15 Pet Ownership Statistics in Hawaii (Updated In 2024)

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

An island paradise, Hawaii has been a dream destination for years. Who hasn’t, at some point, wanted to live in this South Pacific wonderland? Still, the reality of day-to-day living in a place is often quite different from the perception, and the disparity can often result in disappointment and unpleasant surprises.

If you’ve ever wondered about what owning a pet in Hawaii looks like, we’ve put together some of the most important things you would want to know about owning and caring for a pet as a resident of the 50th state.

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The 15 Pet Ownership in Hawaii Statistics

  1. At least 60% of households in Hawaii own at least one pet.
  2. 38% of households own at least one dog.
  3. 25% of households own at least one cat.
  4. Of residents aged 20–40, who make up 24.3% of the population, 27% own pets.
  5. Of residents aged 40–60, who make up 33.9% of the population, 64% own pets.
  6. Of residents aged 60 and over, who make up 26.1% of the population, 54% own pets.
  7. $355 million was spent by owners in Hawaii on their pets in 2021.
  8. There are around 3,695 pet-related jobs in Hawaii.
  9. There are around 5,442 pet-linked jobs or jobs supporting the primary pet-based industry in Hawaii.
  10. In the Honolulu metropolitan area, only nine off-leash dog parks exist to serve 143,000 dog owners.
  11. Of dogs acquired during the COVID pandemic, 90% are still in place, and of cats acquired during the COVID pandemic, 87% are still in place.
  12. A total of 23,183 dogs and cats entered shelters in Hawaii last year.
  13. 18,142 of these dogs were saved.
  14. 2,793 were euthanized, with a 78.3% save rate.
  15. Of the nine shelters in Hawaii, only the one on Kauai is 100% no-kill.

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Pet Ownership in Hawaii

1. At least 60% of 468K households in Hawaii own at least one pet.

(Pet Hospitals of Hawaii)

This figure is significantly higher than the overall US average of 36.5%. Possible reasons for this include the climate, which allows ample time outside with pets year-round, and a percentage of free-standing dwellings with yards considerably higher than many other areas.

bernese mountain dog running and playing outdoors
Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock

2. 38% of households own at least one dog.

(Pawlicy)

Hawaii is a highly favorable environment for dogs, with abundant outside spaces they can enjoy together with their owners.


3. 25% of households own at least one cat.

(Pawlicy)

Lower ownership of cats compared to dogs is consistent with national averages. Even so, the difference between the two percentages is wider than in many other parts of the country, especially in strictly urban locales.


4. Of residents aged 20–40, who make up 24.3% of the population, 27% own pets.

(Pawlicy)

This age group has been recognized as often seeking to delay both marriage and starting families later than most of their generational predecessors, for a variety of reasons. This is believed to have increased their preference to adopt pets.

cat owner looking at her pet
Image Credit: U__Photo, Shutterstock

5. Of residents aged 40–60, who make up 33.9% of the population, 64% own pets.

(Pawlicy)

This segment is most likely to include families with kids at home, making pet ownership highly attractive. Studies show this age group is the most interested in self-care and improvement, both of which often involve taking on pet-based relationships.


6. Of residents aged 60 and over, who make up 26.1% of the population, 54% own pets.

(Pawlicy)

People this age often become new pet owners when suddenly finding themselves on their own, whether from grown children leaving home, divorce, or the passing of a spouse.

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Economic & Social Impact of Pet Ownership

7. $355 million was spent by owners in Hawaii on their pets in 2021.

(Pet Advocacy)

It is estimated that $256 million of this constituted in-state earnings, which characterizes the pet industry as a formidable contributor to the island economy.

Dog Owner Young woman with Miniature Schnauzer dog outdoors
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

8. There are around 3,695 pet-related jobs in Hawaii.

(Pet Advocacy)

This sector includes such areas as veterinary and other medical services and goods, maintenance and grooming providers, food and consumables retailers, and general pet-related products.


9. There are roughly 5,442 pet-linked jobs or jobs supporting primary pet-based operations in Hawaii.

(Pet Advocacy)

These cover manufacture, supply, and transport for the primary industries, among others.


