![Person with their dog in NYC](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretnyc.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/15110005/New-Project-1-4-1024x683.jpg)
Though many NYC dogs will never know what it’s like to have a backyard, with all of NYC’s parks and dog-friendly bars and restaurants we can’t deny that living the dog life in NYC ain’t too ruff–I mean, where else can enjoy cocktails and seafood while your dog munches on grilled steak, chicken breast, or a burger than in NYC?!
So we weren’t exactly surprised that when the Trusted Housesitters analyzed the best states in the U.S. for raising happy, healthy pets, New York made it to the top ten!
The Trusted Housesitters analyzed ten key metrics across the U.S. to find the happiest states for pets in what they call their Happy Pet Index. The metrics included:
- Veterinary care
- Parks
- Walkability
- Pet ownership rates
- Shelter adoptions
- Pet-friendly rentals
- Animal protection laws
- Climate
- Remote workers
- Pet sitter accessibility
New York came in ninth place with a score of 57.6 out of 100. And though NY’s overall score is just slightly over the halfway mark, we did score 100% on one thing: walkability!
Unsurprisingly, NY also scored as one of the best places to find pet sitters, with 97% accessibility. All we can think about though is how a 4-day work week would cut down on how often NY pet owners actually have to look for pet sitters in the first place!
As for the best state overall for those with four paws and a fluffy tail, that title goes to Colorado, the happiest state for pets with a score of 75.4 due to its pet-friendly neighborhoods and strong animal protection laws.
The full ranking can be found here.