These are the states with the most spoiled dogs in 2023

By Talker Staff

Dressing dogs in outfits, scenting them with perfume, painting their nails and feeding them home-cooked meals are just some of the ways Americans are lavishing their dogs with extra TLC. These pampered pets can be found nationwide, but some states have more spoiled dogs than others, a new Forbes Advisor survey found.

The data analyzed nine key metrics from a survey of 5,002 dog owners to identify the states where people spoil their dogs the most. The survey also unleashed the most popular ways people give the V.I.P. (Very Important Pooch) treatment to their dogs.

Top 5 States Where People Spoil Their Dogs the Most

1. New York

New York’s score: 44.95 out of 100

• New York tops the list of states with the most spoiled dogs.
• 40% of New Yorkers said they’ve spent more money on spoiling their dog than on spoiling their significant other, and more than half (55%) of all respondents from New York said they spend more money on their dog’s health and grooming than they do on their own.
• 42% of New Yorkers regularly throw birthday parties for their dogs, and 25% said they’ve pushed their dog in a stroller.
• New Yorkers also take their dog’s wardrobes seriously: 59% have bought their dog outfits and accessories, ranking second in the nation for this metric.
• New Yorkers also ranked second highest on our list for regularly preparing homemade dog food(38%) and 51% of New Yorkers said they’ve ordered their furry friend a special treat at a restaurant.
  

2. California

California’s score: 41.25 out of 100

• California ranks second on our list of states with the most spoiled dogs.
• Californians were more likely than any other state’s residents to treat their dogs to a special restaurant order, such as a Starbucks Puppuccino (56%).
• California residents also ranked second in the nation for spending more money on their dog’s health and grooming than they do on their own (53%) and tied with Georgians for second when it comes to carrying their pet when the pooch doesn’t want to walk (51%).
• Californians ranked third in the nation for pushing their canine companion in a stroller (19%) and regularly throwing birthday parties for their dog (38%).

3. Washington

Washington’s score: 40.05 out of 100

• The Forbes analysis found that Washingtonians don’t like to leave their four-legged friends behind when they go on a trip. More than half (52%) said they’ve brought their dog on vacation.
• Residents of Washington were also the second most likely in the nation to order a special treat for their pooches at a restaurant (54%).
• Washington residents tied with New Yorkers for being second most likely in the nation to regularly prepare homemade food for their pets (38%).

4. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s score: 39.4 out of 100

• Pennsylvania ranked 4th on the list of states with the most spoiled dogs, with 64% of Pennsylvanians saying they’ve bought their dogs outfits and accessories.
• Pennsylvania residents tied with those in Virginia and Georgia as the third most likely in the nation to spend more money on spoiling their dog than on spoiling their significant other (35%).

5. New Jersey

New Jersey’s score: 39.2 out of 100

• New Jersey residents are more likely than any other state residents (except New Yorkers) to push their dogs in strollers (22%) and to regularly throw doggie birthday parties (40%).

Bottom 3 States Where People Spoil Their Dogs the Least

48. Wyoming

Wyoming’s score: 26.05

• Wyomingites are the least likely in the country to buy their dogs outfits and accessories, with only 31% saying their dog has a wardrobe.
• Wyoming residents were also the third least likely in the nation to order their dogs a special treat at a restaurant (26%) and tie with dog owners in North Carolina and Rhode Island as the third least likely to push their pup in a stroller (4%).
• Wyoming dog owners also scored second lowest (tied with Kansas, Nevada and West Virgina) for regularly hosting birthday parties for their dogs (16%).

49. Arkansas

Arkansas’ score: 24.95

• With only 30% of Arkansans saying that they’ve brought their dog on vacation, the state ranked second lowest for dog spoiling.
• Only 25% of Arkansas residents said that they’ve ordered their dog a special treat at a restaurant, ranking second lowest in the nation for this category.

50. South Dakota

South Dakota’s score: 24.75

• The analysis found that South Dakotans have the least spoiled dogs in the country. Residents were least likely in the nation to throw doggie birthday parties (10%) and to spend more money spoiling their pooch than on spoiling their significant other (17%).
• South Dakotans also seem to think their canine companions do just fine with regular kibble—only 13% said they prepare homemade dog food.
• Residents of South Dakota were second least likely in the nation to spoil their dogs with outfits and accessories (33%).

Editorial Note: This story was originally published on Forbes Advisor.