Chicago really knows how to take care of its pets.
The city boasts the most animal shelters and pet caretakers per capita, according to a new study rating pet-friendliness. While it doesn't hold the top spot for pet-friendliness -- that honor goes to Scottsdale, Arizona -- it holds a respectable 40th of 100.
"To many of us, pets are family — only furrier, slimier and sometimes cuddlier than our human relatives," WalletHub researchers said in the report. "Naturally the nearly 85 million pet parents in the U.S. today seek out the places where their beloved companions can enjoy the highest standard of living — hopefully at the most reasonable cost."
WalletHub’s study looked at multiple factors to determine "creature-friendliness of the 100 largest U.S. cities," from pet health and wellness to budget and outdoor friendliness.
In Chicago, the study finds the city ranks high in pet health and wellness.
That's good news for pet parents deciding to move to a city that caters to their fur baby. For many, welcoming a pet is like having another child. According to Fortune magazine, 76 percent of Americans treat their pets as if they are part of the family.
But it isn't always cheap. WalletHub notes a pet can cost between $227 to more than $2,000 a year.
Good news for some towns in the Midwest: St. Paul, Minnesota, ranks first for the lowest dog insurance premium, followed by Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Considering adopting a pet? On Aug. 19, NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago stations are teaming up with cities across the country to find forever homes for pets in need at animal shelters across the area. Find a location near you!
