New York was just ranked the worst state in America to have a dog, per a baffling new study

New Yorkers love their dogs, so much so that you can just as easily find them on the street as you can on the trains in backpacks and even serving as a muse for our museums. But apparently our love is just not enough as according to a surprising new study, our state was ranked the worst state in America to have one. 

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A new 2025 study has revealed the best and worst places to own a dog across all 50 U.S. states. Conducted by Know Better Pet Food, a family-operated cat and dog food business located in British Columbia, Canada, the study analyzed every U.S. state based on green space, pet-friendly rentals, access to vets and overall dog ownership rates. North Dakota took the number one spot, with Montana and New Hampshire leading the pack at number two and three.

But New York? Our fair state came in last at number 50. So why did New York rank so low? According to the study, our high-density housing and small apartments are a factor, in addition to a lack of green spaces. And while we lean on dog parks and walking services to ensure our pets stay active, they come at a cost, making New York one of the most expensive places to own a pet.

“Urban living can make pet ownership more challenging,” said a spokesperson from Know Better Pet Food. “Our data shows that access to space, affordability, and pet-friendly housing are key factors in how enjoyable dog ownership feels day-to-day—and that’s where New York struggles most.” However, the study does mention that New Yorkers "can still provide rich experiences through walks in parks, structured play sessions, trips to dog-friendly areas outside the city, and creative enrichment at home."

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Fine, our apartments are small, that much we can agree on. But our lack of green spaces? New York has 1,700 parks that reside within the five boroughs, from Central Park and Prospect Park, with all manner of dog parks peppered in between. Not only that, but our easy access to the train opens you up to the great outdoors of New York State, all 18.6 million acres of it. Hell, The Dogist exists because of pets in New York. And as of this year, Fido is more than just a pet in NYC, but family.  

So, do you think New York is the worst state in America to own a dog?