States with highest, lowest pet ownership

The American Veterinary Medical Association recently released its U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook.

By Vetstreet Jan 21, 2013 6:30PM

Residents of Vermont are the most likely to have pets, according to a new survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Washington, D.C., a territory, had the smallest percentage of pet owners.

Although the survey didn’t collect information on why some states had higher rates of pet ownership, the findings indicate the type of dwelling — rural vs. urban — played a role, a spokesman said.

The top 10 pet-owning states are:

Vermont 70.8 percent of households owned a pet

New Mexico 67.6 percent

South Dakota 65.6 percent

Oregon 63.6 percent

Maine 62.9 percent

Washington 62.7 percent

Arkansas 62.4 percent

West Virginia 62.1 percent

Idaho 62 percent

Wyoming 61.8 percent

The 10 states in 2011 with the lowest percentage of pet-owning households are:

Rhode Island 53 percent

Minnesota 53 percent

California 52.9 percent

Maryland 52.3 percent

Illinois 51.8 percent

Nebraska 51.3 percent

Utah 51.2 percent

New Jersey 50.7 percent

New York 50.6 percent

Massachusetts 50.4 percent.

The District of Columbia had a far lower rate of pet ownership at 21.9 percent.

The report also looks at the health of pets across the country.

“Unfortunately, the report reveals that fewer dogs and cats are seeing the veterinarian regularly, and that’s something that the AVMA and every companion animal veterinarian are concerned about," said Dr. Douglas G. Aspros, president of the AVMA. "Pet owners across the country need to remember to bring their pets into the veterinarian – at least once a year – to maintain optimal health.”

The AVMA is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world.

Source: AVMA

Bing: Most popular pets.

— Read it at ABC News

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24Comments

Newest

Jan 21, 2013 11:05PM

Wait until Obama care kicks in,there will Be TAXES applied to the vet bills also.

Previous replies

Traci Ross (Greenleafwolf)

Jan 21, 2013 10:52PM

If they werent soo exspensive then maybe people would take thier pets more often!

Previous replies

p j wilson

Jan 21, 2013 10:52PM

not really surprised about DC statistics considering the makeup of its constituent base.

Previous replies

Suffolk.County.New. York.Attorney.

Jan 21, 2013 10:49PM

tway has great suggestions. I was an animal rescuer and also ran my own rescue non-profit before deciding I HAD to become an attorney to get the changes needed on a wide scale. Rescuers/volunteers DO know about vets who truly love animals, are good and reasonable, as well as clinics offering low-cost shots/spay/neuter.

Just as you should not paint all lawyers with the same brush, don't with veterinarians. Having said that, there are many who go to vet school because it pays a lot more than MDs net, for the most part, with no hassles with insurance companies, and low reimbursement rates, high medmal premiums, etc.

Yes, everyone has bills to pay, start-up costs, then add in high student loans and the money spent not earning money while in school, so, as I know as a newish lawyer, I have had to put my foot down, esp since people think lawyers (and vets) are loaded and so what is the big deal about working for free once in a while. Then, sometimes, they pull up in a 2011 Hummer with a story!.

Nevertheless, it is a moral and ethical requirement to do pro bono, and I can sleep nights, even though I can't afford to do pro bono 7 days a week, my dream someday.

There ARE vets who also see their work as a "calling" BUT you need to find them, and, as tway said, no one knows better than local rescuers/volunteers. I have been driving almost an hour each way from many years ago when, as a rescuer, I heard about Dr. Wen. Although in the uber-expensive Hamptons, he gives rescuers a 25% discount and his fees are reasonable in the first place. Plus, he uses Western and Eastern medicines in combination. As others here mentioned, sometimes the western meds do more harm than good. Many dogs, before the general vet pop realized it, developed lymphosarcoma after years of yearly shots. My Boxer, and the Boxer my neurologist owned, and she investigated this, presented with a tumor in the neck only 2 days after! They then developed the canine equiv of MS, which manifests itself in the hind legs and moves forward if you don't do the right thing.

Previous replies

pepe827

Jan 21, 2013 10:43PM

Maybe if the cosy would not ne so expensive. After all, I do not feel I should be responsible for their loans!Hey, they charge more than a specialist!

Previous replies

Joseph Kool

Jan 21, 2013 10:25PM

Vets ae are ripoff they want to run all kinds of expensive tests and x-rays even when you know exactly what's wrong.

Previous replies

jandy123

Jan 21, 2013 10:23PM

states with fewer pet owners due to deaths by officers: Colorado. Texas and others.

Previous replies

tway68123

Jan 21, 2013 10:21PM

Vets can be expense. If you do your research you can save money with vet visits. Go to Shot clinics that local rescues and shelters put on so you are just paying for the shot and not an office visit (those can be crazy). Call ahead to see what the visit is and call around. Again ask local shelters and rescues they can maybe recommend vets that are good and not overly expensive. Always keep up on rabies vaccinations and heartworm and flea and tick. It is very expensive to treat a dog with heartworm. I have worked with rescues by fostering and such so now I have friends that have a lot of experience and I can call them to get an answer of what to do if this or that happens. My dog friends with rescues have saved me so much money. Told me when to not worry and when to go to the vet. Get your dog use to a tooth brush. That will save you so much money as they age with their teeth and breath.