Category: Statistics

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Approximately two-thirds of all households in the U.S. own at least one pet, with dogs and cats being the most popular companion animal species. Dogs remain the most popular, in terms of the total number owned as well as the number of households that keep them, with cats coming in second. Other popular pets include fish and birds, as well as hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, and rabbits. Exotic pets such as reptiles and snakes have risen in popularity, but they still fall some way behind.

Texas falls a little way behind the national figures, with less than 60% of households owning at least one pet, and with just 20% of households owning cats, feline pets are seemingly very unpopular in The Lone Star State.

Below are 16 statistics related to pet ownership in Texas, including figures on the number and types of pets owned, as well as some alarming figures on pet homelessness in Texas.

The 16 Pet Ownership Statistics in Texas

1. Two-thirds of US households own a pet.
2. 65 million US households own dogs.
3. 47 million US households own cats.
4. Approximately 6.3 million animals enter shelters every year in the U.S.
5. 58% of households in Texas own at least one pet.
6. Nearly a quarter of Texans would prefer pets to children.
7. More than two-thirds of Texan pet owners are more concerned with their pet’s diet than their own.
8. 43% of households own at least one dog.
9. The average Texan dog owner has 1.7 dogs.
10. The most popular dog breed in Dallas is the French Bulldog.
11. The most popular dog in Houston is the French Bulldog.
12. Just 20% of Texan households have cats.
13. The average Texan cat owner keeps two cats.
14. The Persian is the most popular cat breed in Texas.
15. Texas has the highest number of cats and dogs killed in shelters of any state.
16. Nearly 600,000 animals enter Texan shelters every year.

General Pet Ownership Statistics

1. Two-thirds of US households own a pet.

(Forbes)

The portion of U.S. households that own pets has risen sharply in the past 30 years. In 1988, just 56% of households had at least one pet in their care. In 2023, 66%, or approximately two-thirds, of all houses have cats, dogs, or other pets. The reasons for owning pets vary greatly from companionship to offering emotional support to their owners. Ownership rates rose considerably between 2020 and 2022, during the Covid pandemic, when pets proved just how invaluable they are to people.

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2. 65 million US households own dogs.

(Forbes)

Dogs are the most popular pets in the U.S., in terms of the total population and the proportion of households that own one. Although there is no register and no way of getting a precise figure, it is estimated that there are 65 million dogs across the whole country.

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3. 47 million US households own cats.

(Forbes)

The population of 65 million dogs is nearly 40% higher than the 47 million cats that are kept in the U.S., although statistics show that cat owners are more likely to keep multiple cats than dog owners that will keep multiple dogs. And, while the cat vs dog debate will wage on with many people taking one side or the other, there are a lot of households that own both types of animal.

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4. Approximately 6.3 million animals enter shelters every year in the U.S.

(ASPCA)

Although there are more than 110 million cats and dogs living in houses across the U.S., the news isn’t as positive for all the companion animals in the country. More than 6 million cats and dogs enter shelters every year and while most do find homes, unfortunately, nearly a million of them are euthanized. Some euthanizations are considered humane because of severe illness, and some are euthanized because they cannot be safely placed with new owners, but many are euthanized because of a lack of space in shelters and because there is such high demand for places.

Texan Pets

5. 58% of households in Texas own at least one pet.

(World Population Review)

Texan households fall some way behind the national average when it comes to pet ownership, with just 58% of households owning at least one pet. This includes cat and dog owners and doesn’t take into account the number of pets that households own, however.

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6. Nearly a quarter of Texans would prefer pets to children.

(Times Record News)

Although less than 60% of households own a pet, which is lower than the national average, nearly a quarter of Texans said they would prioritize having pets over having children. Of course, many families and households do choose to have both, with parents getting pets to provide companionship to their children.

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7. More than two-thirds of Texan pet owners are more concerned with their pet’s diet than their own.

(Times Record News)

When it comes to caring for their pets, a significant majority of Texan pet owners said that they are more concerned with the nutritional benefits of their pet’s diet than they are their own. The same survey also found that pet owners in Texas would take 4 days off, on average, to care for a sick pet.

