9 May 2007
(source: Swiftcover)

One in three brits prefers their pet to their partner

People hoping for romantic evenings in or just spending ‘together’ time with their partner may be disappointed as pets often beat partners in the race to be the object of Brits’ affections.

Over a third (34%) of people admit they prefer to snuggle up on the sofa with their pet pooch or moggie than cuddle up with their partner according to the poll by swiftcover.com, the online insurance provider, indicating many of us value our pets above our other halves. The results have been released to tie in with National Pet Month which runs until 7 May.

When it comes to a relationship with long-term commitment, nearly one in five pet owners (18%) would choose to share their home with their pet than their current partner. A further 34% of Brits simply can’t choose between living with their pet or their partner, with furry friends being as important to us as our significant ‘other’.

Animal Magic in the South

Southerners place their pets highest in their affections, where one in five people in the region (20%) reveal they would rather share their home with their pet than their partner. People in the South West are the second biggest pet lovers, with 17% admitting they would prefer to share their home with their pooch than their partner.

Tina Shortle, Marketing Director, at swiftcover.com comments: “National Pet Month is all about promoting responsible pet ownership so it’s good to see that so many pet owners place their pets in such high affection / think of their pets as such an important part of their lives. Brits are well known for being animal lovers but, as the survey shows, preferring to spend time cuddled up with the dog or cat over a partner reveals that many have become the primary object of some pet owners’ affections, with gifts and pampering sessions lavished on their pooches rather than their partners.”