Companion Animals Are Seen As Part Of The Family By Three in Four
This 2005 survey of companion animal owners found that 75% said their companion animal is a loyal companion and part of the family. Nearly half would take their companion animal on vacation with them and 31% would take their companion animal to work if they could. This survey also explores other attitudes and characteristics of companion animal owners.
In other results, this survey found that women are particularly close to their companion animals; 31% spend more time with their companion animal than their spouse/significant other, versus 15% of men. In addition, 16% of women say they are likely to dump their boyfriend if their companion animal didn’t like them, versus 6% of men who say the same thing about their girlfriends.
When asked about the best part of having a companion animal, the most frequent responses were:
- My companion animal provides unconditional love (34%)
- My companion animal is always happy to see me (21%)
- My companion animal keeps me company (20%)
Companion animal owners also attribute human habits and characteristics to their companion animal. About 32% say their companion animal watches TV, 48% say their companion animal sleeps on the bed and hogs the covers and pillows, and 51% of dog owners and 40% of cat owners say their companion animal sits by dinner table and begs for human food.