How much are pets influencing their owners’ choices?
New research found that 40% of US pet parents decide which trips they do based on their animals.
A survey of 2,000 owners by OnePoll and Chewy found that 71% admit they regularly put their pet’s needs before their own.
Almost 8 out of 10 respondents agreed that seeing their pets when they come home is the best part of their day.
Pets are also a big influence on which trips they take (40%), where they live (37%), and the people they hang out with (35%). In addition, half the American pet parents admitted they plan their free time around being with their animals.
As much as 43% of respondents would change plans to include their dogs or cats, and 4 out of 10 would rather cancel to spend more time with their pets.
“This reflects the larger trend of ‘pet prioritization,’ or placing our pets’ needs above our own when considering major life decisions or planning our social calendars and daily behaviors,” said Dr. Katy Nelson from Chewy.
Pets for pets
The survey also showed that animals have the power to change human behavior and feelings. Since getting a pet, respondents believe they’re more responsible (40%) and empathetic (32%). Almost 28% even feel more prepared to have kids.
According to the survey results, 62% of respondents got another pet for their pet, and 33% would consider getting another.
The main reasons for getting a new pet are to keep their other pet from becoming lonely (66%) and to give their current pet more exercise (51%).
In addition, 46% of respondents said they spent more on their pet’s medical needs than their own, and one-third agreed that pet behavior and necessities impact how they spend their money.
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