The states with the most devoted pet owners are ranked, new study shows

Alaska, Kansas, and Wyoming have America’s most adventurous pets, according to new research.

A survey of 5,000 cat and dog owners, with 100 in each of the 50 states, explored the unique ins and outs of pet ownership, aiming to uncover some “pet owner superlatives,” including who is most likely to take their pet on an epic adventure.

Results revealed that The Last Frontier has the most adventurous pets, with 62% of Alaskans saying their pet always wants to explore, while 26% of Kansans said they tend to get into mischief outside.

But that’s not the only superlative that Alaskans can boast: the results found they’re also the most attached to their pets.

North Carolinians also ranked in the top five most attached, and 56% said they have a second shadow — wherever they go, their pet goes. 

Commissioned by Banfield Pet Hospital and conducted by Talker Research, the survey found plenty of pet-obsessed owners in other states, too, such as who are most likely to seek veterinary care, celebrate their pet’s special day, and pamper them.

Kentuckians take their pets with them for good reason: they are the most likely to bring their pets to the vet.

That was followed by two other Southern states — Alabama and Tennessee, who are surely most likely to be on a first-name basis with their veterinary team.

Tennessee pet owners take things a step further, as they’re the most likely to have more apps on their phone for their pet’s wellness than their own.

In Massachusetts, respondents know how to throw a party, as pet owners here were the most likely to celebrate their pet’s birthday. Florida and Maryland were the other states most likely to celebrate their pet on their special day.

Forty-five percent of Bay Staters surveyed will get their pet a birthday treat every year, and 12% admit they look forward to their pet’s birthday more than their own.

Outside of their special day, owners in Maryland know their pet still deserves extra attention, which might be why they’re the most likely to pamper their dog or cat.

While some of this pampering includes brushing their fur regularly (35%) and staying on top of their bath routine (32%), those in Maryland take things to another level.

Seventeen percent of Marylanders have done photoshoots with their pets, and 14% said their pet has various outfits to wear.

“One thing we know at Banfield is that while each pet owner has a unique approach, we all share a common passion and love for our pets,” said Alea Harrison, Chief Medical Officer of Banfield Pet Hospital. “These pet owner superlatives reinforce the growing human-animal bond and importance of regular preventive veterinary care. 

Some respondents don’t want to leave home without their pets, resulting in Louisiana, New York, and Florida having some of the most well-traveled pets.

Owners in Louisiana are the most likely to travel with their pet, but they’re not going the farthest: Pets in Florida have traveled to the most states with their owner, while those in New York and Washington are most likely to have traveled internationally. 

Others prefer to stay home with their pets: respondents in Nevada reported spending the most time with their pets. Those in Connecticut earned the superlative for having the cuddliest pets, and respondents in Indiana have the most “homebody” furry friends of all.

PET OWNER SUPERLATIVES STATE-BY-STATE

• Alaska — most likely to take their pet on an adventure
• Alaska — most attached to their pets
• California — most likely to prioritize their pet’s needs over their own
• Connecticut — home of the cuddliest pets
• Colorado — most likely to prioritize their pet’s mental and emotional wellness
• Delaware — most likely to use tech to manage their pet’s care
• Florida — most well-traveled pets (number of states)

• Georgia — most likely to have a wellness plan for their pet 
• Indiana — spends the most time being “homebodies” with their pets 
• Kentucky — most likely to take their pet to the vet
• Louisiana — most likely to travel with their pets
• Maryland — most likely to pamper their pet
• Massachusetts — most likely to celebrate their pet’s birthday 
• Michigan — where pets are the No. 1 most routine-oriented and least likely to try new things
• Nevada — spends the most time with their pet

• Oklahoma — most likely to spend more on their pets grooming than their own
• South Carolina — most likely to never miss a flea and tick treatment
• Tennessee — most likely to have more apps on their phone for their pet’s wellness than their own

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 5,000 cat and dog owners, with 100 in each of the 50 states; the survey was commissioned by Banfield Pet Hospital and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between April 10–25, 2025.