10. In the Honolulu metropolitan area, only nine off-leash dog parks exist to serve 143,000 dog owners.

(Bringfido)

Given the generally pet-friendly surroundings, this figure is surprisingly low, although legislation has been introduced to increase the numbers.

australian shephered dogs walking in the park
Image Credit: Ksenia Raykova, Shutterstock

11. Of dogs acquired during the COVID pandemic, 90% are still in place, and of cats acquired during the COVID pandemic, 87% are still in place.

(ASPCApro)

ASPCA surveys show that most households who got a pet since the beginning of COVID still have the pet in their home, and that, among animals who were rehomed, more were placed with friends, family members, and neighbors than went to shelters and rescues.

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Animal Shelters in Hawaii

12. 23,183 dogs and cats entered shelters in Hawaii last year.

(Bestfriends)

Among the seven islands, there are only nine shelters in total.


13. 18,142 of these dogs were saved.

(ASPCA)

Studies show that a strong majority of all pets, specifically dogs and cats, are acquired from commercial sellers and shops. Rescuing pets from shelters is rarely undertaken.

a couple adopting a dog from a shelter
Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock

14. 2,793 were euthanized, with a 78.3% save rate.

(Bestfriends)

This is somewhat lower than the national average save rate of 82%.


15. Of the nine shelters in Hawaii, only the one on Kauai is 100% no-kill

(Bestfriends)

Unfortunately, for shelters to increase their no-kill rating, both funding and local government support are required. In Hawaii, as has been seen, these advantages can be difficult to secure.

You can help to make every shelter no-kill.

Visit https://bestfriends.org/no-kill-2025 to find out how.

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Pet Ownership in Hawaii FAQ

Can I bring my pet to Hawaii?

(Hawaii Government)

Hawaii is the only state to be 100% rabies-free. As a result, animals on the island are not vaccinated against the disease. This requires strict enforcement of quarantine measures for any animals arriving from the mainland.

You can check the Government FAQ here. Also, you should make sure to enquire with your airline, who may have specific requirements of their own.

black and white cat sitting on the lap of its owner
Image Credit: Chamomile_Olya, Shutterstock

What is the most popular breed of dog in Hawaii?

(Khon2)

The top five dog breeds in Hawaii are:
  • Chihuahua

  • Pit Bull

  • Mixed Breed

  • Labrador

  • Pomeranian

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Conclusion

Hawaii’s unique and satisfying island lifestyle offers a wide range of unique pleasures for anyone fortunate enough to find themselves there. This can prove to be an equally fantastic experience for your pet buddies, so you can enjoy the bounty and beauty of the Aloha State together.


Featured Image Credit: Gladskikh Tatiana, Shutterstock

The post 15 Pet Ownership Statistics in Hawaii (Updated In 2024) appeared first on Pet Keen.

12 Pet Ownership Statistics In Wyoming (Updated In 2024)

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

With seven national parks and acres of open space, it isn’t that surprising that the state has the highest pet ownership rates in the country, with 72% of all Wyoming households owning at least one pet. Another reason for the popularity of pets may be the fact that Wyoming has the lowest average pet insurance rates, so owners can protect their animals and themselves against unexpected illnesses and injuries.

Below are 12 pet ownership statistics in Wyoming so you can see how much the state loves its animals and which animals, specifically, it loves.

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Top 12 Pet Ownership Statistics In Wyoming

  1. 72% of Wyoming households have at least one pet.
  2. 36% of households own dogs.
  3. 30% of Wyoming households have at least one cat.
  4. Wyoming owners keep 1.7 dogs and 1.8 cats, on average.
  5. A new puppy costs an average of $900.
  6. Wyoming dog owners should expect to pay $27,000 over their dog’s life.
  7. It costs $1,600 a year, on average, to own a cat.
  8. Wyoming has the lowest average pet insurance rates.
  9. Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are the most popular dog breeds.
  10. Border Collies are also popular in the state.
  11. The Savannah is the most popular cat breed.
  12. Jack and Charlie are the most popular pet names in Wyoming.