Texas Dogs

8. 43% of households own at least one dog.

(Pawlicy)

Dogs are the most popular pet across the U.S., and this is no different in Texas, where 43% of households own at least one dog. Many owners choose dogs because they are interactive pets. They become a part of the family, although they are higher maintenance than other pets. Dogs need regular walking, whereas most other animals can get their exercise in the house. Dogs are also seen as being more emotionally intuitive than other pets, even cats.

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9. The average Texan dog owner has 1.7 dogs.

(World Population Review)

While Texas might not have the highest dog ownership rates, households in the state that own a dog own, on average, 1.7 dogs. Reasons to keep more than one dog include providing companionship for the dog themselves and also because caring for two dogs is not seen as being twice as demanding as owning one dog: you can usually walk the dogs together, for example.

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10. The most popular dog breed in Dallas is the French Bulldog.

(AKC)

In 2022, the French Bulldog dethroned the Labrador Retriever as the country’s most popular breed. The Retriever had taken the top spot for more than 30 consecutive years, but the Frenchie has seen a significant increase in popularity in recent years, rising from the 14^th most popular breed in 2012 to the most popular 10 years later. Similarly, the most popular dog breed in Dallas in 2022, was the French Bulldog, followed by the Golden Retriever, Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle. The national list is similar, although the Bulldog is replaced by the German Shepherd nationally.

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11. The most popular dog in Houston is the French Bulldog.

(AKC)

Houston’s list of the five most popular breeds has a very similar look to it, featuring the same five breeds, albeit with a slight difference in order. The French Bulldog remains the top dog with the Bulldog the second most popular breed. The remaining spots went to the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Poodle, respectively.

Texas Cats

12. Just 20% of Texan households have cats (one of the lowest).

(Pawlicy)

While more than 40% of Texan households own dogs, less than half this amount own cats, with just 1 in 5 households owning one or more feline companions. It isn’t clear why dogs are so much more popular than cats in the state.

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13. The average Texan cat owner keeps two cats.

(World Population Review)

While fewer households own cats, those that do like to keep the numbers up. On average, cat-owning households in Texas own an average of two cats, which is more than 1.7 average dogs that dog owners keep. Cats are generally less intrusive and can require less attention during the day. They also take up less space, and these could be the principal reasons why there are more cats per cat household than dogs in dog households.

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14. The Persian is the most popular cat breed in Texas.

(Shane Co)

While an overwhelming majority of cats are moggies, or mixed breeds, the most popularly searched cat breed in Texas is the Persian. The Persian is a long-haired breed with a beautiful white coat. They are generally quiet and unassuming cats that will get along very well with their owners but tend to be somewhat aloof with strangers until they form a bond.

Shelters and Rescues

15. Texas has the highest number of cats and dogs killed in shelters of any state.

(Houston Chronicle)

Unfortunately, as well as having low pet ownership rates, Texas also has the highest number of cats and dogs that are euthanized in shelters and rescues every year, when compared to other states in the U.S. Texas shelters have a kill rate, which is the percentage of animals that go into shelters that are euthanized, of just under 20%.

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16. Nearly 600,000 animals enter Texan shelters every year.

(Houston Chronicle)

Of the 6 million or so cats and dogs that enter shelters in the U.S. every year, approximately 10% of these are in Texas, where ownership rates are lower than average. 600,000 pets enter shelters and rescues in The Lone Star State every year, with the split around 50/50 between cats and dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Ownership in Texas

Are any dog breeds banned in Texas?

The State of Texas does not ban any specific breeds of dogs. In fact, Texas has openly come out against banning specific breeds, instead preferring to put the onus on owners to ensure their dogs are safe. The decision to ban certain breeds is left to individual municipalities. So, if you’re considering getting a breed like a Pitbull, you will need to check with your local laws to ensure the breed isn’t prohibited.

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Are there any limits to the number of cats and dogs you can own?

Similarly, many pet ownership laws are set by the city rather than the state. In Austin, for example, it is illegal to have more than three adult dogs or cats over 4 months. In Dallas, it is also illegal to own more than four pets. (Texas Capital)

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How many horses are there in Texas?

