The Purina Pet Institutes Healthy Pets 21 Consortium, a think tank of leaders in the pet health and welfare community, today announced the first-ever list of the Pet Healthiest Cities in the U.S. These cities exemplify superior care, services and legislation for pets health and well-being. According to the Consortium, the top ten Pet Healthiest Cities are:

1. Denver, Co.
2. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
3. Columbus, OH
4. Philadelphia, PA
5. Seattle, WA
6. Portland, OR
7. Washington DC
8. San Francisco, CA
9. Phoenix-Mesa, AZ
10. Hartford, CN

Denver rose to the top as the Pet Healthiest City because of its veterinarian-to-pet ratio, with one veterinarian for every 1,200 pets, as well as its 47 American Animal Hospital Association accredited hospitals with 119 AAHA affiliated veterinary professionals -- more affiliated professionals than any other city in the report. The ranking for Denver is also boosted by its access to veterinary specialists and emergency clinics. Additionally, Denver boasts the lowest flea population of any city in the report and the watershed quality rates high.

Announcement of the Pet Healthiest City in America marks the launch of the Consortium’s comprehensive five-year pet health agenda to champion improved health and well-being for dogs and cats and the quality of their relationships with people.