Here’s where Michigan ranks in ‘Best States for Pets/Animals’ study
With up to 40% of America’s native animal species at risk of extinction and over 150 million pets in households across the country relying non-profits’ support to survive, the non-profit organization SmileHub today released new reports on the the Best States for Animals in 2026.
In order to determine where America’s wildlife and animal companions live their best lives, SmileHub compared the animal-friendliness of all 50 states across 18 key metrics.
Wide-ranging data
The data set ranges from the number of animal charities per capita to the number of state conservation programs and initiatives to the share of no-kill animal shelters.
In terms of animal friendliness, Michigan ranks 10th overall based partly on these metrics:
- 17th – Share of Pet-Owning Households
- 29th – Share of State Land Designated for Parks and Wildlife
- 16th – Animal Protection Laws Ranking
- 21st – Animal Charities Per Capita
- 16th – Share of No-Kill Shelters
To view the full report and every state’s rank, click here.
