dog and human relationship facts

Pets are a huge part of our lives. And for many of us, the pandemic made that human-animal bond stronger. In fact, Banfield asked 1,000 people who got a dog or cat in the past two years how owning a pet impacted their social lives, and the results are fascinating. 

Party animals 

Thankfully pets are allowed in public spaces more than ever, which is a good thing since pet owners want to be sipping, dining, and hanging with their furry besties (the social bond is strong!). In our survey, 63% of respondents told us they’d feel more comfortable during social interactions if they were able to bring their pets, and a whopping 94% of respondents said their pet impacted their social life. How could they not impact our social lives? Pets are the bee’s knees — the butter to our toast.

Swipe left on pets and dating 

When it comes to dating, pets and their human companions are often a package deal. Almost half of new millennial pet owners reconsidered who they date based on if their pet liked them, and 10% of respondents admitted to cancelling a date in the past year because their pet couldn’t come along. Also, nearly 1 in 2 respondents admitted they focused less on their budding romantic social relationships life to spend time with their furry friend. But pets also bring people together: 1 in 5 respondents shared that they met their significant others thanks to being out and about with their pet.

Love and marriage (and pets) 

For many people, it’s nearly impossible to think about saying “I do” without their beloved furry friend in attendance. 51% of pet owner respondents, including 62% of Gen Zers and 49% of millennials, are planning to incorporate their pet in their wedding, and 45% plan to select or change their honeymoon destination so they can bring their pet. Nothing like sitting poolside with your doggyBFF or kittyBAE.
 
Read more interesting survey results about pets, their humans, and the potential positive effects of human-animal interaction.