Life is anything but 'ruff' in the Mile High City - Denver was just ranked the most dog-friendly city in the U.S.

According to the Denver Post, approximately ten percent of Americans have moved to a different location in the country in the last year. In any move, but especially during a pandemic filled year, dogs play a large role in moving decisions. Especially when you're at home with your furry friend 24/7 (like during the COVID-19 lockdown), dogs become more than best friends - to many dog owners, they're family.

A new study conducted by Zillow and Rover found that about 24% of dog owners in the United States moved since March 2020 and another 62% would consider moving to a new home to better accommodate their dog.

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The study was conducted by first looking into how many new dog accounts were created on Rover - whether from dog owners new to the area or longtime residents with a newly adopted dog - in cites across the U.S. Then Zillow's part in the study came into play, as they dug into cities where dog-friendly features were listed on properties.

The Denver Post said that the Mile High City ranked at the top of the list over other cites in the country because of the number of new Rover accounts created within the city. In addition, features like a nearby dog park or an at-home dog run also helped Denver climb the ranks.

The top ten emerging dog-friendly cites in the U.S. are as follows, as per Rover and Zillow:

  1. Denver, CO
  2. Orlando, FL 
  3. Anaheim, CA
  4. Charlotte, NC
  5. Birmingham, AL
  6. Atlanta, GA
  7. Boston, MA
  8. Glendale, AZ
  9. New Orleans, LA
  10. Tampa, FL

Zillow home trends expert Amanda Pendleton said the following about the upward trend of those moving in the last year: “Home became more important than ever during the pandemic, sparking the Great Reshuffling. As we rethink where and how we want to live, we’re reevaluating what we want and need in a home in this new normal. For many families, that includes considering what’s best for their four-legged family members”.

“This year, we spent an extraordinary amount of time with our pets, and many of us relied on their companionship more than ever. As a result, our emotional bonds with our pets also strengthened,” Kate Jaffe, trends expert at Rover, said. “Pets are taking on an even greater role in our families, so it’s no surprise that our dogs’ needs are a top priority for pet parents considering a new home.”

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