~by Susi Pittman

I am always on the lookout for PET FRIENDLY anything, from household cleaners to vacation destinations. So, that is why this recent survey of the 10 Best Pet-Friendly Cities put out by the folks at LIVABILITY.COM caught my eye!

What makes a city “pet-friendly?”

It would seem that pet-friendly is equated for the most part to “dog” friendly. However, the Livability survey included cats, which makes their survey “well-rounded.”

These cities basically cater to the pet owner in many ways. In these towns there would be a higher than average parks and trails, quality veterinarian care, animal welfare groups, pet boutiques and retail shops.

I marvel at people’s devotion to their animals. I have never had a speaking engagement or a book signing that just doesn’t bring out the best stories from folks about their pets.

It stands to reason that with so much love for our extended canine or feline family that living in a city that welcomes and supports that love can be important.

See if your city made the grade:

1. Portland, Oregon

2. Colorado Springs, Colorado (I see them on numerous surveys)

3. Rocky Mountain, North Carolina

4. Boulder, Colorado

5. Santa Cruz, California

6. Eugene, Oregon

7. Asheville, North Carolina (No surprise for me, we vacation in that area)

8. Albuquerque, New Mexico

9. Nashville, Tennessee

10. Louisville, Kentucky

I was happy to see on a separate survey that Celebration, Florida, (outside of Orlando) made the grade. I know that area well and can certainly vouch for it.

It is wonderful when government and local communities work in harmony to embrace the lesser brethren by emphasizing a caring culture directed at our household pet members. It’s a win-win all the way both for the economy and the standard of living!

Susi Pittman is founder of CatholicStewardsofCreation.com and Owner-President of Twin Oaks Publishing; she is author of Animals in Heaven? Catholics Want to Know!; an advocate for the Florida Catholic Conference; a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Council of Women in Jacksonville, Florida; an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Augustine;a member of the Florida Publishers Association, Independent Book Publishers Association, the National Association of Professional Women, the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States and the National Audubon society.