Indiana Ranks Top 15 for Animal Welfare in 2025

Indiana has just earned a spot among the top 15 best states for animals in 2025, according to SmileHub’s latest rankings - and I’m here to shout (bark) it from the rooftops!

How Do You Determine the Best States for Animals

To highlight the best states for animals and the ones that have the most room for improvement, SmileHub compared each of the 50 states on 18 key metrics. The data set ranges from the number of animal charities per capita to the share of pet-owning households to the number of veterinarians per pet-owning household.

Why Indiana Deserves the Spotlight

Indiana landed an overall ranking of 11th best state in America for animals, due in part to a #6 ranking in pet ownership, and #13 ranking in animal wellness. This means Hoosiers not only love their pets but also ensure they have access to quality care and services.

ALSO READ: 15 Life-Changing Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Pet

Indiana’s commitment to animal welfare can also be seen through initiatives like the Pet Friendly Plate Grant and Community Cat Grant, which provide free spay/neuter services across all 92 counties. And organizations such as Humane Indiana offer adoption services, wildlife rehabilitation, and educational programs that promote coexistence with nature.

How You Can Join the Movement

There are several ways that you can contribute to Indiana’s success when it comes to animal welfare:

Adopt or Foster: Provide a loving home to a pet in need.
Volunteer: Lend your time to local shelters and rescue organizations.
Support Conservation: Participate in or donate to programs aimed at protecting wildlife.

Get our free mobile app

If you’re an animal lover, I think it’s worth a few minutes of your time to take a look at the full report.

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

Gallery Credit: Elena Kadvany

Tip to Protect Pets from Summer Heat

With heat advisories in effect for a large portion of the country, now is the time to ensure you are prepared to keep your pets safe from the summer heat.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals