It's no surprise that our pets quickly become part of the family, but now a new study has revealed that a third of pet owners actually admit to preferring their animals to their own children.
According to the results by pet food company I And Love And You, 34% of parents prefer their furry friends to their children, saying that their pets are their "favourite child".
2,000 pet parents were surveyed as part of the study, which also found that 78% of pet owners said their pets are a part of the family and a further 68% said they see their pets as people.
Plus, 58% said they think their furry friend understands them better than their best friend or significant other.
"Pets are more than just a companion, they love us unconditionally and make us want to be better people," Lindsey Rabaut, Vice President of Marketing for I And Love And You says.
With many owners wanting to make their pets feel like part of the family, they will often go to great lengths to ensure they feel loved. The research also uncovered some of the habits of pet owners, including...
What to Read Next
- 44% of pet owners create a social media account for their pets
- 42% throw them a birthday party
- 42% buy their pets clothes of fancy accessories
- 41% of pet owners spend more on a meal for their pets than themselves
- 40% regularly let their pets sleep in their bed
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8 of the best dog subscription boxes to treat your pet
Home-cooked food box, from £1.60 a day, Butternut Box
Order delicious home-cooked meals for your dog with Butternut's easy delivery service, perfect for busy owners. It's not only vet-approved, but the team will make exactly what you request. Your dog will thank you.
Pet health box, £7.99 per month, Protect My Pet
Protect your pets against flees, ticks and worms with this specially tailored package. Enter details about your animals and the vets at Protect My Pet will find the perfect products for you. Taking care of your pet has never been easier.
Toys and food box, from £12, Woof Box
Whether you choose the monthly treat bags or jam-packed boxes, your furry friend will be wagging his tail with joy when these arrive. Inside, you'll find playful toys, healthy treats and even blankets for colder months. Woof Box really do think of everything.
Organic food and toys box, from £17.99 a month, Buster Box
Each box comes with healthy organic snacks, fun toys and things that will help your dog's development. The team at Buster Box will even deliver the boxes to less fortunate dogs at shelters during the Christmas period, ensuring no one misses out.
Treat box, from £9.99, Dog Treats
Each month, as these boxes arrive at your home, you'll get a boxed filled with pure doggy delight. From the latest treats, to grooming care, watch your pup get filled with excitement as they try the lastest goodies.
Toy and snack box, £19.99 a month, The Happy Pup
This box really will make your dog a happy pup. Filled with a generous selection of soft chew toys, snacks, meals and games they can play with their owner, this will bring joy to all. Order 'The Happy Box' — our personal favourite.
Food and pet care box, from £9.95, Paw Post
These eco-friendly and natural boxes will put the health of your dog first. Once you've filled in the details of your dog, they will ensure your boxes are tailored to suit their needs. You can choose from one month plans, right up to yearly ones if that's what suits you best.
Treats and toys box, from £9.95, Pawsome
Each Pawesome box is tailored to your dog's needs, looking and their type, size and shape. From brilliant toys, to packets of yummy treats, each box is made with love.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
