The vast majority of U.S. companion animal guardians (86%) consider their companion animals to be family members. This survey examines a variety of companion animal guardian habits, including selection of human names as companion animal names, sleeping habits, and other questions. The results further support the majority’s view of their companion animal as family members.

Of those surveyed, approximately 72% of respondents had at least one dog, 47% had at least one cat, 12% had fish, and 6% had birds. Clearly, the majority of respondents consider their companion animals to be part of their family. Specifically, half believe their companion animals is “just as much a part of the family as any other person in the household,” and 36% believe that their pet is part of the family, “but not as much as the people in the household.” A smaller proportion believe that their companion animals is part of their household, but not part of their family.

Specific behaviors related to companion animals:

• 49% of companion animals have human names (25% human names only, 24% multiple pets- human and non-human names), 46% have non-human names only, and 6% refused to answer.
• 30% of respondents allow their companion animals to sleep in their bed, 33% sleep in their own beds or cages, 13% sleep outdoors, and 23% sleep somewhere else.
• 19% of those surveyed have bought an outfit for their companion animals , while 81% have not.
• 54% of owners do not believe their companion animals has its own sense of style, while 43% believe they do, and 2% don’t know.
• 72% of companion animal guardians do not celebrate their pet’s birthday or the day it came to live with them, while 27% do and 1% did not know.
• 35% have included their companion animal in a family portrait.
• 33% have included their companion animal in a holiday card.
• 42% have taken a companion animal on vacation.
• 17% have taken a companion animal to work.
• 16% have taken a companion animal somewhere it isn’t allowed, like a hotel or store.

According to survey respondents, pets receive “human food” always (12%), sometimes (31%), rarely (30%), and never (27%).