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Pet Ownership Statistics

1. 72% of Wyoming households have at least one pet.

(Vet Street)

Wyoming is the country’s least populated state with just over half a million residents. There is only one city with a population of more than 50,000 people, Cheyenne, and it is known for being rugged and having a lot of difficult terrain as well as flats and valleys.

While Wyoming might be the country’s least populated state, it has the highest pet ownership ratio of any state in the US. Of the 230,000 households in Wyoming, 72%, or nearly three-quarters, of all households own at least one pet. This figure includes dogs and cats, which are the most popular species of companion pets, as well as other pets including indoor fish, pet fowl, and exotic pets like lizards.

man petting his dog at home
Image Credit: Stock-Asso, Shutterstock

2. 36% of households own dogs.

(World Population Review)

In all but a handful of states across the country, dogs are more popular than cats, both in terms of the total number of animals and the ratio of households that keep those pets. This is true in Wyoming, as well, where more than a third of households own at least one dog.

However, the 36% of households that own a dog puts Wyoming low on the list of dog-owning states. Idaho has the highest dog ownership figures with 58% of households owning at least one canine. In New Hampshire, just 24% of households have a dog.


3. 30% of Wyoming households have at least one cat.

(World Population Review)

There is a similar picture when it comes to cat ownership, too. 30% of Wyoming households own cats, compared to 44% in Vermont and Maine. Rhode Island has the lowest cat ownership figures and just 17% of households keep cats.

The figures suggest that a lot of pet owners in Wyoming keep pets other than cats or dogs, including horses as well as smaller pet animals, and also suggests that pet owners tend to keep a relatively small number of animals.

woman playing with her cat at home
Image Credit: Alena Ozerova, Shutterstock

4. Wyoming owners keep 1.7 dogs and 1.8 cats, on average.

(World Population Review)

On average, dog owners in Wyoming have 1.7 dogs whereas cat owners keep 1.8 cats. The states with the highest number of dogs per dog owner are Mississippi and Montana with 2.1 dogs. Vermont, New Jersey, and South Dakota have 1.3 dogs per dog-owning household.

The 1.8 cats kept by cat owners compares to North Dakota, with a staggering 2.8 cats per cat household, and is a lot higher than the 1.3 cats kept by cat-owning households in Vermont.

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The Costs

5. A new puppy costs an average of $900.

(Market Watch)

Many factors influence the cost of buying a puppy. Buying from a breeder is typically a lot more expensive than adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter, and some breeds naturally cost more than others because the breed is popular or very difficult to find.

Puppy costs in Wyoming, which include the cost of buying the puppy as well as vaccines, spaying or neutering, and some preventative medicines, are low compared to other states and the nation as a whole. New owners can expect to pay $900 for their dog.

Happy couple with their puppy buying dog toys in pet shop
Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock

6. Wyoming dog owners should expect to pay $27,000 over their dog’s life.

(Market Watch)

The initial costs of getting a dog only represent a small portion of the total cost over the lifetime of the dog. Dogs can live anywhere up to 16 or more years, and owners need to pay food, vet bills, insurance, and other costs throughout their lives. As such, Wyoming dog owners can expect to pay around $27,000 throughout the dog’s life. The biggest annual costs are pet insurance, pet food, and vet visits.


7. It costs $1,600 a year, on average, to own a cat.

(Pettable)

Cats are smaller but they can live longer than dogs, and some costs end up being around the same for cats as they do for dogs. The biggest expenses for cat owners are cat food and litter, pet insurance, and vet bills.

Wyoming owners pay approximately $1,600 per annum compared to Delaware, the most expensive state where owners pay $2,800 a year to keep their cat. Wyoming compares less favorably to Idaho, which is the cheapest state where owners pay approximately $1,200 per annum.

woman lying on bed with her cat
Image Credit: Stock-Asso, Shutterstock

8. Wyoming has the lowest average pet insurance rates.

(Market Watch)

Pet insurance is designed to ensure that your pet can receive veterinary treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries from accidents. Insurance policies vary, including the amount of coverage on offer and how comprehensive the treatment options are. Some insurance policies can cover alternative treatments like hydrotherapy and may even pay for prescription foods. While there is no legal requirement to have pet insurance, many owners enjoy the peace of mind it offers.

