The Gateway City has been recognized as one of the top 10 most pet-friendly cities in the United States by Quartz – an online news outlet for business and global affairs. This accolade is particularly noteworthy due to the city’s affordability for pet ownership, making it an attractive place to call home if you love pets. I wasn’t surprised to see St. Louis on the list because this isn’t the first list we’ve made. I thought it would be interesting, however, to dig into what makes St. Louis so special. Let’s discover why St. Louis ranks among the top 10 pet-friendly cities in the US in multiple best-of lists!
The Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cities in the U.S. Per Quartz
The Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cities in the U.S. Per QuartzSt. Louis secured the 10th spot on Quartz‘ 2025 list, which was published only a few days ago. While we’re #10, I still count our placement as a significant success considering the size of the United States and the number of cities that were considered. The list results were as follows:
#10 – St. Louis, Missouri
#9 – Portland, Oregon
#8 – Cincinnati, Ohio
#7 – St. Petersburg, Florida
#6 – North Las Vegas, Nevada
#5 – Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
#4 – Birmingham, Alabama
#3 – Las Vegas, Nevada
#2 – Tampa, Florida
#1 – Scottsdale, Arizona
According to the article, “Many factors contribute to a good environment for pets, from the availability of vets and pet-friendly stores to the prevalence of parks and how walkable each city is.”
Why St. Louis Consistently Makes the List
Why St. Louis Consistently Makes the ListAffordability
Affordability is a key factor in St. Louis’s pet-friendly status landing us on the top 10. Per Insurify, which has its own list of the 10 best cities for dog owners, the average annual dog insurance premium in Missouri is $592. This number is 24% less expensive than the national average. This lower cost of pet insurance contributes significantly to the overall affordability of pet ownership in the city, placing St. Louis at #9 in Insurify’s 2024 list of the 10 best cities for dog owners.
Animal Welfare
Animal WelfarePer Insurify, St. Louis also stands out for our abundance of no-kill animal shelters and rescues. With 6.4 no-kill shelters per 100,000 residents, St. Louis boasts the highest number among the 100 most populous cities in the country. St. Louis also performed well in terms of affordable pet-friendly housing, while not as well as other cities listed.
Attractions
St. Louis doesn’t just excel in affordability; it also offers a wide array of pet-friendly activities and attractions. Per a 2022 list in which St. Louis made 10th place, our city boasts 2.3 dog parks per 100,000 residents; ranking 20th in the nation for walkability and dog parks. Our pet-friendly atmosphere extends to our dining scene as well. Per this list, STL has 157 dog-friendly restaurants, while other lists put us closer to 200, providing ample opportunities for pet owners to enjoy a meal out with their 4-legged kids – though dogs are usually welcomed over cats.
St. Louis Ranks Among The Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cities in the U.S.
St. Louis Ranks Among The Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cities in the U.S.St. Louis’s recognition as a top pet-friendly city is a testament to its commitment to our great city’s family-friendly values. Whether you’re a current resident or considering a move, St. Louis offers a welcoming environment for both two-legged and four-legged family members.
St. Louis also has one of the top rated pet care companies in the US – ours! I was named a top five finalist of the 2021 Pet Sitter of the Year industry award, which “recognizes true excellence in the professional pet-sitting field. PSI evaluates nominees on stringent criteria including client and professional references, commitment to quality care and professionalism, contributions to clients and the industry-at-large, and commitment to continuing education.”
I’m also a Certified Professional Animal Care Operator, Fear Free Certified Professional, and Certified Professional Pet Sitter with Pet Sitters International. You can learn all about my contributions to our industry here.
The Best Dog Walking & Pet Sitting in St. Louis
At 4-Legged Kids, Inc., our award-winning dog walking and pet sitting services are tailored to meet your and your pets’ needs. Call 636-405-0400 or email ask@4leggedkids.com to register. Existing clients, please request services here.
We look forward to caring for your 4-Legged Kids!
Janie founded 4-Legged Kids, Inc in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1997 and provides education through her PetBizHIVE podcast and her PetBizMBA membership and courses. She is a Certified Professional Animal Care Operator, Fear Free certified and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter. Learn more about the Founder, Janie Budnick.