While Texas might not be well known for its dog or cat population, the state clearly loves its horses with an approximate population of more than three-quarters of a million horses. While there aren’t as many horses as there are cats and dogs, Texas is believed to have the highest equine population of any state and it may explain why comparatively fewer households own other pets. (A-Z Animals)

Conclusion

Texas is the second largest state in the U.S. both in terms of population and physical size. But, while it is known for its love of horses, the state has fewer cat and dog-owning households per capita than the national average and most other states. Approximately 40% of Texan households own dogs and just 20% of households own cats, with dog owners having an average of 1.7 dogs each and cat owners with two cats each.

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Featured Image Credit: THOMAS MCALLISTER, Shutterstock

The post 16 Pet Ownership Statistics in Texas (Updated in 2023) appeared first on Pet Keen.

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Pet ownership in the United States is a big deal. Americans love animals, and American households are full of them. Florida is the third most populous state in the United States, with a population of 22.2 million, which translates to a lot of people and potentially a lot of pets. That raises the question about pet ownership in the state of Florida. How many people own pets? Which pets are the most popular? How does Florida rank compared to other states in the United States? This guide will cover those questions and more as we dive into 14 pet ownership statistics out of the state of Florida.

14 Pet Ownership Statistics in Florida

1. Florida has a household pet ownership rate of 56%.
2. There are an estimated 12.5 million pet owners in Florida.
3. 5 million households in Florida own at least one pet.
4. Florida has a household dog ownership rate of 39.8%.
5. Florida has a household cat ownership rate of 24.2%.
6. Florida ranks 34th in the United States for household pet ownership rate.
7. Florida ranks 24th in the United States for household dog ownership.
8. Florida ranks 36th in the United States for household cat ownership.
9. The most popular dog breeds in Florida are the Labrador Retriever, the German Shepherd, and the Golden Retriever.
10. Revenue at pet and pet supply stores in Florida has risen by 66% since 2012, and that number is projected to continue to rise.
11. Florida is home to two of the top three pet friendly cities in the United States.
12. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists 42 exotic species that can be owned with the proper permit.
13. Over 500 non-native (invasive) species have been observed in Florida.
14. Fish, birds, and reptiles are the three most popular pets to own after dogs and cats.

Florida Pet Ownership Top Line Numbers

1. Florida has a household pet ownership rate of 56%.

(Wise Voter)

Over half of all households in Florida own a pet. That means that one out of every two Floridians lives in a house with a cat, dog, horse, or other pet. That might sound high, but Florida surprisingly does not rank very highly in terms of overall pet ownership. Many people think that Florida would be a great place to own a pet due to the climate, ample areas to walk your dog, and the pet friendly amenities found across the state. But those things do not directly translate to pet ownership in the state.

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2. There are an estimated 12.5 million pet owners in Florida.

(US Census Bureau)

Using the most recent census data (2020), we can take the overall number of people in the state and extrapolate the number of pet owners. That number comes out to 12.5 million. That number might not equate to the exact number of pets in the state, because some people live in households with multiple pets, and some people share pets with family and significant others. Another way to read this number is to say that there are 12.5 million people that live in pet-owning households.

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3. 5 million households in Florida own at least one pet.

(US Census Bureau)

Using the most recent census data (2020), we can figure out the estimated number of pet-owning households. There are 8.1 million households in Florida, of which 56% own at least one pet. The average number of people that live in a Florida household is 2.57, according to the US Census Bureau.

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4. Florida has a household dog ownership rate of 39.8%.

(Wise Voter)

Dogs are much more popular in Florida than cats. Nearly 4 in 10 households own a dog in the state of Florida. That makes sense considering that Florida routinely ranks as one of the most dog-friendly states in the United States. Dogs are very popular in Florida but not as popular as they are in other states. Note that there is some overlap between dog and cat owners, which drives the overall pet ownership rate in the state (multi-pet households).

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5. Florida has a household cat ownership rate of 24.2%.

