This measure has no better end. The order describes the states, it does not rank them — see the other direction.
Employer veterinary and non-veterinary pet-care establishments per 100,000 residents, combining Census industries NAICS 541940 and 812910. This is a local pet-service signal — vets, grooming, boarding, day care and similar businesses — not a rating of pet-friendliness. It does not measure dog parks, rental policies, leash laws, veterinary quality, prices, availability, or businesses without paid employees. State figures sum county establishments and divide by state population.
How to read this ranking
Maine has the highest published pet services in this comparison, at 29.5 / 100k residents. The next states shown are New Hampshire (28.9 / 100k residents) and Vermont (27.8 / 100k residents).
The table orders 51 states by pet-service employers per 100,000 residents. It describes one published measure, not an overall judgment about where to live.
Use the result as a starting point, then compare the underlying source, dates, and local county figures before making a decision. Employer veterinary and non-veterinary pet-care establishments per 100,000 residents, combining Census industries NAICS 541940 and 812910. This is a local pet-service signal — vets, grooming, boarding, day care and similar businesses — not a rating of pet-friendliness. It does not measure dog parks, rental policies, leash laws, veterinary quality, prices, availability, or businesses without paid employees. State figures sum county establishments and divide by state population.