According to the results of the “Purina New Zealand Pet Survey,” the majority of New Zealand companion animal owners believe that their companion animals have human-like emotions, and nearly one-third say their companion animals communicate feelings better than their human partners do. The results of this five question survey are presented cumulatively as well as regionally.

Among New Zealand companion animal owners:

• 75% believe that their companion animals have human-like emotions such as love and empathy
• 25% celebrate their companion animal’s birthday
• 26% say their companion animal has steered them away from danger, or helped them in some way
• 66% say their companion animal boosts their self esteem
• 31% say their companion animal communicates feelings better to them than their partner does

By gender, females (77%) are both more likely to believe their companion animals have human emotions versus males (67%), and say that their companion animals communicate feelings better to them than their male partners do (41% versus 21%).

Data are also presented by region for Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taranoki, Manawatu-Wanganui, Welington, Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland.