How much does Washington love its pets? See spending on dogs, cats
How much do you love your pets?
When it comes to spoiling our animal companions, Washington state ranks near the top of the list, according to a recent study by TrustedHouseSitters.
The pet sitting platform went in search of the “most pampered pets in America” based on household spending, searches for luxury items and more.
“What we found is a nation full of furry divas (and) devoted pet moms and dads,” TrustedHousesitters contributor Hayley Ward wrote in a March 19 article.
Here’s what to know:
How much do pet owners in Washington spend?
Washington state came in fourth place on TrustedHouseSitter’s list of the U.S. states where people pamper their pets the most.
The Evergreen State had an overall score of 77 out of 100.
On average, pet owners in Washington state spend $1,606 annually on their furry, feathered and scaly friends, according to the TrustedHousesitters study.
Washington pet owners leaned toward luxury-oriented pet names including Lady and Princess, the study found.
According to the study, popular subjects for Google searches in Washington state included “premium pet food,” “pet-friendly hotel” and “dog birthday party.”
“While luxury services and premium treats may be part of the trend, experts say that routine and familiarity are often what matters most for pets’ well-being,” TrustedHousesitters said in the article. “Animals thrive in environments they know, surrounded by familiar smells, spaces and routines. When owners travel, maintaining those comforts can help reduce stress and keep pets feeling secure.”
Many pet owners may choose to hire a live-in sitter, according to the news release.
What is the overall cost of owning a dog or cat?
Although they can bring so much into our lives, pets can be expensive.
Each year, dog owners spend an average of $2,489 on food, grooming, veterinarian care, toys and more, according to the American Kennel Club.
One-time costs including adoption fees, emergency vet visits and supplies such as leashes, bowls and crates average $2,127, the kennel club said.
Dogs live for 10 to 13 years on average, according to PetMD.
Cat ownership tends to be a little cheaper, with “capital costs” such as initial medical care, a litter box, carrier and collar estimated at $365, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,
You can plan to spend an average of $634 on cat food, treats, toys and routine visits to the vet, the animal rights group said.
“While luxury services and premium treats may be part of the trend, experts say that routine and familiarity are often what matters most for pets’ well-being,” a press release sent to McClatchy Media says. “Animals thrive in environments they know, surrounded by familiar smells, spaces and routines. When owners travel, maintaining those comforts can help reduce stress and keep pets feeling secure.”
What are the top 10 states for spoiled pets?
According to the TrustedHousesitters study, these were the 10 U.S. states where residents spoil their pets the most:
- Colorado
- Montana
- Oregon
- Washington
- Arizona
- California
- South Datoka
- Utah
- Nevada
- Florida
How did TrustedHousesitters rank US states?
To rank the top U.S. states for pampered pets, TrustedHousesitters said it analyzed regional spending data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey, combined with state-level pet ownership rates from World Population Review.
Other data came from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and monthly Google search volumes for terms such as “pet spa near me,” “gifts for pet” and more.