America’s Most Adventurous Pets Are In Alaska, And The Most Pampered Are In Maryland: Survey

If your pet joins you on adventures, wears outfits, gets a birthday cake, or has his own wellness app — you’re not alone.

A new nationwide survey of 5,000 cat and dog owners — 100 from each state — found which states are home to America’s most adventurous, most pampered, and most well-traveled pets. The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Banfield Pet Hospital, crowned Alaska as the home of Americas most adventurous pets, where 62% said their pets are always eager to explore, followed by Kansas, where 23% said their pets like to get into mischief outside, and Wyoming.

Alaska also ranked first in owner attachment, but North Carolina wasnt far behind, with 56% of pet owners there saying their animals are like a second shadow, always by their side.

Kentuckians topped the charts for being the most likely to take their pets to the vet, followed by Alabama and Tennessee. Residents of Tennessee took it even further: they were the most likely to have more wellness apps for their pets than for themselves.

Pet birthdays are serious business in Massachusetts, where residents were the most likely to celebrate their furry friends special day, followed by Florida and Maryland. In Massachusetts, 45% said they buy their pet a treat annually, and 12% even look forward to their pets birthday more than their own.

In Maryland, that affection carries over into everyday life — residents there were the most likely to pamper their pets with grooming, including regular brushing (35%) and regular baths (32%). Seventeen percent of Maryland pet owners say they’ve done professional photo shoots, including 14% who said their pets have various outfits for the purpose.

“One thing we know at Banfield is that while each pet owner has a unique approach, we all share a common passion and love for our pets,” said Alea Harrison, Chief Medical Officer of Banfield Pet Hospital. “These pet owner superlatives reinforce the growing human-animal bond and importance of regular preventive veterinary care.”

The survey also highlighted Americas most well-traveled pets. Louisiana pet owners are the most likely to hit the road with their animals, but Florida pets have racked up visits to the most U.S. states, while those in New York and Washington are the most likely to have traveled internationally.

Some, however, prefer the quiet life. Nevadans reported spending the most time simply being with their pets, while Connecticut pets were ranked the cuddliest and Indianas were described as the biggest homebodies.

The findings offer a charming and quirky snapshot of how Americans from coast to coast care for their pets — whether that means spa days, frequent travel, or just quality time on the couch.