Buying a home for Fido? Here are the best pet-friendly cities to do it

America’s most pet-friendly cities

Studies show that Millennials are buying homes, not due to marriage or having kids — but instead for their dogs. But which city is best for these Fido-loving home buyers? According to a new ranking, that’d be Scottsdale, Arizona.

The perfect place for pets

In a recent analysis from WalletHub, Scottsdale came out at the No. 1. Most pet-friendly city in the country, ranking highly in both pet health/wellness and outdoor pet-friendliness. The analysis also takes into account things like walkability, pet businesses per capita and pet care costs.

Pets are leading factor for Millennials to buy homes

Orlando took second in the ranking, while three other Southern cities — San Diego, California; Austin, Texas; and Phoenix; rounded out the top five. Orlando, San Diego and Austin also ranked at the top for most dog-friendly restaurants.

Columbus, Ohio, claimed the lowest veterinary care costs in the country, while New York, San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, topped the list for most dog parks.

Where Fido’s not welcome

The worst city for pet lovers is apparently Honolulu, which ranked dead last for pet health and wellness. Buffalo, New York, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, also ranked at the bottom of the list. Fort Wayne also showed the highest veterinary care costs — tied with Washington, D.C. and New York City.

Kathie Jenni, director of Human-Animal studies at the University of Redlands, cautions pet owners to consider vet costs carefully.

“Be mindful of how much vet expenses can run,” Jenni said. “Even one pet’s expenses can add up very quickly — to hundreds or thousands of dollars — if there is a serious problem. However, also be aware of the Humane Society facilities in the area and check them out: some cities have wonderful, low-cost vet clinics for those who are financially strapped.”

Newark, New Jersey, has the fewest veterinarians and pet businesses per capita, while North Las Vegas has the fewest dog-friendly restaurants.

Most affordable pet-friendly cities: 79 metros ranked by FIDO score

Get today’s mortgage rates

Looking to buy a home in one of these pet-friendly cities? Then shop around and see what mortgage rates you qualify for today.