Top Dog States: The most dog-friendly states in the US

Having a dog is one of the most loving and rewarding experiences that a person can enjoy. However, keeping a dog happy and healthy is undoubtedly a task that requires some work. Whether it’s a Terrier or a Golden Retriever that’s part of your family, keeping on top of their health, stimulating them with new and exciting activities, and making lasting memories with them are all essential aspects of good care.

So, we wanted to learn which are the best states to have a dog in America. We’ve looked at dog groomers, doggy daycare facilities, pet-friendly activities, and more to reveal the top dog states in the US.

Rhode Island is the most dog-friendly state, with a score of 9.29 out of 10

We’ve considered the number of dog-friendly facilities and activities and dog services per 1,000 square miles, as well as laws against dog theft, to create a dog-friendly score for each US state.

The most dog-friendly states in the USA

1. Rhode Island – 9.29 dog-friendly score

Taking the top spot is Rhode Island, with a dog-friendly score of 9.29 out of 10. Rhode Island ranks at the top for all three of our categories, dog services, dog-friendly facilities, and dog-friendly activities. Rhode Island is also one of 15 states that have laws against dog theft.

2. Connecticut – 8.93 dog-friendly score

The second most dog-friendly state in the US is Connecticut, with a dog-friendly score of 8.93 out of 10. Connecticut ranks third for activities and services and fourth for facilities. Connecticut also has laws against dog theft.

3. Delaware – 8.83 dog-friendly score

Our top three is completed by Delaware, with a dog-friendly score of 8.83 out of 10. Delaware boasts the second-highest number of dog services and the fifth-highest dog-friendly facilities and activities. Like the rest of our top three, Delaware also has laws against stealing dogs.

The least dog-friendly state is Alaska, with a score of 0.00/10

Considering the same factors, we’ve revealed the least dog-friendly states in the US.

1. Alaska – 0.00 dog-friendly score

Alaska is the least friendly state for dogs, with a score of 0.00 out of 10. Due to its large size, dog services, activities, and facilities are hard to come by in Alaska. This state also has no laws against dog theft.

2. North Dakota – 0.25 dog-friendly score

In second place is North Dakota, with a dog-friendly score of 0.25 out of 10. When it comes to dog-friendly facilities and activities, only Alaska has fewer per 1,000 square miles. North Dakota also has the fourth fewest dog services per 1,000 square miles.

3. Montana – 0.36 dog-friendly score

Completing our top three is Montana, with a dog-friendly score of 0.36 out of 10. Like most states in the US, Montana considers dog theft a misdemeanor rather than having specific laws against it. Montana also has the second-fewest dog services and the fourth-fewest dog-friendly facilities and activities.

Rhode Island has more dog services than any other state, with more than 470 per 1,000 square miles.

From groomers to vets, keeping your dog well-groomed, happy, and healthy can require professional help. That’s why we’ve looked at the number of groomers, veterinary clinics, pet stores, and daycare centers to reveal which states are home to the most dog services.

1. Rhode Island – 471.95 dog services per 1,000 square miles

Taking the top spot is Rhode Island, with over 470 dog services per 1,000 square miles. Rhode Island has 184 dog groomers, 104 veterinary clinics, 138 doggy daycare centers, and 62 pet stores, totaling 488 dog services. Despite its first-placed ranking on this list, Rhode Island’s small size makes the state’s total the eighth-lowest in the US.

2. Delaware – 226.27 dog services per 1,000 square miles

Delaware takes second place, with more than 200 dog services per thousand square miles. Again, due to its small size, this state’s total is the fifth-lowest in the whole of the US. Delaware also has the second and fourth-fewest doggy daycare centers and veterinary clinics.

3. Connecticut – 172.04 dog services per 1,000 square miles

Our top three is completed by Connecticut, with 172 dog services per 1,000 square miles. Connecticut has the most dog services of our top three. It also ranks above the US average in all of our categories. Due to its smaller size, however, Connecticut’s total of 833 is just the 28th highest in the US.

Alaska has fewer dog services than any other state, with 0.56 dog services per 1,000 miles

On the other end of the stick, we’ve revealed the US states with the fewest dog services per 1,000 square miles.

1. Alaska – 0.56 dog services per 1,000 square miles

Alaska takes the top spot, with just 0.56 dog services per 1,000 square miles. As the nation’s largest state by far, Alaska has the second-lowest number of dog services in the US, with 322, while North Dakota has the lowest. Alaska also had the fewest dog groomers, 103, and the second-fewest veterinary clinics and pet stores.