(World Population Review)

Less than a quarter of Florida households contain at least one cat. That number is fairly low. Cats are much less popular than dogs in Florida. Florida also ranks much lower in terms of the percentage of cat owners than other states, leaving Florida in the bottom third for cat ownership in the United States.

How Florida Compares to Other States in the United States

6. Florida ranks 34th in the United States for household pet ownership rate.

(Wise Voter)

Florida only ranks 34th in the United States in terms of overall pet ownership rate. This rate includes cats, dogs, fish, reptiles, and other small pets. One reason that Florida pet ownership lags behind other states is due to the large number of transplants and retirees that come to the state. Many people who move into Florida come without pets, and retirees are less likely to own pets than younger generations like millennials. This drags Florida down considerably in terms of overall pet ownership.

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7. Florida ranks 24th in the United States for household dog ownership.

(World Population Review)

Florida ranks in the middle for dog ownership rates nationwide. Given that Florida has numerous outdoor activities and generally good weather year-round, it is a little surprising that more households do not own dogs. Twenty-three states rank higher than Florida in terms of dog ownership. Other southern states, like Arkansas and Mississippi, rank in the top 10 in terms of dog ownership. One of the reasons that Florida ranks lower than these states is the lack of a strong hunting culture in Florida compared to other states where hunting dogs drive dog ownership numbers.

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8. Florida ranks 36th in the United States for household cat ownership.

(World Population Review)

Despite being one of the most populous states in the nation, Florida ranks surprisingly low in terms of cat ownership. Less than a quarter of Florida households have a cat. That is far below some of the most cat-crazy states, which routinely see numbers north of 30% for cat ownership. This means that only 13 states have lower cat ownership numbers than Florida. The low rate of cat ownership rounds out a surprising showing for Florida pet ownership as a whole.

The State of Pet Ownership in Florida

9. The most popular dog breeds in Florida are the Labrador Retriever, the German Shepherd, and the Golden Retriever.

(Reader’s Digest)

Florida loves its dogs. There are a large number of Floridians that own dogs, but the state does have its favorites. According to a recent survey, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in Florida. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers come in second and third, respectively. This is a very close race at the top, and for many years, these three dogs have switched places, but there is a strong consensus about these breeds in Florida. Some local areas, like South Florida, have a strong showing of other breeds, such as French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas.

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10. Revenue at pet and pet supply stores in Florida has risen by 66% since 2012, and that number is projected to continue to rise.

(Statista)

Florida’s attentiveness towards pets can be seen in revenue generated by pet stores and pet supply stores. In 2012, the total revenue from pet stores in the state was less than $1 billion. In 2023, the revenue is projected to be $1.4 billion, and in 2024 that number is projected to rise further to nearly $1.5 billion or more. This represents a growth of 66% which far outstrips inflation. These numbers show that Floridians are willing to spend more and more on their pets as time goes on.

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11. Florida is home to two of the top three pet friendly cities in the United States.

(WalletHub)

Florida owns two of the top three friendliest cities in the country for pets. Those cities are Tampa and St. Petersburg. Both of these cities are just a few miles from one another on Florida’s west coast. The large number of outdoor dining options, beaches, pet friendly hotels, and veterinarian clinics make these cities some of the best places to live if you have a pet. Orlando, Miami, Hialeah (a suburb of Miami), and Jacksonville also make the list. That gives Florida six of the top 51 pet-friendly cities in the nation, which is a strong showing.

Exotic Pets in Florida

12. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists 42 exotic species that can be owned with the proper permit.

(Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

Florida is a popular place for exotic animals. Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) lists 42 individual species that people are allowed to own if they acquire the proper permit from the department. Some of these exotic species include oddities like wolves, giraffes, and ostriches. Florida’s warm climate and sunny weather make it ideal for a large variety of exotic species, especially ones that like to live outdoors.

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13. Over 500 non-native (invasive) species have been observed in Florida, with many being introduced as exotic pets.

