America’s Most “Dog Happy” U.S. State – National Survey

Americans have a very special love affair with their dogs. From puppy day care to cuisine doggie bakeries, to “food trucks for dogs,” over the past decade, pet parents will spend an estimated $60.59 Billion on their dog (like ​on dog biscuits), according to the American Pet Products Association.

But does this pampering also mean “emotional pampering”? What are pet parent’s behavior habits when it comes to making their pets feel loved and cared for?

To find out, our team worked together to develop a ranking of the most “Dog Happy” U.S. states — a definitive list based on national survey results to look into this interesting question.

METHODOLOGY:

To create this national dog appreciation ranking, we surveyed 3,000 dog parents (21 to 65+) across the United States to determine how regularly they engage in the following behaviors:

1. Thankful behaviors
2. Grateful behaviors
3. Loving behaviors 

SURVEY RESULTS:

States were ranked according to how regularly their residents specified they engaged in loving, supportive behaviors with their dogs (like doggie kisses, or giving a treat). Those high on the list (California, New York) had more survey respondents who regularly did things for their dogs (buying gifts or expensive treats)

Long Love Dog’s Top 25 Most “Dog Happy” U.S. States

1. California2. New York3. Washington4. Tennessee5. Florida6. Massachusetts7. Texas8. Missouri9. Ohio10. Arizona11. Pennsylvania12. Michigan13. New Hampshire14. Kentucky15. Montana16. Colorado17. Louisiana18. North Dakota19. Illinois20. Delaware21. Kansas22. Wisconsin23. Alabama24. Virginia25. Arkansas

ADDITIONAL FINDINGS

We also found specific ways in which pet parents in these states find an emotional connection with their dogs — and how they give back to their pups.

Findings include:

Getting Emotional Support

• 86% of dog parents say their dog “comforts me immeasurably”
• 71% say their dog “reminds me to seek out more joy in life”
• 64% say their dog “makes me look forward to going home more than anything else”
• 63% say their dog “makes me much more patient and responsible”
• 65% say their dog “helps me become a better person”
• 95% of dog parent say they have a regular conversation out loud with their dog

Giving Physical Support

• 73% of dog parents buy their dog a special gift (especially dog treats) at least once a month
• 68% of pet parents allow their dogs to sleep in the same bed at least once per month