According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), as of 2020, about 67% of households in the United States own pets. In Chicago, approximately 47% of households have cats or dogs. Chicago is often evaluated as a city lacking a pet-friendly environment compared to other cities in the U.S. due to a shortage of parks and outdoor spaces where pets can be enjoyed.
Pet Situation in Chicago
Pet-owning households: While there are many households with pets in Chicago, the city's pet-related facilities and policies are often considered relatively lacking compared to other cities.
Pet-friendly city ranking: According to a 2021 survey by WalletHub, Chicago ranks low on the list of pet-friendly cities, coming in at 96 out of 100 cities. This indicates a lack of facilities and services such as parks, veterinary clinics, and pet-related services.
Pet-related services: Chicago has pet stores, veterinary clinics, pet hotels, and pet-friendly cafes, but there is a shortage of parks and outdoor spaces where pets can be enjoyed.
Chicago is not a city without pet owners, but it is evaluated as somewhat lacking in meeting the conditions of a pet-friendly city. Therefore, while there are many pet owners, there is a strong opinion that pet-related facilities and environments need improvement.
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