Fur-tastic News: Top 5 in Forbes' Best Cities for Pet Owners
Wichita, Kansas, emerges as a leading contender in Forbes' highly anticipated list of the Best Cities for Pet Owners. This accolade celebrates Wichita's unwavering dedication to fostering a pet-friendly environment, making it a haven for both furry companions and their devoted caregivers.
Forbes Advisor's study, unveiled last April, meticulously scrutinized 91 populous cities across the nation, dissecting data across 13 key metrics spanning four vital categories. These metrics encompassed essential aspects such as dog and cat veterinary costs, veterinary accessibility, and the availability of pet-friendly amenities. Wichita, with its impressive score of 91.46 out of 100, proudly clinched its place among the top five contenders, showcasing its commitment to pet welfare and owner satisfaction.
Delving into the study's findings unveils Wichita's stellar performance across various crucial parameters. The city emerges as a beacon of affordability, boasting the second-best dog and cat veterinary costs nationwide. From routine checkups to essential medical procedures, Wichita offers pet owners unparalleled access to high-quality veterinary care at competitive prices, ensuring the well-being of beloved companions without breaking the bank.
Top cities
Tucson’s score: 100 out of 100 Tucson ranks sixth highest for access to veterinary care (tied with Chandler, Arizona) due, in part, to having the third highest concentration of veterinary offices per 10,000 establishments (57.82). Tucson dog owners pay the 10th lowest vet fees for vaccinations ($201.67), spay and neuter surgeries ($463.15), office visits ($60.95) and professional dental cleanings ($359.95). Cat owners in Tucson can also expect to pay the 10th lowest amount for vaccinations ($87.93), spay and neuter surgeries ($273.70), vet office visits ($60.95) and professional dental cleanings ($359.90). Additionally, Tucson is home to the 16th highest concentration of pet stores (15.68 per 10,000 establishments), tied with San Diego and Chula Vista, California.
2. Raleigh, North Carolina Raleigh’s score: 93.49 out of 100 Raleigh, North Carolina ranks fifth best for access to pet-friendly spaces. Raleigh pet owners have access to the seventh-highest percentage of pet-friendly apartments (89.95%). Raleigh is also home to the ninth-highest concentration of veterinary offices (47.64 per 10,000 establishments).
3. Nashville, Tennessee Nashville’s score: 93.14 out of 100 Nashville is the third best for both dog and cat veterinary costs. The city also ranks 10th best for access to pet-friendly spaces. People looking for the best cities for dogs will appreciate that Nashville dog owners pay the third lowest amounts for each of the four vet prices we considered: office visits ($57.95), vaccinations ($196.82), professional dental cleanings ($346.95) and spay or neuter surgeries ($451.95). Nashville cat owners also pay the third lowest amount for each of the cat vet prices we looked at: vet office visits ($57.95), vaccinations ($85.82), professional dental cleanings ($346.95) and spay or neuter surgeries ($267.20). Nashville renters have access to the 12th highest percentage of pet-friendly apartments (88.68%) among the cities on our list.
4. Wichita, Kansas Wichita’s score: 91.46 out of 100 Wichita is second best for dog and cat veterinary costs. If you’re looking for the most dog-friendly cities, consider that Wichita dog owners pay the lowest prices for spay and neuter surgeries ($420.55) and the second lowest average amounts for vet office visits ($54.95), vaccinations ($192.07) and professional dental cleanings ($334.95). Wichita cat owners pay the second lowest average amount for vet office visits ($54.95), vaccinations ($83.75), spay or neuter surgeries ($260.70) and professional dental cleanings ($334.95). Wichita is also home to the second-highest concentration of pet stores (18.73 per 10,000 businesses) and the thirteenth-highest concentration of veterinary offices (45.59 per 10,000 establishments).
Furthermore, Wichita's pet-centric infrastructure shines brightly, with the city boasting the second-highest concentration of pet stores per 10,000 businesses. This robust network ensures that pet owners have easy access to a myriad of pet-related products and services, ranging from premium pet food to specialized grooming and training facilities. Additionally, Wichita prides itself on its commendable presence of veterinary offices, further enhancing accessibility to essential healthcare services for pets of all shapes and sizes.
However, Wichita's allure transcends mere statistics, encapsulating a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates the bond between humans and animals. The city's dedication to pet welfare extends beyond economic considerations, fostering a nurturing environment where pets are cherished members of the family.
As Wichita basks in the spotlight of Forbes' esteemed ranking, pet owners and their furry companions can rejoice in the knowledge that they belong to a city that prioritizes their well-being and happiness. With its winning combination of affordability, accessibility, and a thriving pet-friendly culture, Wichita stands as a shining example of what it means to be a truly pet-friendly city.
