States That Spend the Most on Their Pets

 

It’s no secret that dogs are a man’s best friend and have the power to steal their owners’ hearts with every wag of their tail. From little Frenchies in chic sweaters to fat cats cruising in strollers, these furry friends have become the center of their pet parents’ world.

To uncover the depth of love and luxury showered upon pets across the country, we embarked on a sweeping survey, spanning coast to coast. We asked residents about their spending habits for their beloved four-legged friends and sought to find out the cost of owning a pet across different states. Keep reading to discover the lengths to which different states go to pamper their furry companions!

Key Findings

  • New York has the most spoiled pets considering their owners spend the most in a year on average on them, about $2,900 on just food, toys, health, and hygiene, respectively.
  • Kansas residents are the stingiest with their pets overall. They only spend about $200 a year on average on their pet’s health and just less than that on toys and treats.
  • Everything is bigger in Texas, including a pet’s appetite. Texans spend the most on their pet food than any other state at about $1,300 a year.
  • Pet lovers in America spend around $1,100 a year on-boarding/pet care.

U.S. States That Spend the Most & Least on Their Pets

U.S. heatmap showcasing the states that spend the most and least on their pets

Caring for a puppy can be quite an investment. From essential pet needs like food, health, and hygiene (grooming, brushes, etc.) to indulgent luxuries such as toys, treats, and cozy beds, the cost of having a pet can add up quickly.

According to our survey results, New York ($2,913 yearly), Michigan ($2,743 yearly), and Texas ($2,560 yearly) lead the pack as the states that spend the most on their pet on average.

In New York, pet parents spare no expense, with substantial investments in pet food ($1,150 yearly), pet toys (over $630 yearly), and pet grooming (about $525 yearly). New York pets are living in the lap of luxury!

As for the Lone Star State, everything might be bigger in Texas, especially the appetite of its pets. Pet lovers in Texas lead the nation in dog food spending, splurging around $1,297 per year to satisfy their furry friends’ cravings.

On the flip side, Kansas ( $1,247 yearly), Maine ($1,346 yearly), and Ohio ($1,353 yearly) shell out the least amount of money for their furry companion.

In Kansas, penny-pinching is the norm, with an average yearly spend of about $200 on pet health and just a tad less ($199) on their beloved pets’ toys and treats.

The Pet Expense Americans Spend the Most & Least on in a Year

Table graphic showcasing the pet expense Americans spend the most and least on in a year

While our beloved pets get to enjoy the luxury of living rent-free, their owners certainly have financial responsibilities to bear. Delving into the pet budget breakdown, we sought to identify the areas where pet lovers allocate the most significant amount of money.

We found that, on average, most Americans dedicate $1,082 each year to ensure their furry companions receive the best pet care possible. From doggy daycares to pet boarding, pet care is an integral part of the pet ownership experience.

When it comes to satisfying their pets’ taste buds, Americans show their affection with an average annual spend of $811 on pet food. Regardless of their size or breed, there’s nothing quite like witnessing the sheer joy in a pup’s eyes at mealtime.

Pet insurance plays a significant role in Americans’ financial planning. With an average yearly investment of $566 in pet insurance, pet parents who choose to be on a plan find solace in knowing that their beloved companions are safeguarded, offering peace of mind amidst life’s uncertainties.

Closing Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the unconditional love of our pets by our side. Embrace this special bond and ensure your four-legged companions have a worry-free season by protecting them from pesky fleas and ticks with our services.

Say farewell to the nuisance of these pests and protect your furry friend. Don’t wait; schedule with Mosquito Joe event services and make this season a memorable one for you and your fur baby!

Methodology

To find the states that spend the most and least on their pet and which pet expense pet owners spend the most and least on overall, we surveyed residents of all 50 U.S. states in May of 2023 to know how much they spend on each commonly occurring pet expense. It is important to note that some states could not be included in this list due to not enough survey respondents. Those states are AK, HI, MT, ND, SD, VT, and WY. Using the respondents’ answers, we could then calculate the average yearly spend on each pet expense in every state.

In the pet expense section, we focused on pet insurance and pet care and discluded it from the previous section, recognizing that not every pet owner opts for insurance coverage or pet care.

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