2. Montana – 4.07 dog services per 1,000 square miles

In second place is Montana, a large state with 4.07 dog services per 1,000 square miles. Montana has less than 600 dog services, the 11th-lowest in the US. Montana’s total is split across 158 dog groomers, 195 veterinary clinics, 181 doggy daycare centers, and 59 pet stores.

3. Texas – 4.26 dog services per 1,000 square miles

Completing our top three is Texas, with 4.26 dog services per 1,000 square miles. The second-largest US state, Texas has the most dog services compared to any other state, with 1,113. Texas also has the most doggy daycare centers and pet stores, with 276 and 233, respectively. However, compared to the state’s vast size, Texas has the third lowest rate of dog services, with 4.26 per 1,000 square miles.

Rhode Island has the most dog-friendly facilities, with over 400 per 1,000 square miles

Having dogs shouldn’t limit your ability to have a vacation. Sometimes, traveling with your dog can create the best memories for the entire family. So, we wanted to know which states have the most dog-friendly restaurants and hotels.

1. Rhode Island – 426.5 dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles

Rhode Island takes the top spot with over 400 dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles. Rhode Island has 441 dog-friendly facilities, which is the fourth-lowest in the US. Despite this, Rhode Island’s small size means it still places at the top of this list, with 337 restaurants and 104 hotels.

2. New Jersey – 282.84 dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles

In second place is New Jersey, with almost 300 dog-friendly restaurants per 1,000 square miles. New Jersey has over 2,000 dog-friendly facilities, with just over 1,700 restaurants and close to 400 hotels.

3. Massachusetts – 248.72 dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles

Completing our top three is Massachusetts, with almost 250 dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles. Massachusetts boasts more hotels than second-placed New Jersey, with 531. With 1,409 restaurants, Massachusetts’s number of dog-friendly facilities totals just over 1,900, the 23rd highest in the US.

Alaska has less than one dog-friendly facility per 1,000 square miles, the fewest compared to any US state

Below are the states with the fewest dog-friendly restaurants and hotels per 1,000 square miles.

1. Alaska – 0.70 dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles

Taking the top spot is Alaska, which has the fewest dog-friendly facilities at just 0.7 per 1,000 square miles. Alaska has the fewest dog-friendly restaurants in the US, at 96, and the ninth lowest number of dog-friendly hotels. Alaska’s nearly 400 dog-friendly facilities are also higher than just two US states.

2. North Dakota – 4.88 dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles

North Dakota is second, with 4.88 dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles. This state has the second-fewest restaurants and the fourth-fewest hotels, at 112 and 225, respectively. Despite not having the fewest restaurants or hotels, North Dakota’s total of 337 is the lowest number of dog-friendly facilities when compared to all US states.

3. Wyoming – 5.84 dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles

Our top three is completed by Wyoming, with 5.84 dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles. Wyoming has 567 dog-friendly facilities, with 422 hotels and 145 restaurants, more than just seven US states.

Rhode Island has more dog-friendly activities than any other state, with more than 100 per 1,000 square miles

Keeping your dog active and occupied with different activities is crucial for their happiness and health. Below, we’ve revealed the states with the most activities for your dog per 1,000 square miles.

1. Rhode Island – 106.38 dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles

With more dog-friendly activities than any other state, Rhode Island takes the top spot with over 100 activities per 1,000 square miles. Rhode Island has 17 dog parks, nine dog beaches, and 37 hiking trails, contributing to its total of 110 dog-friendly activities.

2. Massachusetts – 84.49 dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles

Massachusetts takes second place with almost 85 dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles. With 659 activities, Massachusetts has the 13th highest number of dog-friendly activities in the US. Contributing to this total are almost 250 hiking trails, nearly 100 dog parks, and just over 60 dog beaches.

3. Connecticut – 72.08 dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles

Connecticut completes our top three, with just over 70 dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles. Connecticut boasts just under 350 dog-friendly activities in total, with 67 dog parks, 166 hiking trails, and seven dog beaches.

Alaska has the fewest dog-friendly activities in the US, with less than one per 1,000 square miles

At the other end of the spectrum, we’ve revealed the states with the fewest dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles.

