A 2005 movie “Must Love Dogs” about a woman searching for a perfect lifelong partner and having one request only – for him to love dogs – was a huge hit, back in the day. Looking back at this topic, we can’t help but wonder how our pets influence our relationship choices and whether they can actually help us find a compatible match. Sarah and Jake made it, so why couldn’t everybody else? A detailed survey about this issue made a few valuable points, and we are here to see what are the most important findings revealed here and how they translate to our daily lives.
Pet ownership among single people
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has done a survey which showed that pet ownership among singles has increased by about 16 percent in just five years’ time, so the notion that pet ownership is a family-affair is way behind us. Another survey that we mentioned above showed that pets have a major role in starting a relationship and choosing a partner – not in the sense of your dog whispering to your ear “I like that one. Hook up with him.”, but more on some subtle level.
“Animal attraction”
More than 60 percent of men and women would not consider dating someone who does not like pets, and 70 percent of the surveyed singles think that it is very important how their date reacts to their pet. So, this may be the way your pet will play a role when it comes to engaging in a relationship with someone. Your pet can also influence if a potential partner will be attracted to you, with 35 percent of women being more attracted to singles with a pet, and more than 70 percent of the surveyed women thinking that dog owners are the sexiest dates. As for men, almost 30 percent of them are turned off by smaller pets that can fit into a woman’s bag (so, no “Legally Blonde” kind of dogs).
Meeting new people
In the “Must Love Dogs” movie, the couple’s story about how they met ends with the words “We found each other in a dog park.” When you think about it, isn’t that a lovely and easy way to meet someone? Singles today don’t really have a place to get to know each other – parties are too loud, the internet is too unsafe, and social circles are narrower. Isn’t this a beautiful way to meet someone? You can even meet a new and interesting person while buying Royal Canin dog food. Maybe your partner uses the same brand.
Mentally prepared for commitment
Pet ownership is linked to positive mental health and it develops a sense of responsibility and commitment. Therefore, animal companionship can prepare you to commit to a human being and be ready for a long-term and serious relationship. It is something to aspire to and search in potential partners.
Like cats and dogs
However, not everybody is a fan of all the pets, and people are usually divided into cat and dog persons. But is there really such a thing? Well, the mentioned survey suggests that cat owners are far more flexible when it comes to this issue, with only 3 percent of them who would not date a dog owner. On the other hand, more than 30 percent of dog owners would not date a cat owner. So, although there is some truth in the “fighting like cats and dogs (and their owners)” saying, it is not decisive when it comes to choosing a partner.
So, you see your best friend, whether it is a dog, cat or a parrot, can have a significant role in your love life. The next time you go for a walk, do not forget to take your furry companion with you. Who knows, years from now, you may be telling a story about how you met your partner in a dog park or a kitty playground?