Pet-approved pairing – 1 in 5 devoted pet parents prioritise their pet’s approval when choosing a partner, survey suggests
Our pets aren’t just animals, they’re family. And as any devoted pet parent knows, the bond we share with them influences our social lives in surprising ways. For more than 20 years, Wisdom Panel has harnessed the power of genetics to shape the future of pet health and deepen the bond between people and pets.
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Almost two-fifths of pet parents say their pet has a more active social calendar than they do. Who’s the real party animal here?
For many pet parents, celebrations are better with furry friends, so much so 1 in 5 pet parents would only attend if their pet was invited, while 12% would politely decline a wedding invite to keep their pup by their side.
For over half of pet parents, 55%, the perfect holiday isn’t complete without their furry companion, choosing destinations with pet-friendly stays. It seems a pet passport is just as essential as a beach towel!
Our bond with our pets goes beyond everyday live - it’s a lifelong commitment. In fact, 22% of pet parents have included their four-legged companions in their will, while 71% have already chosen a guardian to ensure their beloved pet is cared for, no matter what.
“The fact that so many Brits are embracing the influence that pets have in their lives, from relationships to friendships and even which social events we attend without them, shows just how deep the bond has become”, says Clinical Animal Behaviourist, Karen Wild.
Karen continues: “Pets have truly become fully-fledged family members who shape the lives of their owners in ways we never could have imagined.
“Our pets depend on us to lead happy and healthy lives, so it’s good news that people are saying they put their dogs and cats at the forefront when it comes to lifestyle and relationships too.
“And just like our human loved ones, we want to understand them better – from their unique personalities to the potential health risks they might be predisposed to, so that we can enjoy many more moments together.”
Christine Fong, General Manager at Wisdom Panel adds: “Every DNA sample we analyse fuels our research and brings us closer to the next scientific breakthrough in pet health.
“That means when pet parents trust Wisdom Panel with their dog or cat's genetic testing, they aren't just getting invaluable insights about their pet, they're contributing to the health and well-being of future generations of pets, too.
“That's the power of the community we have built together."