Wyoming has the lowest average pet insurance prices of all states, with a cost of $408 per annum. California has the highest insurance prices where owners pay $736 a year, on average.

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Breeds And Names

9. Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are the most popular dog breeds.

(Reader’s Digest)

The French Bulldog was named the most popular dog breed in the US in 2022, taking the top spot from the Labrador Retriever, which had been the most popular breed for more than 30 consecutive years. In 10 years, Frenchie registrations have increased more than 1,000%, taking it from the number 14 spot in 2012 to the top in 2022.

However, Wyoming’s list of the most popular breeds is a little different. The Frenchie is nowhere to be seen in the top three, likely because the small dog tends to be most popular in cities and states where space is at a premium. The top three most popular breeds for Wyoming owners are Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.

smiling yellow labrador dog at the park
Image Credit: sanjagrujic, Shutterstock

10. Border Collies are also popular in the state.

(Vet Street)

Another breed that is very popular in Wyoming, although doesn’t feature in the American Kennel Club’s list of the top three most popular, is the Border Collie. Wyoming has a lot of open space, and working dogs like Collies tend to be popular in these areas.

The Collie is renowned for being able to cover mile after mile and still be ready for more running when they’ve finished. They’re also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them good companion pets, but owners do need to provide a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep Border Collies happy.


11. The Savannah is the most popular cat breed.

(Shane Co)

When it comes to cats, the Savannah is the most popular cat breed in the state. The Savannah has the look of a wild cat and is sleek, athletic, and agile. They are especially good at jumping and are capable of jumping up to 8 feet. They can climb trees, too, and owners need to be able to provide climbing trees or other similar features to ensure a healthy and happy Savannah.

Savannah F1 cat sitting on the stairs
Image Credit: Kolomenskaya Kseniya, Shutterstock

12. Jack and Charlie are the most popular pet names in Wyoming.

(Mental Floss)

Choosing a pet name is very difficult. You need a name that is easy to remember for you and easy for your pet to understand. It shouldn’t sound like the name of anybody in the family or of another pet, and it shouldn’t be too similar to a command or word that you will use regularly with your pet. It also needs to be something you like. In Wyoming, the most popular dog name is Jack while the most popular cat name is Charlie.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Ownership In Wyoming

Do you need pet insurance if you have a pet?

Pet insurance is not a legal requirement in Wyoming, but pet owners are generally advised to take out some form of insurance. Treatment for some serious conditions can end up costing thousands of dollars. With insurance, while you may still have to pay a deductible and a share of the bill, it greatly reduces your liability in most instances.

Do dogs and cats need to be licensed?

Dogs and cats do not need to be licensed or registered, but it is recommended that every pet is microchipped. A microchip is placed under the skin so that if the dog or cat goes missing, the chip can be scanned and the pet reunited with its owner more quickly. The procedure is relatively painless, the chip is permanent, and the cost of microchipping is low.

veterinarian microchipping beagle dog
Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock

How many households in the US have pets?

Two-thirds, or 66% of households in the US own pets. This includes cats and dogs as well as other pets like hamsters, rabbits, lizards, and snakes. This means that Wyoming’s 72% is higher than the national average.

What is the most popular pet in the US?

Dogs are the most popular pets, in terms of population and the number of people that own them. There are an estimated 77 million dogs and 58 million cats across the country. There are also 2.8 million pet birds and more than a million pet fish. (AVMA)

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Conclusion

The US loves its pets and Americans are especially fond of dogs and cats, with these being the two most common species of companion pets. Wyoming has the highest ratio of pet-owning households with 72% of all households in the state owning at least one pet. Dogs are the most popular, followed by cats, with the most popular breeds being the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever.


Featured Image Credit: Nata Bene, Shutterstock

The post 12 Pet Ownership Statistics In Wyoming (Updated In 2024) appeared first on Pet Keen.

