Pet Parents Prioritize Fur Babies’ Happiness Over Their Own: Poll

Liam adam2022-09-26

For nearly four out of five Americans, the ideal welcoming committee has four legs.

That’s according to a new survey of 2,000 pet owners, where 78% agree that seeing their pet when they get home is the best part of their day.

So it’s no surprise that 71% say they regularly put their pet’s needs ahead of their own.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Chewy, the survey aimed to find out the extent to which pet owners prioritize the happiness of their pets when making important life decisions and planning their daily activities.

According to respondents, pets influence the trips they take (40%), where they live (37%) and who they hang out with (35%), and a third (36%) have said their pet even had an impact on their spending. silver.

Pets also play an important role in all aspects of daily activities, with almost half of respondents (49%) admitting to planning their free time while being with their pet.

Pet parents prioritize the happiness of their pets when making important life decisions and planning their daily activities.

More than two in five (43%) would change plans so their pet can be included, and 39% would rather cancel to spend more time with their pet.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents have bought another pet for their pet and 33% would consider buying another.

Most often it was to keep their pet from feeling lonely (66%), but 51% did so to give their current pet more exercise.

Seeing pets on the way home is the best part of the day for most.

« Pets have become our entire world, so it’s no surprise to see them claiming a prominent place in the household, » said Dr. Katy Nelson, senior veterinarian at Chewy. « This reflects the broader trend of ‘pet prioritization’ or placing the needs of our pets above our own when considering major life decisions or planning our social calendars. and our daily behaviors.

To promote the well-being and happiness of their animal, 23% prepared a homemade meal for them and 21% let them choose where they would like to sleep first.

Nearly half (46%) of pet owners spent more on their pet’s medical needs than on their own.

People have admitted to having a pet for their pet.

Having a pet changed respondents’ lives in ways they could not have imagined.

Since having a pet, respondents believe they are more responsible (40%) and empathetic (32%). Nearly three in 10 (28%) even feel better prepared to have children.

About half (51%) of respondents say they are equally in tune with their emotions and those of their pet, and two in five (20%) say they are more in tune with their pet’s emotions than their own.

Nearly half said they spent more on their pet's medical needs than on their own. — Nearly half said they spent more on their pet’s medical needs than on their own.

This essential connection has allowed pet owners to learn about their pet’s love language: more than half (55%) said their four-legged friend has a love language, and 36% believe that it is a physical contact in the form of caresses, kisses. and hugs.

Another 24% believe quality time is the path to their pet’s heart.

« The deep understanding of our pets’ emotions and personalities increases our attention to their needs and the desire to provide them with premium care and comfort, » Nelson said. “While this can sometimes be expensive, affordable options such as wellness and insurance offers and online vet visits through Connect with a Vet can help pet owners keep their pets as happy as possible. »

Less than a third think having a pet has prepared them for having children.

Naturally, this may be why many respondents find it more difficult to leave pets at home.

More than half (62%) wish they could bring their pets with them when they go “all the time” or “most of the time”.

And for when it’s best to leave them at home, pet owners give them hugs and kisses (42%), give them their favorite toy or blanket (39%) and turn on the TV (35% ) to make sure they are comfortable and happy.

The elected officials admitted to cooking homemade meals and letting the animals sleep in their beds.

It’s no surprise that 35% of pet owners cited “kissing me when I get home” as a way to bond with their furry friend.

Other common rituals that pets and their parents share are watching TV or a movie together (38%) and lying next to each other in times of stress (36%).

But others share more intimate rituals. such as taking a nap together (34%) or being “watched” by their pet when they are in the shower or in the bathroom (32%).