(University of Florida IFAS Extension)

Florida is one of the states with the highest number of invasive species. One of the reasons for this is the number of exotic pets that come into the state. Florida is a major importer of animals, both legal and illegal. Its close proximity to tropical climates in the Caribbean and Central and South America makes it the ideal point of entry for numerous exotic species. These species then escape or are set free in Florida and populate in the wild. Examples of invasive species that have plagued the state in recent years are certain species of iguana, the dreaded Burmese Python, and a species of Giant African Land Snail.

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14. Fish, birds, and reptiles are the three most popular pets to own after dogs and cats.

(Pawlicy Advisor)

Dogs and cats are by far and away the most popular pets in the United States. After dogs and cats, fish, surprisingly, come in third. There are over 11 million households in the United States that own fish. Birds and reptiles each account for roughly 5 million households in terms of pet ownership. These numbers are far below the 63 million households that own dogs and 43 million households that own cats. There is no reason to think that these numbers do not also apply to Florida, though there are no hard numbers regarding small animal ownership in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Ownership Statistics in Florida

Is Florida Considered a Pet Friendly State?

Yes. Even though Florida does not rank very highly when it comes to overall pet ownership, it is considered to be a very friendly state for pets and pet owners. Florida is home to two of the most pet friendly cities in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Florida is also considered one of the easiest places to travel with your pet. Since much of Florida’s economy is tied to the tourism industry, they do whatever they can to ensure that people of all kinds, including pet owners, can easily and affordably travel to Florida and enjoy time with their pets.

How Does the Rate of Pet Ownership in Florida Compare to Other States?

The state with the highest rate of pet ownership is Wyoming. 71% of Wyoming households own pets. West Virginia is a close second, with 70% of households owning pets. This is double the rate of pet ownership in the lowest states. These states are known for their low population density and strong outdoor cultures (hunting, fishing, camping, etc.), which drives pet ownership compared to other areas of the country. (World Population Review)

Washington, DC, has the lowest rate of pet ownership by far. Rhode Island has the second lowest number of pet-owning households. Only 38% of Washington, DC households own a pet. This can be attributed to the small dwellings, shared living accommodations, and frequent travel of DC residents. (Wise Voter)

Which Generation Has the Highest Rate of Pet Ownership?

Millennials are the generation with the highest rate of pet ownership. Millennials far outrank both their parents’ generation (Generation X), Baby Boomers, and Generation Z. The data is still not in about how many pets Gen Z will end up owning as many of them still live under their parents’ roofs. Since this data is collected periodically, the firm numbers on Generation Z might not be clear for another few years as they age and move into their own homes.

Conclusion

Despite being one of the most pet friendly states in the nation, Florida ranks surprisingly low in terms of pet ownership. The highest Florida rank is 24th for dog ownership, but overall, pet ownership and cat ownership lag far behind other areas of the United States. Florida continues to show strong growth in revenue for pet supply stores and continues to lead the way in pet friendly amenities. Florida is hampered by its large number of retirees and older generations who own pets at much lower rates than younger generations like Millennials and Generation Z.

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Featured Image Credit: U__Photo, Shutterstock

The post 14 Pet Ownership Statistics in Florida to Know appeared first on Pet Keen.

There are few things in a person’s life that are more important to them than their pets or their relationship partners. But how do these two spheres interact when they are put under the same roof? That was the question at the root of a recent survey that we at Pet Keen ran that asked participants to illuminate their relationships as it pertains to their pets and their partners. The results were a mixture of surprise and common sense.

As pets continue to rise as a dominating force in the social landscape, more people than ever before are going to have to learn to navigate having a serious human relationship as well as a serious relationship with their pets. How people navigate these waters can determine whether or not they have a solid long-term relationship or are able to own pets in a marriage.

The results of this survey help parse through pet parents, their pets, and the family dynamics between them and their human partners. These are some of the most interesting results to come out of the survey with analysis and a brief explanation of the survey and methodology.

