New research has revealed the lengths we will go to for our beloved pets as findings of The We’re All for Pets 2023 Report are revealed.
Two thirds (67%) of dog and cat owners admit they have dumped, or are on the brink of dumping, a partner because their pet didn’t like them.
The study, which was commissioned by Pets at Home to mark its new rebrand, found that pet owners have ended as many as TWO relationships purely because their pet didn’t get along with their other half.
Under 29 year olds are most likely to finish a relationship (75%), along with women (74% for women, compared to 60% for men).
The study found that more than half (54%) of pet owners say they trust their pet’s gut instinct when it comes to people, with 48 percent agreeing that their companion is a good judge of character.
We trust our pets so much that one in three (33%) value the opinion of their dog or cat over family and friends when it comes to potential love interests.
And, half (55%) see their pet as part of their family, with one in four (28%) going a step further and claiming that they and their beloved animal come as a package deal when dating. One in 20 (3%) even TAKE their pet on dates with them.
Despite a sixth (22%) saying they always look forward to introducing a new partner to their pet,
UK pet owners wait an average of four dates before taking the step of putting a potential love interest in front of their trusted animal companion.
Dr Karlien Heyrman, Head of Pets at Pets at Home, said: “We are a nation crazy about our pets – they bring so much joy to our lives and, because of that, it really is no wonder we value their opinion so much when it comes to building romantic relationships. According to The We’re All for Pets study, many owners even believe their pet understands them better than other people so it’s no surprise that they trust their judgement!
“A common sign of a cat showing affection is them rubbing their head on you or rolling over and showing their belly – although that shouldn’t be taken as an invitation to touch it! And if dogs wag their tail then they’re showing they have warmed to you, so look out for these on first meetings with pets.”
And potential partners may have to be prepared to be slightly further down the pecking order when it comes to our pets.
We love our pets so much that one in five owners (19%) have even had a TATTOO of their furry companion, and three quarters (74%) say they share their sofa or bed with their pet even if it means they are in a more uncomfortable position.
Some pet owners (13%) spend more on gifts for their animal companion than on presents for family and friends.
The study also found that four in ten (40%) dog and cat owners believe that the way someone interacts with a pet is a good indication of the kind of person they are, with a third (29%) admitting that they wouldn’t date someone if they weren’t an ‘animal person’.
A third (34%) say that being a pet lover is a must have when looking for a potential partner, so much so that one in ten (seven percent) will ONLY date someone who has a furry friend themselves.
Women are on the hunt for a pet lover (39%) more so than men (29%), with one in ten (8%) female dog and cat owners confessing that they will only go out with someone who has a pet.
While 15% of pet owners would prefer to go out with someone who has a pet rather than children.
The refreshed Pets at Home brand brings together all elements of its pet care business, including more than 450 Pets at Home stores, over 350 grooming salons, and almost 500 veterinary surgeries and practices. Pets at Home is one destination for all pet care needs, dedicated to making life better for pets and the people who love them.
