Map Shows States Where Dogs Are More Popular Than Cats

A map has revealed the true extent of pet ownership across the U.S.―and shows which states choose dogs over cats for their furry friends.

Information collated by the website Zippia, which is better known as a careers and jobs portal, was used to create the fascinating graphic, which crunches the numbers for each state's choice of pets.

Some 66 percent of American households (a whooping 86.9 million homes) own a pet, according to research by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in 2023-2024. Dogs are the most popular choice of animal, with 65.1 million homes owning a pooch, while 46.5 million households have a cat. The numbers indicate that many families have both canine and feline companions.

Zippia's map, which can be viewed below, shows that the majority of states have more dog ownership than cat ownership. Data from the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Kennel Club, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics was used by Zippia to create the map.

Arkansas seems to have the most dog fans in the country; some 48 percent of its residents own a dog, according to Zippia's figures. Massachusetts seems less keen, with just 24 percent owning a dog―the lowest number in the country.

The most cat-loving states, according to Zippia's map, are Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts. Newsweek has reached out to the American Veterinary Medical Association by email seeking comment on the map's findings, and further information on the percentages of cat owners in each state.

The map suggests that the northeast of the country tends to favor felines in general. It's thought that the higher population density of the region combined with the snowy winters of New England may dissuade people from keeping dogs, who need plenty of space and daily exercise outside.

Oregon and Washington State also plump for cats over dogs. But the rest of the map is shaded to indicate that more states prefer dogs as pets. Texas and Alaska are among the biggest dog fans.

When it comes to the choice of dog, most of the states are in agreement about which breed is best. The Labrador is the most popular dog of choice in 45 states. However, Florida, Indiana and West Virginia buck the trend by prefering German shepherds, while Kentucky loves a beagle, and Hawaii adores French bulldogs.

Pet owners in the U.S. spent a total of $136.8 billion on their animals in 2022, the most recent figures available, but some animal lovers told Newsweek recently that they are increasingly struggling to afford their animals amid the cost of living crisis.

A majority (72 percent) of pet owners said the cost of looking after their pets had increased over the past year, when they were questioned for a Newsweek poll, carried out by Redfield & Wilton Strategies last month.

Some 43 percent of respondents were "very" (21 percent) or "fairly" (22 percent) concerned about their ability to financially support their pet, while an additional 22 percent were "slightly" concerned, the survey revealed.

On average, dog owners spend more on their pet (about $1,400 a year) than cat owners ($1,200), according to APPA.