Nearly 1 in 3 Pet Owners Love Their Pets More Than Their Partners 

Pets are our best friends and companions, but what happens when they have competition for your affection? For some, pets are basically family, which can make it difficult to find a pet-loving partner, handle co-parenting with a significant other, or figure out pet logistics after a relationship ends. 

A new survey of more than 900 Americans explores how pets impact relationships for better and sometimes for worse.

When it comes to some pet owners, their animals come first! Nearly 1 in 3 (31%) people surveyed in a relationship say they love their pets more than their partners, and 1 in 10 have even gone so far as to dump someone because their pet didn’t like them.

From the get-go, pets play a role in choosing potential partners. Over half (59%) of survey respondents with pets refuse to date someone who doesn’t want pets. Almost a third of people mention pets in their dating profile, and 11% have even gone so far as to bring their pet on a date. 

“There’s a psychological reason why I believe pet ownership is so common now,” said Dr. Wendy Walsh, psychologist and relationship expert. “We are living in a time where more people than ever are single and living alone. Relationships with animals sometimes function as surrogate relationships.”

While pets are beloved, they can sometimes cause disagreements between couples. Nearly 1 in 6 (17%) survey respondents have fought with a partner or a date about their pet.

The top reported causes for pet-related arguments are:

1. Pet behavior issues
2. Conflicting views on discipline/training
3. Disagreement over pet care responsibilities
4. Pet impact on living arrangements
5. Partner giving pet more attention than significant other
6. Disagreement about pet-related expenses

Pets are a big step for many people who are in committed relationships. Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) surveyed share a pet with their current partner, and 61% got the pet together. It’s a big but positive change for many couples. 57% said they believe their pet has brought them closer to their partner. 

Nearly half (48%) said they consider their pet to be their child, and (much like children) pets can get in the way! Over a third of couples sleep with their pets in the bed, and 28% say their pet has ruined an intimate moment with their partner.

While couples can get pets with the best intentions, relationships don’t always work out, and breakups have the potential to get complicated. Nearly 2 in 3 (63%) survey respondents who share pets do not have a plan if they break up.

Some pet owners would sacrifice a lot to keep their pets in their lives, with 32% saying they would be willing to give up their mutual friends or social circle for their pet and 20% willing to give up their joint savings or financial assets.

Pets play a powerful role in relationships, influencing everything from who people choose as their significant other to creating a sense of family among couples. Animals have an incredible ability to create deep emotional bonds that can have a lifetime impact on anyone, whether they’re married, dating, or single. 

In October 2024, we surveyed 920 pet owners who are not married about the animals they own and how it affects their relationships. 60% were women, 38% were men, and 2% were non-binary or would rather not say. Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 82, with an average age of 39. 
For media inquiries, contact media@datingadvice.com.