St. Petersburg is not only a sunny haven for its human residents but its also a Pet-Friendly Haven. As highlighted in a recent study by WalletHub, the charming Florida city clinches the third position among the most pet-friendly cities in the U.S.

This prestigious ranking was determined by evaluating three major aspects: pet budget, pet health and wellness, and outdoor pet-friendliness. WalletHub meticulously assessed these criteria across 23 specific metrics for the nation’s 100 largest cities. Among these, St. Petersburg proudly stood out, securing the No. 3 spot.

Source: WalletHub

Delving deeper into the statistics, St. Pete notably ranked 4th in pet health and wellness. This impressive score reflects the city’s robust veterinary support system and its commitment to ensuring the well-being of pets. Additionally, nearby Tampa also garnered attention, coming in at the second position, only surpassed by Scottsdale, Arizona. On the flip side, Baltimore landed at the bottom of the list.

For those residents of St. Pete inspired by this news and considering welcoming a new furry friend, there’s more good news. The SPCA Tampa Bay is hosting its ‘Clear The Shelters’ event on August 26th. This event, commencing at noon, offers pet adoptions at no cost, ensuring all pets are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped.

The bond between humans and their pets is undeniable and St. Pete is certainly a pet-friendly haven. In the U.S alone, approximately 90.5 million households cherish their pets, considering them invaluable family members. While the joys of pet ownership are many, the financial considerations are significant. In 2022, Americans spent a whopping $136.8 billion on their pets, as per data from the American Pet Products Association.

Previously, pet owners had limited choices with only a few notable names like Petco and PetSmart dominating the market. However, with the growing love for pets, the business landscape has evolved with innovative offerings like monthly subscription boxes. While pet ownership brings immense joy, it comes with its set of expenses. The annual cost of maintaining pets, especially popular ones like cats and dogs, can range between $1,000 to over $3,000. These figures take into account necessities such as licenses, grooming, medical care, and more. Furthermore, pet-friendly housing often demands additional deposits and fees.

Given these financial considerations and the desire to offer the best for their pets, WalletHub’s study serves as an essential guide. By analyzing the pet-friendliness of the country’s largest cities across diverse metrics, from pet-care provider rates to walkability, WalletHub provides invaluable insights for pet owners. And for residents of St. Petersburg, the findings are a testament to their city’s pet-loving ethos making us a pet-friendly haven.