In this statistics guide, we’ll go over:

• Pet Parenting Basics
• Who Covers the Expenses?
• Pets in the Bedroom
• Relationships
• Our Survey Methodology

The 12 Pet Family Dynamics Statistics

1. Two thirds of people surveyed identified as the “primary pet parent.”
2. Half of the people surveyed said they had owned their pets for 1 to 3 years.
3. 41% of people admitted to spending a whopping 4 to 6 hours a day with their pets.
4. 58% of people surveyed claimed to do all of the work in caring for their pets (including feeding, grooming, cleaning, etc.).
5. The majority of respondents spend between $100 and $300 per month on their pets.
6. Just over half of all respondents claim to bear the full financial burden of their pets (100% of the cost).
7. 87% of respondents say pet expenses never cause a problem in their relationship.
8. 36% of respondents sleep with their pets at night.
9. 82% of pet owners claim they are on the same page as their partner about pets sleeping in the bed.
10. 55% of people prefer snuggling with their pets and their partners at the same time.
11. 65% discipline their pets without fear of harming the harmony of the home.
12. One in three people admits to thinking about their pet before anything else after a bad day.

Pet Parenting Basics

1. Two thirds of people surveyed identified as the “primary pet parent”

The data shows that 68% of respondents claim to be the primary pet parent meaning they take on the bulk of the burden of caring for the pet. That means that only one in three couples that have pets together “co-parent” or share the burdens of caring for the pet. This can either show a special affinity of one partner for the pets or a general division of labor within the relationship. These numbers are similar to the overall statistics surrounding the division of labor within a shared household. A Pew Research study claims that 59% of women do more chores than their partners around the house.

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2. Half of the people surveyed said they had owned their pets for 1 to 3 years.

50% of the pet owners surveyed say that they have owned their pets for 1 to 3 years. That makes most of the respondents relatively new to pet ownership. Since dogs and cats can live well past 10 years old if they remain healthy, this shows that most of the surveyed pet parents are relatively new. This tracks with the data that showed an explosion in pet ownership that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no questions regarding how long each partner has been together, so it is hard to say if old relationships are accepting new pets or if new relationships are coming with pets from the jump.

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3. 41% of people admitted to spending a whopping 4 to 6 hours a day with their pets.

If people get an average of 8 hours of sleep per night, that means that a good chunk of them are spending 25% to 33% of their waking hours with their pets. And that is happening every single day. That is a lot of time to spend with a pet. It also shows that 59% of pet parents are either spending less than 4 hours per day with their pet or more. This can potentially show a divide between people who work from or stay at home versus people that have to leave the house for work. Leaving the house for work will severely decrease a person’s ability to spend long hours with their pet.

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4. 58% of people surveyed claimed to do all of the work in caring for their pets (including feeding, grooming, cleaning, taking them to the vet, etc.).

Over half of the respondents claim to do everything for their pets. That shows zero division of labor in the relationship between partners regarding their pets. There is a 10-point discrepancy between people who claimed to be the “primary” parent, which shows that roughly 10% of people share some duties with their partner compared to 58% that share no duties with their partner. The respondents were asked to clarify, and they confirmed that doing everything means literally everything for their pet. Whether this lack of a fair division of labor regarding pets is intentional or unintentional is not clear.

 

Who Covers the Expenses?

5. The majority of respondents spend between $100 and $300 per month on their pets.

Pets are a serious expense. People who own pets and are in a relationship should discuss the financial implications of owning pets. $100 to $300 per month is not an amount that can easily be left out of a budget. A plurality of respondents claimed to pay more than $300 per month or less than $100 per month for their pets. There should also be a conversation about who has to pay for the cost of owning the pets.

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6. Just over half of all respondents claim to bear the full financial burden of their pets (100% of the cost).

A simple majority, 51%, of people surveyed claimed to bear the full financial responsibility for their pets. Using other data provided, that means that half of the pet owners in a relationship are potentially spending hundreds of dollars per month out of their own accounts to pay for their pets. An unequal division of labor and finances could potentially lead to problems down the road if these things start to breed resentment between the human partners in the relationship or resentment between the person footing the bill and the pets themselves.

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7. 87% of respondents say pet expenses never cause a problem in their relationship.

