There are approximately 77.5 million dogs and 93.6 million cats owned and kept as pets in the United States, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association 2009-2010 National Pet Owners Survey. With those numbers, it should come as no surprise that pets are considered a sub-culture unto themselves and sustain a $36 billion a year industry consisting of pet food, supplies and veterinary care.

According to a recent Men's Health article, nine out of the top 10 areas to own a dog are in the West, including another specific mention for the Seattle/Tacoma area. Turns out the Pacific Northwest is more than supportive of that pet-loving culture; they are actively growing it and are routinely noted as being one of the most pet-friendly areas in the country.

Forbes.com 2007's top 10 list of pet-friendly cities included both Portland, Ore. and Seattle, placing the PNW in the top-tier. The list (which hasn't been repeated since by the magazine) was based on things like the quantity of pet supply and pet service businesses; the availability and affordability of veterinary services; and the amount of public park acreage, especially dog parks.

The first off-leash dog park in Tacoma debuted in 2004. Though only 1.5 acres in size, Rogers Dog Park, located at 3300 East L. St., is a popular spot for pet owners living in the city and is fully fenced. Then in 2009, MetroParks of Tacoma opened a second and third off-leash area within two existing parks, McKinley Park, 907 Upper Park St., and Point Defiance Park, 5400 N. Pearl St. Both areas measure 7 acres, respectively, but the off-leash areas for both are only partially fenced and may not be suitable for all dogs.

In 2005, a citizens' group called Protect Our Pets formed and worked with the City of Lakewood to develop the Fort Steilacoom Dog Park, located at 8714 87th Ave. SW. The completely fenced-in park is the largest in the area, spanning an astounding 22 acres, and offers two separate areas, one for smaller dogs and one for the larger breeds. Today the park is promoted and maintained by the 100 members of Protect Our Pets and is well known by pet-owners throughout the South Sound.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord also hopped on the dog park bandwagon and opened the fence to Massing of the Collars Dog Park, which is run by the office of Morale, Welfare and Recreation and sponsored by the Pet Brigade. The park, which has two separate areas that are each 3.5 acres, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As there is no physical address associated with the park, directions are in order and can be acquired through the Pet Brigade, (253) 912-4898 or Bldg. 04907, Pendleton Drive, JBLM North.

The Sound Hounds are another volunteer group dedicated to delivering for the dogs. They are actively working with the City of Olympia to open dog parks within the year and have announced the capital city has officially designated some areas. Currently, the Hawks Prairie Dog Park, at the corner of Hogan Bay Road. and Marvin Road., is slated to open this October.

Though there are no off-leash dog parks in Olympia (yet), the area does have an abundance of State Parks that are covered with plenty of dog-friendly trails. Pets must be under physical control at all times on a leash no longer than eight feet long and they aren't permitted on designated swimming beaches at all. Try hiking at the Tolmie state park (7730 61st Ave NE), Cape Disappointment State Park (1111 Israel Road SW) or Millersylvania State Park (12245 Tilley Road S.).

Last month, Dog Fancy released its top 40 list of the best metropolitan areas in which to own a dog. While there were more than 20 criteria used, part of the decision was based on having an active Humane Society and the number of pet festivals and events held in that area. Again, Seattle graced the list for obvious reasons - yet these accomplishments don't just benefit the pups.

Charity Navigator awarded the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County its highest 4-star rating for sound fiscal management this year. The designation means that the organization "executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America." The foundation recently held its Dog-A-Thon, which raised more than $156,000 to help homeless pets of all species.

The Furry 5k Fun Run and Walk benefit, put on by the Seattle Animal Shelter every year in June, raised more than $100,000 this year. All proceeds go directly to the Help the Animal Fund.

Likewise, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society's (PAWS) upcoming 5k walk on Sept. 11 at Seattle's Magnuson Park has broken the bank in years past and raised more than $200,000 for the animals that have been rescued, abandoned and/or are being rehabilitated at the non-profit's facility in Lynnwood. To get involved with this great cause, visit www.paws.org/pawswalk.html.

So bring your canine, feline, equine or ferret to the Puget Sound - they are welcome here. Moreover, they are appreciated, respected and loved. Purrs and wagging tails will abound.