14 Pet Ownership Statistics in North Carolina: 2023 Update

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Whether you live in North Carolina and want to learn a little more about the rest of the state’s pets, you’re thinking about moving there with your pets, or you just want to learn a bit more about pet ownership in North Carolina, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve highlighted 14 pet ownership statistics for North Carolina, and we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions along the way too!

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Top 14 Pet Ownership Statistics in North Carolina

  1. 41.3% of homes in North Carolina have a dog. (World Population Review)
  2. The average home in North Carolina has 1.6 dogs. (World Population Review)
  3. 34% of dog owners would spend $4,000 to save their dogs. (World Population Review)
  4. 6.5% of dog owners stayed at a job they didn’t like for their dog. (World Population Review)
  5. 58.6% of homes in North Carolina have a pet. (World Population Review)
  6. 26.5% of homes in North Carolina have a cat. (World Population Review)
  7. The average home in North Carolina has 1.8 cats. (World Population Review)
  8. Raleigh North Carolina has the fifth most pet-friendly spaces of any city in the United States. (Forbes)
  9. Raleigh is the second most pet-friendly city in the United States. (Forbes)
  10. 30,848 dogs and cats were killed in shelters in North Carolina in 2022. (Best Friends)
  11. North Carolina animal shelters took 120,500 animals in 2022. (WRAL News)
  12. There were 56,505 stray animals in North Carolina in 2022. (WRAL News)
  13. North Carolinians surrendered more than 30,000 pets. (WRAL News)
  14. North Carolina shelters had the second-highest kill rate in the country in 2021. (WRAL News)

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Dog Statistics

1. 41.3% of homes in North Carolina have a dog. (World Population Review)

North Carolina is very much a dog state, and with over 40% of homes in North Carolina owning a dog, it’s almost 50/50 when you go into a home if there’s a canine there or not. Dog ownership numbers continue to go up year after year in North Carolina, so don’t expect the pups to get anywhere any time soon.

Pet shop owner, mom and kid putting bone in Pet Subscription Box for Dogs
Image Credit: Iryna Imago, Shutterstock

2. The average home in North Carolina has 1.6 dogs. (World Population Review)

If a home in North Carolina has a dog, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll have more than one. In fact, the average number of dogs in a home is 1.6, meaning it’s more likely that you’ll find more than one dog in a home than in a home with just one.


3. 34% of dog owners would spend $4,000 to save their dogs. (World Population Review)

People in North Carolina love their dogs. One way that North Carolina dog owners show their love is by putting their money where their mouth is. In fact, if a dog incurs a medical expense of about $4,000, 34% of dog owners in North Carolina would cover the bill.

boston terrier dog at clinic with owner
Image Credit: Ground Picture, Shutterstock

4. 6.5% of dog owners stayed at a job they didn’t like for their dog. (World Population Review)

If you want to keep your employees happy in North Carolina, you need to ensure they can keep their pups happy. In fact, 6.5% of people in North Carolina reported being unhappy with one of their jobs but sticking with that job solely because of their pup.

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Pet & Cat Statistics

5. 58.6% of homes in North Carolina have a pet. (World Population Review)

North Carolinians love their pets, and it’s why close to 60% of homes in North Carolina have at least one pet. When you go into a home in North Carolina, you better be ready to greet a furry friend of some sort!

Little dog maltese and black and white cat sitting with owner on the sofa in home
Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock

6. 26.5% of homes in North Carolina have a cat. (World Population Review)

Cats aren’t quite as popular in North Carolina as dogs, but they’re still pretty popular. Just over 1 in 4 homes in North Carolina have at least one cat, leading to plenty of cats throughout the state.


7. The average home in North Carolina has 1.8 cats. (World Population Review)

Most homes in North Carolina that have a cat have more than one. In fact, the average number of cats in a home with a cat is 1.8, making it far more likely that someone has more than one. Cats are addictive, so it makes sense that once you get a cat, you’re more likely to get another!

