3 in 5 pet parents say their furry friend is why they’re less stressed
When looking for a source of unconditional love, you might think twice before turning to your partner.
The poll of 2,001 pet parents revealed just over half (52%) finally learned the true meaning of unconditional love as a result of having a pet by their side.
Pets might be the secret to a happier life, and the survey asked respondents all the ways in which their four-legged friends have improved their lives.
Seventy-nine percent of pet owners wouldn’t be as happy as they are now if it wasn’t for their furry friend.
Over half (52%) said their pets help them be more active than they would be otherwise.
The study, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Fuzzy — The Pet Parent Company, aimed to uncover just how integral pets have become in their owners’ lives.
A quarter (25%) credit their pet to helping them eat healthier, while 47% don’t think they’d be as patient as they are now if it wasn’t for their four-legged companion.
Three in five respondents said it’s because of their furry friends that they have less stress in their lives, and a further 24% credit their pet to boosting their productivity.
That’s not all the good pets have done — results found that because of a pet’s presence in the home, 61% said their overall mood has improved.
A staggering 82% said having a furry friend in their home provides a sense of calmness throughout their house or apartment.
And 76% said having a pet nourishes their soul. So perhaps it’s not surprising that 77% of respondents simply can’t imagine a life without their furry friend.
Even with these benefits, the path to becoming a pet parent didn’t come without its fair share of worries. Forty-four percent were worried about becoming pet parents for the very first time.
Over a quarter (26%) of respondents had concerns about whether they’d be able to step up and be responsible enough to handle a four-legged companion.
And nearly three in 10 said they were concerned about having enough money to support a furry friend.
Over half (54%) of respondents didn’t expect to spend so much money on their canine or feline companion when they initially became a pet parent.
But now, they find themselves spending $1,242.89 annually on their pet.
Pet parents will spend over $150 just on their pets’ medications in a single year, and an average of $218 per veterinary care visit.
“Pet parents are often surprised by the unexpected costs and time required to be a good pet parent. From medical bills to toys for playtime it’s a full-time responsibility,” said Dr. Cherice Roth, Chief Veterinary Officer for Fuzzy. “Having a pet by your side, however, is worth the cost.”
As a result of the pandemic, results revealed 69% have bonded with their pet more than ever before.
In the pandemic, two in five said if it wasn’t for their furry friend, they wouldn’t be active — while a further 41% said their pet gives them the opportunity to step outside and enjoy the fresh air.
“Pets have become more essential parts of the family, helping people through these tough times,” added Dr. Roth. “As the world begins to reopen pet parents should be mindful of the ways they’ve leaned on four-legged friends in the past year. Changing the routine may cause some anxiety and pets will need training to readjust.”
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