• 59% of Brits buy luxury products for their pets at least once a month, compared to 25% who confessed they do not buy gifts for their partners!

• More than a quarter of people say that their pet is their best friend

• 32% obtained a pet because they felt they were a necessary addition to their family

We’re a nation of pet lovers, and if we care for our beloved animals and show them affection, they’ll be loyal and show it back. But can the same be said for our better halves? 
Compared to past times, today sees a much less hierarchical distance between parents, partners, kids and their pets. The latter rule the roost nowadays, with 46% of Brits surveyed allow their pet to sleep anywhere they want in the home.

Research conducted by Vetsure Pet Insurance has revealed that 75% of pet owners say their pet is equally, if not more, important than other family members!Two in five go as far as allowing their pet to sleep on their bed and, of these, 14% said that this has had a negative impact on their sex life! 


Ashley Gray, vet and founder of Vetsure Pet Insurance, said: “This research highlights that the special relationship we have with our pets is becoming ever closer and more complex. As pet owners we are benefiting more and more from our pets on an emotional level – in ways that our ‘non-furry’ loved ones just can’t replicate. Pets don’t judge us, they are incredibly forgiving of our faults and usually give more than they get from the relationship. How can any partner compete with that?!”

Clara Guzzardi lives with her husband, five dogs and two cats in Surrey. The findings certainly reflect the goings on in her household, Clara explains: “I’ll call the dogs the love of my life and my husband says are you talking to the dogs or me?!  Our affections go towards the animals, then whatever we have left to each other! When I have spare money, I often spend it buying the dogs treats. The dogs are also on a specific diet which is only available in a few shops, so sometimes I get the dogs food but haven’t got anything for us to eat!”

Our love for our pets is also reflected in our spending habits, pet owners admitted to splurging as much as £846 a month on their pet. 59% of pet owners suggested that they bought luxury items such as treats and accessories for their pet at least once a month and a generous 27% admitted to buying pet presents on a weekly basis!

Our partners faired less well in the research, as only 33% of those questioned confessed to treating their other half every month and a mere 11% on a weekly basis!  Perhaps relying on our pet is more paw-pular than we thought?

However, despite the research highlighting that we are loving and spoiling our pets, only a quarter of us have pet insurance for them.