Cat laying on owner's chest
Image Credit: Maliflower73, Shutterstock

8. Raleigh North Carolina has the fifth most pet-friendly spaces of any city in the United States. (Forbes)

Raleigh is famous for how friendly it is for pets and their owners, and with the fifth most pet-friendly spaces compared to any other city in the United States, there aren’t many places you can’t bring Fido. People love their pets, and in Raleigh, you can bring them all over the place.


9. Raleigh is the second most pet-friendly city in the United States. (Forbes)

If you’re looking for a super friendly space for you and your pet to hang out, it’s tough to find a better place than Raleigh North Carolina. There are tons of pet-friendly spaces, affordable pet care, and so much more. In fact, Raleigh is the second most pet-friendly city throughout the entire United States.

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Animal Shelter Statistics

10. 30,848 dogs and cats were killed in shelters in North Carolina in 2022. (Best Friends)

North Carolina has one of the highest kill rates in the country, and when you factor in the sheer number of pets that enter shelters, that equals a ton of animals getting put down. The numbers are starting to improve, but it’s a slow improvement and there’s plenty of work to do still.


11. North Carolina animal shelters took 120,500 animals in 2022. (WRAL News)

Between strays, surrendered pets, and those born in captivity, animal shelters in North Carolina take in tons of animals. With 120,500 animals entering the doors of an animal shelter in 2022, that means lots of animals throughout the state need a home.

Girl and woman cat owners holding cats in shelter to adopt
Image Credit: BearFotos, Shutterstock

12. There were 56,505 stray animals in North Carolina in 2022. (WRAL News)

Stray animals are those that don’t have a home and are living on the street, and in 2022, North Carolina had more than 56,000 stray animals. It’s a lot of cats, but a fair number of dogs and other more exotic species make it onto the list too.


13. North Carolinians surrendered more than 30,000 pets. (WRAL News)

While North Carolinians have tons of pets and love them, there’s also a bad habit of turning them over to a shelter. About 30,000 family pets get surrendered to a shelter each year, and with such high kill rates, not every surrendered pet makes it out.

cat at an animal shelter
Image Credit: JW Design, Shutterstock

14. North Carolina shelters had the second-highest kill rate in the country in 2021. (WRAL News)

If you’re looking for a state that doesn’t put down many animals, North Carolina isn’t it. In fact, it has the second-highest kill rate in the entire country. The rate is dropping, but there’s still lots of room for improvement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which State Has the Most Pet Shelters?

You might think a state with a ton of people would have the most animal shelters, but that’s not the case. Wyoming actually leads the list as the state with the most animal shelters despite having one of the smallest populations. (24/7 Wall Street)

Which State Euthanizes the Most Animals?

California is the state with the most people, and it’s also the state that puts down the most animals. In fact, California euthanizes more than 100,000 animals each year, which is more than three times as many as third-ranked North Carolina. (Best Friends)

What Is the Most Euthanized Animal?

While most people think that dogs are the most euthanized animal, it’s actually cats. Only 2% of cats that enter animal shelters make it back to their families, and many never get adopted out. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for a shelter to euthanize a cat. (American Humane)

What Is the Most Common Exotic Pet in the United States?

You might think the most common exotic pet is a turtle, snake, lizard, or something of the like, but the most common exotic pet is actually a cockatiel. There are more than 1.5 million cockatiels in the United States, making them the most popular exotic pet in the country. (World Animal Protection)

yellow cockatiel on a human hand
Image Credit: tenenbaum, Shutterstock

Is North Carolina a Dog-Friendly State?

Yes! Whether you want a dog, cat, or another exotic animal, North Carolina is an extremely pet-friendly state. Bring your pup, cat, or exotic pet to North Carolina!

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Conclusion

Now that you know a little more about pet ownership statistics in North Carolina, it’s up to you to decide what you want to do with that information. You can decide to try and make a change to some of them, appreciate the positive stats, or just learn about them in general. No matter what you choose, it’s good information to have!


Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

The post 14 Pet Ownership Statistics in North Carolina: 2023 Update appeared first on Pet Keen.