Floridians certainly love their pets, but do certain cities treasure their furry (or not-so-furry) friends more than others?
Honest Pet released a new study revealing the most pet-friendly cities in Florida, with the top city seeing top marks for walkability and access to parks.
Experts compiled a list of the largest cities in the US by population and evaluated them based on four factors that contribute to a pet-friendly environment: park access, walkability, the number of vets, and the median rent. These factors were then normalized, and cities were ranked by a final index score.
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“Pet ownership in the U.S. has grown over the past decade, with nearly 95 million households now owning at least one pet. At the same time, the financial commitment of pet ownership continues to rise, with the U.S. pet industry expected to surpass $158 billion,” Dr. Kelly Hood, DVM at Hampton Roads and in-house expert at HonestPet, said. “Those numbers reflect just how deeply pets are woven into American households, but they also highlight why getting a dog should be approached as a long-term lifestyle decision rather than an impulse choice.”
What is the most pet-friendly city in Florida?
The 305 is the best for pets, according to experts. Miami ranks first with an index score of 37.95, with a median rent of $2,682.93.
“The city stands out for its excellent walkability and strong park access, making it easier for pet owners to incorporate outdoor activities into their daily routines. Combined with a growing range of pet-friendly amenities and urban green spaces, Miami offers one of the most attractive environments for dog owners in Florida.”
How did other Florida cities rank?
Honest Pet highlighted five other Florida cities as being some of the most pet-friendly:
Tips to keep pets safe in Florida this hot summer
Most of the South, including Florida, was predicted to be hot and humid this summer. And it certainly has been and is only getting hotter.
The heat index is expected to reach the mid-100s across the entire Florida peninsula toward the end of the week and into the weekend, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Heat advisories may be issued, and National Weather Service offices in the state are warning residents about “extreme heat.”
Here are some tips to keep your pets cool throughout the summer:
Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida pet friendly cities ranked. Which is No. 1, by what factors
Reporting by Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
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By Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
