Among Pet-Friendly States, Oregon is Top Dog

Organizations like Best Friends Animal Society and Humane Society of the United States often give Oregon top grades for animal-friendly legislation, pet-friendly communities, and humane-minded lawmakers. Now, the security technology company Safewise is joining the chorus of praise.

In a report that ranks all US states, the company says, “Oregon has it all—thousands of pet-friendly properties to visit, strict anti-abuse laws, and lots of no-kill shelters where you can meet new friends. Portland alone has over 350 pet-friendly restaurants.”

The top pet-friendly states, according to rankings by Safewise and major animal welfare organizations

While more than two-thirds of all US households have pets, many areas of the country lag behind in pet-friendly status, as ranked by Animal Legal Defense Fund and NoKill Network. In its report released today, Safewise says some of the rankings may surprise readers. The company leads its information release with, “New York isn’t that safe for pets.” New York ranks fourth on the list of least-pet-friendly states.

“Iowa is the least pet-friendly state in the US, with weak animal protection laws, a high number of puppy mills, and not many pet-friendly destinations,” Safewise reports.

Iowa’s weak animal protection laws and high number of puppy mills earned it the lowest ranking among all states.

Other findings, as compiled from rankings published by major animal welfare organizations:

Iowa is the least pet-friendly state, based on shelter euthanasia rates, number of puppy mills, and the relative weakness of animal welfare laws.

California is the state with the most veterinarians, but Montana — with its much smaller population — has the most veterinarians per capita.

Illinois is the state with the strictest animal protection legislation, but animal-friendly Oregon claims the number-two ranking.

The security provider released safety rankings to coincide with the release of the animated film, Secret Life of Pets 2.