Despite the glaring inequality that seems to be present in relationships with pets, an overwhelming majority of respondents answered that pet expenses never cause a problem in the relationship. That is good news for the health of these relationships. On the other hand, 13% of people claimed that pet expenses sometimes or frequently cause problems in the relationship. That is not a very large portion of the people surveyed, but if you extrapolate this data out to the general population, that could result in millions of unhappy people.

Pets in the Bedroom

8. 36% of respondents sleep with their pets at night.

Over one in three people sleep with their pets at night. Assuming that most of the partners surveyed sleep together, as is common, that means that 36% of people are sleeping with one or more pets and one or more additional people in bed. That can become cozy (or squeezy) very quickly. More surprising is the fact that 64% of respondents do not sleep with their pets at night, which is perhaps higher than expected. That means that a large majority of people are presumably sleeping with just their partners in bed.

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9. 82% of pet owners claim they are on the same page as their partner about pets sleeping in the bed.

The vast majority of people claim that they are on the same page as their partner when it comes to pets sleeping in bed. That is good news and should dispel any concerns about pets driving a (literal) wedge between people when it comes to sleeping arrangements. It also likely dispels any concerns or myths about dogs having a negative impact on intimacy or quality time in the bedroom after dark. Still, that leaves 18% of people that have a potential point of conflict surrounding their pets sleeping in bed with them, which is nearly one in five.

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10. 55% of people prefer snuggling with their pets and their partners at the same time.

More good news for people who enjoy sleeping with their pets is the fact that over half of the people surveyed claim to enjoy snuggling with their pets and partners at the same time. That is opposed to snuggling either the pets or the partner separately. That shows that a large number of people enjoy spending communal snuggle time with the members of their immediate partnership, which can be good for bonding and relaxing. However, that means that 45% of people prefer to snuggle with either their pet or their partner. If someone prefers to snuggle their pet over their partner, that could be an awkward sticking point in a relationship.

Relationships

11. 65% discipline their pets without fear of harming the harmony of the home.

Nearly two in three people claim that they can discipline their pet without fear of ruining the pet-parent relationship. They also do not fear disciplining their pet in front of their partners. This can be good for house cohesion. If everyone is on the same page about discipline and the pets respond well to discipline, it can create a more harmonious environment. Pets that misbehave or regularly get away with bad behavior can quickly become an irritant in a relationship. 13% of people admitted to never disciplining their pets at home. Hopefully, those people have perfectly well-behaved pets.

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12. One in three people admits to thinking about their pet before anything else after a bad day.

Despite all participants in the survey being in committed relationships, including marriage, one in three people admits to thinking about their pet first after the end of a long day. Normally, people like to think about someone or something that is going to comfort them or offer them respite from a lousy day. The fact that so many people (346) claim to think about their pet first can be concerning for the other partner in the relationship. In fact, only 19% of respondents claimed to think about their partner first after a long day. 43% said they think about both. These people offered a bit of a cop-out since the question asked which you think about first, so it is hard to imagine that both of those come to mind simultaneously.

Our Survey Methodology

Overview

These results were compiled from a general survey taken by 1,000 people. Every person was screened to ensure that they were a pet owner who was in a committed relationship. The respondents were pooled from a variety of countries and nationalities. The questions were comprised of largely multiple choice questions with a few fill-in-the-blank answers provided for greater detail. The answers were then sorted and parsed. Many questions had more than two options which raised the possibility of some questions ending in pluralities rather than majorities.

The point of the survey was to determine the relationship dynamics between people and pets within the framework of a committed relationship. The survey wanted to determine if pets play a large role in a relationship and whether pets make relationships better, have no effect, or have an adverse effect on these relationships.

Demographics

Basic Demographics

Survey Method

Breakdown of Pets Owned

Breakdown of Pet Sex

Breakdown of Pet Origin

Pet Social Media Presence

Questions

The survey was comprised of a total of 36 questions. Thirty questions were multiple choice, and six of the questions were long form or fill-in-the-blank. The survey had a good completion rate, with every multiple choice question receiving more than 800 responses. Long form answers received a lower response rate but still managed to generate over 100 responses each.

Fair Use Statement

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