Pet ownership boosts owner happiness

“Man’s best friend,” indeed! Eighty-three percent of pet owners feel having a four-legged companion makes them a happier person, according to a recent survey conducted by Pets Best Insurance Services.

The study, which polled more than 1,400 pet owners, aimed to better understand the impact pet ownership can have on an individual’s personal and professional life, the insurance group says, adding the results highlight the emotional benefits, financial considerations, and generational attitudes experienced by today’s pet owners.

Key findings include:

• 83 percent of owners feel having a pet makes them a happier person (specifically, 86 percent of dog owners and 78 percent of cat owners)
• Owners spend, on average, 8.5 to 9.5 hours per day with their pet
• Younger generations experience the highest level of anxiety regarding pet care costs (specifically, 87 percent of gen Z owners and 85 percent of millennials)

“More than 70 percent of U.S. households include a pet, which is up significantly since the start of the pandemic,” says Melissa Gutierrez, senior vice president and general manager of Pets Best. “The expectations of what it means to become a pet parent have evolved over time. We’ve found pet parents now are far more likely to plan for their pet’s care, think about their pet’s well-being, and integrate their pet into daily routines.”

“This new research uncovers key insights into our lives with pets today,” she adds. “It underscores our commitment to understanding pet parents, their relationship with their pets, and how we can best serve them.”

To view the results, click here.