Introducing our Happy Pet Index!

Suffice it to say, we’re all about happy pets here at Trusted HQ. Our furry friends bring us so much joy and happiness, and so, we figured it was about time that we delve into what makes our paw-fect pets happy, too!

We embarked on a nationwide mission to uncover the happiest states for pets across the USA - aka, the TrustedHousesitters Happy Pet Index! To do this, we analyzed 10 key factors across each of the 50 states, including… 

1. Veterinary care
2. Parks
3. Walkability
4. Pet ownership rates
5. Shelter adoptions
6. Pet-friendly rentals
7. Animal protection laws
8. Climate
9. Remote workers
10. Pet sitter accessibility

All scores are out of 100 (so each factor is worth up to 10 points), and the results are in! Let’s see which US states have the most tails wagging, feathers flapping, and hooves clopping…

1. Colorado

Score: 75.4 / 100

Yes, Colorado is officially the happiest state for pets! With its pet-friendly neighborhoods and strong animal protection laws, it’s no wonder the Centennial State is the place for pets to be. 

With 58% of households in Colorado owning pets that thrive in the state's pet-friendly environment, the state also boasts exceptional access to parks (does everyone live by a park in Colorado?), with 90% of residents living within one mile of a public park space. Not only this, but pets living in Colorado can also enjoy plenty of face time with their paw-rents, with 17% of workers based at home, the highest of all the states analyzed. Meow!

Our final stat is by far the best: 73% of animals taken in by shelters in Colorado were adopted in 2023. Big mountains, big hearts, big congratulations, Colorado.

2. Washington

Score: 62.9 / 100

Not too far behind in the commendable runner-up: Washington state. Actually, when it comes to pets living within one mile of a public park space, Washington is just behind Colorado at 84%.

What’s even better to know is that Washington has a strong availability of pet sitters, with a ratio of 4.07 pets per available pet sitter. That’s a lot of pet-loving sitters for such a big state!

3. Oregon

Score: 62.7 / 100
Just like Colorado, Oregon can proudly announce it also had 73% of animals taken in by shelters adopted in 2023. Sadly, this didn’t quite win them the top spot for the Happy Pet Index, but they sure were close.

Oregon boasts exceptional park access, with 90% of residents living within walking distance of green spaces. To be honest, it sounds pretty great for both pets and people - sign us up!

Lastly, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s ranking, Oregon ranks first nationally for its robust animal protection laws. Pet protection is a topic close to our hearts, so naturally, this is a big deal in our books.

4. Massachusetts

Score: 62.5 / 100

Well, if you thought 73% of pets finding forever homes from shelters was paw-some, how does 86% sound?! Yes sir, in 2023 86% of homeless pets in shelters were successfully adopted.

What’s great to know is they probably went to one of the 96% of people living within one mile of a public park - Massachusetts is certainly the running winner when it comes to park life.

5. Arizona

Score: 62.0 / 100

And now for something completely different - the Grand Canyon State, Arizona, coming in at a respectable number 5. Did you know that over 4 in 10 (42%, to be exact) rentals in Arizona are pet-friendly? Not only is that great for yours truly, but it makes being a pet parent just a little bit easier in this stunning state.

6. California

Score: 61.5 / 100

The Golden State, California, is making a statement (as always) in sixth place. Though only just behind Arizona and Massachusetts, it didn’t quite make our top five. Still, it’s a pretty great place to be a pet! With beaches, backcountry hikes, and plenty of room to roam in its beautiful national parks, you can’t beat California.

7. Illinois

Score: 60.9 / 100

Illinois is up there when it comes to animal protection laws, in fact, it ranked at 95% for its pet-friendly law-ness. Animal and human access to parks within a one-mile radius was also high at 81%, and pet sitter accessibility was through the roof, with 91%! The Gate to the Great Lakes is also a great make-up of pro-pet positives.

8. Virginia

Score: 60.5 / 100

Sunny Virginia, at least, that’s what we’ve been told - 82% of the days in 2023 were filled with sunshine, as were the days of the pets who live here. With delightful East Coast beaches, winding woodland roads, and clean, clear mountain air, it makes you want to sing. Take me (pet) home, Virginia!

9. New York

Score: 57.6 / 100

Surely one of the states must have scored 100% on something? Oh wait, New York did with its walkability! That’s right - you and your pet can walk virtually anywhere in this state. Unsurprisingly, it’s also one of the best places to find pet sitters, with 97% accessibility(!) - pet people sure are popular in the Big Apple State.

10. Vermont

Score: 57.2 / 100

Gorgeous Vermont is the last of our top 10 happiest states for pets, and isn’t that something to be proud of? 93% of you lovely Vermonters are pet parents, which automatically means you’re paw-some. As would be expected, finding a pet sitter is also a no-brainer, with pet sitting accessibility at 82%. We’re so on the Vermont vibes, right now!

So, it’s official: Colorado's where it's at (if you've got four paws and a fluffy tail, at least!)

Do you agree? Think your state or city should've won instead? We’re all ears! Get stuck into the conversation over on our Community Forum or on social media - tell us your thoughts, whether you agree with our Happy Pet Index, and even share your own top tips for ensuring happy, healthy fur babies. 

Celebrating a season of pet happiness

While our Happy Pet Index focuses on furry friends in the US of A, we want to celebrate happy and healthy pets, the world over!

First off, you can head to our Community Forum and start the conversation - what are your tips on pet happiness? Is there anywhere you think deserves to named 'Happiest Place for Pets'? Let us know!

But, over the next few weeks and months, we’ll also be continuing to deliver best-in-class tips and tidbits on how to keep your pets happy, healthy, and thriving, along with heart-warming stories from across the Trusted community that are guaranteed to get your tail wagging! Here are a couple to get you started…