1. Alaska – 0.17 dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles

Taking the top spot is Alaska, with just 0.17 dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles. In total, Alaska has 98 dog-friendly activities, the fourth lowest compared to any US state. Among the dog-friendly activities are 47 hiking trails, 14 dog parks, and four dog beaches.

2. North Dakota – 0.81 dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles

North Dakota has the second-fewest dog-friendly activities, with 0.8 per 1,000 square miles. North Dakota’s total number of dog-friendly activities is the lowest in the US, with just 56. Despite not having any dog beaches, there are 18 dog parks and 12 hiking trails for you to enjoy with your canine companion.

3. Wyoming – 0.84 dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles

Our top three is completed by Wyoming, with 0.84 dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles. With just the second-lowest total of dog-friendly activities, at 82, Wyoming can only offer 24 dog parks and hiking trails.

Less than a third of all US states have laws against stealing dogs

More than 90% of pet owners consider their dogs as family members. However, with most states failing to apply specific laws against stealing pets, they are instead seen as personal property in the eye of the law. Below are the states with laws against stolen dogs.

The criminal charges vary widely by state, with most states charging people with small fines and little to no jail time, as stealing a dog is considered a misdemeanor. However, California and Louisiana are among the states that have increased the severity of penalties, basing the punishment on the monetary value of the dog. Virginia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New York, and Mississippi are believed to have the best laws against stealing dogs in terms of how this crime is punished. In these states, you can be prosecuted with imprisonment and/or a fine, which can vary depending on the value of the dog.

Idaho has more dog owners than any other state, with 58.3% of the population owning a dog

Around 40% of the US have at least one furry companion, but how is this distributed across the country? We’ve revealed the states with the highest percentage of dog owners.

1. Idaho – 58.3% of the population has a dog

Idaho takes the top spot, with almost 60% of the population owning a dog. Despite having such a high percentage of dog owners, Idaho was one of the least dog-friendly states in the US, ranking in the bottom 10.

2. Montana – 51.9% of the population has a dog

In second place is Montana, with just over 50% of the population owning a dog. Montana scored even lower than Idaho for its dog-friendliness, ranking third for the least dog-friendly states in the US.

3. Arkansas – 51.6% of the population has a dog

Edging just below Montana in second place is Arkansas, with 51.6% of the population owning a dog. Compared to our top three, Arkansas was the most dog-friendly state. However, it still places in the bottom half of states for its dog-friendliness.

New Hampshire has the fewest dog owners, with less than a quarter of the population owning a dog

We’ve also revealed the US states with the fewest dog owners.

1. New Hampshire – 23.7% of the population has a dog

New Hampshire takes the top spot, with 23.7% of the population owning a dog. Despite its low percentage of dog owners, New Hampshire was the fourth most dog-friendly state in the US.

2. Connecticut – 24% of the population has a dog

In second place is Connecticut, with just under a quarter of the population owning a dog. Connecticut ranked third overall in our dog-friendly scores, with the third most dog services and dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles and the fourth most dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles.

3. Rhode Island – 25.8% of the population has a dog

Our most dog-friendly state completes our top three, with just over 25% of Rhode Island’s population owning a dog. Rhode Island was ranked as the most dog-friendly state, with more dog services, dog-friendly facilities, and dog-friendly activities per 1,000 square miles than any other state.

Methodology

We used Google Maps to find the number of dog groomers, veterinary clinics, doggy daycare centers, and pet stores in each US state.

We then used Wikipedia to find the land area per US state.

We then combined the number of dog groomers, veterinary clinics, doggy daycare centers, and pet stores and used the land area to calculate the number of dog services per 1,000 miles in each state.

We then used Tripadvisor to find the number of pet-friendly hotels per US state.

We then used BringFido to find the number of dog-friendly restaurants per US state.

We then combined the number of pet-friendly hotels and dog-friendly restaurants and used the land area per state to determine the number of dog services per 1,000 miles.

We used BringFido again to find the number of dog-friendly activities per state, using the land area per state to determine the number of dog-friendly activities per 1,000 miles.

We used Canine Journal to determine which US states have stolen dog laws.

Using the number of dog services, dog-friendly activities, and dog-friendly facilities per 1,000 square miles, and the laws on dog theft (10 = laws against dog theft, 0 = no laws against dog theft), we created an overall dog-friendly score. We used a weighted table to normalize each factor with a score out of 10 before taking an average of these scores to get our overall score.

We then used World Population Review to get the percentage of the state population that owns dogs. Data for Alaska and Hawaii were unavailable.