Colorado pet owners are leading the nation in their search for veterinary services, logging 1,726 vet-related Google searches for every 100,000 residents — the highest in the U.S., according to new research.
The study, conducted by pet insurance comparison site Pet Insurance Deals, analyzed Google search data for 153 veterinarian-related phrases, from “mobile vet near me” to “signs your dog needs a vet.”
Western states dominate the top 10, with Colorado, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, and Washington all making the list.
The Top 10 States for Veterinary Searches in 2025
| Rank | State | Searches per 100K Residents |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | 1,726.01 |
| 2 | West Virginia | 1,646.54 |
| 3 | Oregon | 1,624.62 |
| 4 | Utah | 1,606.35 |
| 5 | North Carolina | 1,588.07 |
| 6 | Arizona | 1,550.94 |
| 7 | Washington | 1,536.14 |
| 8 | Florida | 1,508.34 |
| 9 | Michigan | 1,498.82 |
| 10 | Tennessee | 1,484.63 |
Colorado’s popularity with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts may be driving the search spike. “Vet near me” tops the state’s list, suggesting many residents are either new pet owners or without a go-to veterinary clinic. The state’s forests and mountain trails, while ideal for weekend adventures, pose hazards like toxic mushrooms that can harm curious dogs.
Pet Safety Tied to Property Location
For homeowners and homebuyers, the local environment can have a direct impact on pet health, and in turn, on vet visits.
-
Colorado: Moist, shaded yards near woods can harbor toxic mushrooms.
-
West Virginia: High Lyme disease rates make regular tick checks essential for pets with outdoor access.
-
Oregon: Properties with standing water may attract wildlife carrying leptospirosis or Giardia.
-
Utah: Rural lots may have rattlesnakes or poisonous plants like foxglove nearby.
-
North Carolina: Homes near lakes or ponds risk harmful algal blooms that can sicken pets.
Jason Wilson, founder of Caninely, says pet safety should be part of the real estate conversation.
“When people buy a home, they often think about schools, commute times, or backyard size — but if you have pets, the local hazards matter just as much,” Wilson said. “Understanding your property’s environment can help you take preventive steps that save on vet bills and protect your animals.”
National Search Trends Show Gaps in Preventive Care
Nationally, reactive searches like “vet near me” (1.6 million per month) and “emergency animal hospital” (745,000 per month) far outnumber proactive ones such as “puppy wellness exam” (266 monthly searches). Experts say this suggests many owners only seek care in emergencies rather than scheduling regular checkups.
Tom Sadler, managing director at Pet Insurance Deals, noted that staying on top of routine care can reduce both medical risks and insurance premiums.
What Pet Owners Can Do
-
Research local veterinary clinics before moving into a new home.
-
Ask neighbors about common pet hazards in the area.
-
Keep preventive medications and vaccinations up to date.
-
Landscape with pet safety in mind — avoid toxic plants and standing water.
For homeowners, the takeaway is clear: choosing a pet-friendly property isn’t just about space for your dog to run. It’s also about the surrounding environment and how it can affect your pet’s health and your peace of mind.
