A new YouGov survey has found that most American pet parents think their dogs know them as much, if not better than their human friends and family. Not surprising when you think about how we pour our hearts out to our furry besties, and all we get back from them is unconditional love and acceptance.
Therapist, Bestie and Soulmate? Yes, Please!
Is this new news, though? Clearly, we’re obsessed with our pets (hello, birthday parties and gourmet treats), but now a survey from YouGov suggests it’s for good reason. They can do everything from sense how we’re feeling to snuggling up to us in the prime real estate of our sofas and beds, and they’re the best listeners we’ve got on this planet!
According to the survey, 77% of dog owners and 61% of cat owners believe their pets understand them really well and can understand even nuances that our human friends and families don’t. That’s a lot of tail wags and side-eyes we share with them!
And that’s why nearly a quarter of pet parents (22% of dog owners and 17% of cat owners) think their pet knows them better than their human friends and family. Yep, better than your spouse, your mom, or even your ride-or-die BFF.
Science backs us pet parents up, though. Studies show that dogs are emotional sponges, and they can recognize human facial expressions. They can smell stress on their owners, so it’s no coincidence that they get a little closer when you’re having a down day.
And while cats may be a little bit more selective with their affection, they still can recognize their human’s moods and voice. (Maybe it’s just them preferring to pretend they don’t?)
Welcome To Parenthood!
According to the survey, if you call yourself your pet’s mom or dad, you’re also in good company. Nearly 40% of pet owners consider themselves their pet’s parent, with women being much more likely to embrace the title over saying they ‘own’ a pet.
It just makes sense. We feed them, bathe them, schedule their doctor visits (ahem, vet appointments), and spend more on their birthday presents than we do on our distant relatives.
Birthday Cakes, Gifts, and the VIP Treatment
It’s true: pet parents go all out for their furry family members. The survey found that nearly half of all dog parents have celebrated their pet’s birthday or adoption day.
According to the American Pet Products Association, over 45% of pet parents buy birthday gifts for their pets, and nearly 70% let them sleep in their beds. Seriously, though, where else would they sleep?
Why Goodbye Is So Hard
Our love and treatment of our pets is why it’s so very hard to lose them. It’s gut-wrenching and according to the survey, 10% of dog owners and 7% of cat owners say losing a pet is harder than losing a human loved one. If you’ve ever lost one, you can likely relate. Studies show that because pets offer unconditional love, zero judgment, and constant companionship, losing them can be even more devastating than losing a human friend. For many, if it’s not more devastating, it hurts just as much, and in very similar ways.
Pets Are Family
Even though this study didn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know—it did confirm one thing: Our pets aren’t just animals we take care of. They’re family. When we take on the responsibility of a pet, we do so in an almost parental way. The return? Turns out that they know us better than many humans in our lives, and respond to us in ways that strengthen that relationship.
Good on us for choosing our family so wisely!