WalletHub Evaluated America's Most Pet-Friendly Cities—Here's How Hampton Roads Fared
Three Hampton Roads cities earned spots among the nation's best for pet owners in WalletHub's latest rankings. See how Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk stacked up—and the surprising category where they all excelled.
Pet owners in Hampton Roads have something to celebrate.
A new WalletHub study ranked Chesapeake (#20), Virginia Beach (#30), and Norfolk (#41) among the best cities in the United States for pet owners, recognizing the region for its combination of affordability, pet services, and outdoor amenities.
One of the biggest highlights for local pet owners wasn't just the overall rankings, it was the cost of veterinary care. According to the report, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake tied for the third-lowest veterinary care costs among the nation's 100 largest cities, making routine checkups, preventive care, and other veterinary services more affordable than in many other parts of the country.
WalletHub evaluated the 100 largest U.S. cities across three main categories:
Pet Budget – including veterinary care, pet insurance, grooming, and other pet-related expenses.
Pet Health & Wellness – including access to veterinarians and animal care services.
Outdoor Pet-Friendliness – including dog parks, walking trails, and other pet-friendly amenities.
Together, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk offer pet owners a variety of parks, trails, veterinary clinics, pet-friendly businesses, and community events that help make the region a welcoming place for pets and the people who love them.
While national rankings don't tell the whole story, they offer an interesting snapshot of how communities support pet ownership. Whether your priority is affordable veterinary care, access to dog parks, or pet-friendly places to explore, Hampton Roads continues to rank among the country's better places to call home with a four-legged family member.
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