3 in 10 pet owners cancelled plans with a human to hang out with their animal

Research conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Fuzzy Pet Health, findings suggest that our pets are so important to us that we’re willing to forego work and social commitments to ensure their well-being. (Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash)

Nearly a quarter of pet parents have lied to their boss about taking their pet to the vet, according to new research.

The new poll of 2,000 pet parents found that of those who have lied to their boss, 65 percent did so because they didn’t think their boss would count it as a valid excuse.

In addition to lying to a boss, the survey examined the other things pet owners are willing to do for their furry friends.

Conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Fuzzy Pet Health, findings suggest that our fur kids are so important to us that we’re willing to forego work and social commitments to ensure their well-being.

Thirty-nine percent admittedly take the day off just to care for their pet while a further 27 percent choose to work from home in an effort to look after their furry friend.

Three in 10 pet parents have even flaked on their human friends to spend time with their furry ones.

“Time constraints are among one of the biggest hurdles for pet parents. But they don’t want to cut corners when it comes to their pets’ wellness. As a society, we’ve outsourced so much of the services important to making our life tick, it’s time for vet care delivered for the modern world,” said Dr. Jess Trimble, Chief Veterinary Officer for Fuzzy Pet Health.

Pet parents dote on their fur children. So naturally, when they swallow or chew on something they shouldn’t, it’s no wonder pet parent panic ensues.

Seventy-six percent of pet parents panic when their little pal swallows something they shouldn’t have.

And the average pet owner has seen their pets swallow something they shouldn’t have five different times.

Whether that’s ingesting grass (the number one weird thing pet owners report) or stuffing from a toy (nearly a third of pet owners report this), to the 32 percent who have witnessed their furry friend ingesting toilet paper after rummaging through the bathroom — the list is endless.

Another 32 percent have had their pet eat bugs, while a third of pet owners have seen their four-legged companion eat food they shouldn’t.

Nearly half (47 percent) will call the vet after their pet swallows something that could be harmful while a further 43 percent just take their pet to the vet immediately.

With all these panics, you’d expect pet owners to have insurance for their four-legged friends. Unfortunately, just 28 percent of the pet owners surveyed reported having health insurance for their beloved furry companions.

Forty-six percent of the pet owners studied think there’s limited access to quality veterinary care near them and revealed that they avoid taking their pets to the vet because it is too costly.

“Pet parent observations of the current vet care system aren’t untrue. Rushing your pet to emergency care is a harrowing ordeal — costly, timely and confusing,” said Dr. Jess Trimble, “and it may not be necessary.”

Trimble continues, “With Fuzzy Pet Health we offer affordable, transparent pricing and deliver top-level care in-home and through our app for all your pet panic moments”.

TOP 5 REASONS FOR A VET VISIT

1. Annual visit 48%
2. To get required shots 38%
3. Pet was showing signs of abnormal behavior/precaution 21%
4. For an emergency situation 17%
5. Outdoor injury 15%

TOP 5 THINGS PET PARENTS DO AFTER PET SWALLOWS SOMETHING THEY SHOULDN’T HAVE

1. Try to get whatever it was out of their mouth 53%
2. Call the vet 47%
3. Take them to the vet immediately 43%
4. Google to see how severe the problem could be 42%
5. Become very emotional 38%

TOP 5 THINGS PETS HAVE SWALLOWED

1. Grass 39%
2. Other food they shouldn’t eat 33%
3. Stuffing from a toy 32%
4. Toilet paper 32%
5. Bugs 32%

TOP 5 PET PARENT CONCERNS

1. Health/life expectancy 61%
2. Happiness/demeanor 55%
3. Cleanliness/hygiene 53%
4. Weight/physical activity 49%
5. Energy level 42%

TOP 5 PERKS OF BEING A PET OWNER

1. Companionship 66%
2. Unconditional love 61%
3. Gratification my pet shows me 47%
4. Protection and security 46%
5. Sense of responsibility to a living thing 41%

TOP 5 PET PURCHASES

1. Treats 62%
2. Toys 52%
3. Specialty food 45%
4. Medicine 42%
5. Store brand food 38%

TOP 5 PET SERVICES USED

1. Veterinarian 59%
2. Pet grooming 33%
3. Pet sitter 21%
4. Dog walker/someone to check in on pet while gone 20%
5. Pet hotel/doggy day care 17%

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