
The 5 least pet-friendly cities
- Jersey City, NJ
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Urban Honolulu, HI
- New York, NY
Jersey City, NJ, claims the unfortunate title of the worst city for pet owners. Jersey City received failing grades due to high rent prices, limited pet-friendly rentals, fewer veterinarians per capita, and higher vet costs. While the city has a high walk score, air quality, and outdoor spaces may be a turnoff for pet owners looking to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.
Final thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best city for pets, several factors play a crucial role in determining the quality of life for our furry companions. Our analysis reveals that Richmond, VA, is best overall, followed closely by Madison, WI, and Columbus, OH. These cities excel in offering a pet-friendly environment with ample recreational spaces and access to quality veterinary care. However, all the cities in our top 10 list prioritize the well-being of pets, making them ideal destinations for any pet owner seeking the perfect place to call home.
Methodology
The methodology employed to assess and rank cities based on various factors contributing to their livability and pet-friendliness encompasses a comprehensive approach, considering data from multiple sources and utilizing designated weights for each category. The following data points were used:
- 1-BR median pet-friendly rent price (15%): Median one-bedroom rental prices were sourced from Zumper, reflecting the affordability of housing in each city.
- % Pet-friendly apartments (30%): Zumper provided the percentage of pet-friendly apartments in each city, indicating the level of accommodation for pet owners.
- Park per capita (15%): The availability of parks and dog parks per capita was determined using data from OpenStreetMap and the US Census, highlighting the green spaces accessible to residents and their pets.
- Veterinarians per Capita (15%): OpenStreetMap and the US Census were utilized to establish the number of veterinarians per capita, indicating the availability of pet care services.
- Vet costs (10%): The cost of veterinary services was obtained from COLI.org, allowing for an assessment of affordability in terms of pet healthcare.
- Air quality index (AQI) (5%): Data from the US Environmental Protection Agency for the year 2022 provided average AQI values, contributing to the evaluation of the cities’ environmental conditions.
- Walkscore (10%): Walkability scores from Walkscore.com were considered, indicating the ease of pedestrian movement and the availability of pet-friendly walking areas.
The designated weights were applied to each data point to ensure a balanced evaluation across categories. We then assigned letter grades to each city based on the quintiles for each data point:
- A = rank higher than 80% of cities
- B = rank higher than 60% of cities
- C = rank higher than 40% of cities
- D = rank higher than 20% of cities
- F = rank in the bottom 20% of cities
This approach provides a comprehensive perspective on the pet-friendliness and overall livability of each city, incorporating factors such as housing affordability, pet accommodation, access to green spaces, veterinary services, healthcare costs, environmental quality, and walkability. By analyzing these factors collectively, a well-rounded ranking of cities was established, facilitating informed decision-making for individuals seeking pet-friendly and livable urban environments.
