10 Pet Ownership Statistics in New Hampshire (Updated in 2024)

New Hampshire has picturesque landscapes with its White Mountains and many lakes. It features the highest mountain in the northeastern United States, and there is a large tourist industry of people who like to hike, mountain bike, snowboard, and ski there. It’s also a great place to raise a pet. Keep reading as we list several interesting pet ownership facts and statistics about this state that you might not know.

The 10 Pet Ownership Statistics in New Hampshire

1. More than half of households in New Hampshire own a pet.
2. People in New Hampshire love their cats.
3. New Hampshire doesn’t have many dogs.
4. New Hampshire is generous toward sick animals.
5. New Hampshire works to protect wild animals.
6. Most people in the country own a pet.
7. Dogs are the most popular pets in the United States.
8. Millennials own the most pets.
9. Americans spend big money on pets.
10. Pet ownership is on the rise.

New Hampshire Ownership Statistics

1. More than half of households in New Hampshire own a pet

(World Population Review)

Currently, 51.8% of New Hampshire households own a pet of some type, just behind Nevada, where 53.3% of households have a pet, and ahead of Georgia, where 51.1% of households have one.

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2. People in New Hampshire love their cats

(World Population Review)

New Hampshire pet owners are particularly fond of their cats, with 36.4% of households owning at least one. Only four other states have a higher percentage of cat owners: Indiana, West Virginia, Maine, and the ultimate cat-lover state, Vermont, where 44.6% of homes own at least one.

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3. New Hampshire doesn’t have many dogs

(World Population Review)

Perhaps the harsh weather in some parts of the state makes people not want to go out walking their dogs, or they are just too busy catering to their finicky cats, but only 23.7% of households in the state own a dog. This percentage is the lowest in the entire country, behind even Connecticut, where only 24% of households have one.

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4. New Hampshire is generous toward sick animals

(World Population Review)

Despite being the state with the fewest dogs, owners ranked eighth in their generosity toward them, with 43.5% willing to spend $4,000 or more to save a dog if needed. Other states that ranked high include Colorado, California, Vermont, and the leader, Massachusetts, with 51.5% willing to shell out big money for a sick pet.

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5. New Hampshire works to protect wild animals

(Find Law)

New Hampshire law allows residents to keep a wide range of animals as pets, including cats, dogs, ornamental aquarium fish, parrots, reptiles, doves, rabbits, and even llamas and alpacas. However, you can’t keep many of the more dangerous animals or those that it’s hard to create a suitable habitat for, like zebras, primates, elephants, kangaroos, and bears. This law helps keep those animals in their natural habitats. Also, some animals, including several species of frogs, snakes, and turtles, require a permit to keep.

General Pet Ownership Statistics

6. Most people in the country own a pet

(American Products)

While the number of pet owners in New Hampshire is high at 51.8%, it’s even higher for the whole country, where 66% of the households have at least one pet.

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7. Dogs are the most popular pets in the United States

(American Products)

Despite not being as popular in New Hampshire, dogs are the favorite pets in the United States, with 65.1 million households having at least one. Cats are second, with 46.5 million households owning one, and aquarium fish take third, residing in 11.1 million homes. Birds, reptiles, and small animals like hamsters and gerbils are tied at a little over 6 million.

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8. Millennials own the most pets

(American Products)

Millennials currently own the most pets, with 33% being pet owners. Next in line is Generation X, with 25% owning at least one pet, then Baby Boomers at 24%. Currently, only 16% of Gen Z is a pet owner.

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9. Americans spend big money on pets

(American Products)

In 2022, Americans spent over $130 billion on pets, which includes more than $58 billion in food and more than $35 billion in veterinary care. This number is up significantly from 2018, when Americans spent about $90 billion, and experts say that we will spend more than $143 billion before 2023 ends.

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10. Pet ownership is on the rise

(Best Friends)

More people have gotten pets in recent years, and the number continues to increase, with 11% more dogs owned since 2018 and 4% more cats. The rise is even more dramatic when you look at the previous 10 years, where you will see an increase of 49% in the number of dogs owned and 17% of cats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Ownership in New Hampshire

Do I Need a License for My Pet in New Hampshire?

In many New Hampshire cities and towns, you need a license for your dog, but licensing requirements may vary, so check with your local animal control or town clerk’s office for specific details. You will also need a permit for certain species of turtles, frogs, and snakes.

What Are the Requirements for Pet Vaccinations in New Hampshire?

All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies in New Hampshire.

What Do I Do If I Find a Stray Animal in New Hampshire?

If you find a stray animal, don’t try to approach it. You might scare it away or cause it to attack you. Instead, contact your local animal control or shelter for help.

Can I Keep Exotic Pets in New Hampshire?

Regulations regarding exotic pets can vary, and some may require special permits or licenses. It’s best to contact your local animal shelter to learn about the rules regarding a specific animal in your area.

Summary

Owning a pet can be a wonderful experience. In New Hampshire, more than half of the residents agree. Most seem to be die-hard cat lovers and disagree with the rest of America about dogs being the best pets. Millennials own the most pets, with Generation X close behind, though Generation Z will likely catch up as they get older. Pet ownership continues to rise for all types of animals, despite the rising costs that go along with it.

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Featured Image Credit: Boryana Manzurova, Shutterstock