(Image via pixabay)So it’s no surprise that 71% said they regularly put their pet’s needs before their own.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Chewy, the survey aimed to uncover the degree to which pet parents prioritize their pets’ happiness when making major life decisions and planning their daily activities.
According to respondents, pets influence what trips they take (40%), where they live (37%) and the people they hang out with (35%), and one-third (36%) said their pet even impacts how they spend money.
Pets also play a significant role in all aspects of day-to-day activities with nearly half of respondents (49%) admitting they plan their free time around being with their pet.
More than two in five (43%) would change plans so their pet could be included, and 39% would rather cancel to spend more time with their pet.
Almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents have gotten another pet for their pet and 33% would consider getting another.
Most commonly, it was to keep their pet from getting lonely (66%), but 51% did so to give their current pet more exercise.
To bolster their pet’s well-being and happiness, 23% have cooked them a homemade meal and 21% let them choose where they’d like to sleep in bed first.
Almost half (46%) of pet parents have spent more on their pet’s medical needs than their own.
But just make sure, if you're forking out for a dog groomer, that you don't make the same mistake as rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll:
It’s no surprise that 35% of pet owners cited “giving me kisses when I get home” as a way they bond with their four-legged friend.
Other common rituals pets and their parents share are watching TV or a movie together (38%) and lying next to one another in times of stress (36%).
But others share more intimate rituals. like taking a nap together (34%) or being “supervised” by their pet when they are in the shower or bathroom (32%).
TOP DECISIONS INFLUENCED BY PETS
- Getting another pet - 62%
- Medical expenses - 46%
- Changing plans – 43%
- Canceling plans – 39%
- Trips and vacations - 40%
- Where you sleep in bed - 21%
