(Photo by Viktor Gladkov on Shutterstock)
In a nutshell
- One in seven dog owners would dump their partner to extend their dog’s life by three years, with millennials (16%) most likely to choose their dog over their relationship.
- 93% of dog owners consider their dog’s health as important as or more important than their own health, and 96% would pay more for premium dog food.
- Half of owners would clone their dog if possible, with 10% saying there’s “no limit” to what they’d pay for a doggy duplicate.
NEW YORK — One in seven Americans would kick their partner to the curb if it meant their dog could live three years longer. Yes, really.
That’s just one eye-popping find from a survey that exposes just how far dog owners will go for their pets. America’s love affair with dogs has reached new heights – or new extremes, depending on your view.
A survey of 1,900 U.S. dog owners shows that 93% think their dog’s health matters as much as or more than their own health. Breaking it down: 52% say their dog’s health equals their own, while 41% actually put their pup’s health first.
The study, commissioned by pet nutrition and wellness company Spot & Tango and conducted by Talker Research, uncovered dramatic generational differences in how Americans relate to their canine companions – and what they’re willing to sacrifice for them.
Ditching Your Honey For Fido
The study, run by pet food company Spot & Tango and carried out by Talker Research, found millennials were most likely to choose their dog over their human relationship, with 16% saying they’d trade in their partner for extra dog years.
But partnerships aren’t the only things on the chopping block. When asked what they’d give up for three more years with their dogs, 43% of Gen Z would say goodbye to their favorite foods. Millennials and Gen X would both ditch coffee (41% and 42%), while baby boomers would rather have all their movies, TV shows and books spoiled forever (42%).
Dog owners’ attachment runs so deep that half said they’d clone their dog if they could. Gen Z was especially keen on the idea – 74% would pay for a doggy duplicate. While most owners had a budget in mind, 10% said money was no object when it comes to dog cloning.
Dogs As Constant Companions
American dogs aren’t just pets – they’re practically attached at the hip to their owners. Most popular activity? Watching TV together, with around 70% of millennials, Gen X, and boomers enjoying screen time with their pups. Gen Z bucks the trend – 63% prefer eating meals alongside their dogs.
The cuddle factor is huge too. A whopping 92% of owners snuggle or kiss their dogs, averaging six smooch sessions daily. Other bonding behaviors include saying “I love you” regularly (64%), bed-sharing (55%), buying multiple dog beds and toys (53%), taking play breaks throughout the day (50%), and splurging on fancy dog food (49%).
Dogs are workout buddies (64%), nap partners (58%), mealtime companions (55%), morning routine sidekicks (33%), travel buddies (29%), and yes – even brunch dates (8%).
Despite all this love, vets spotted some blind spots in pet care. Nearly half (48%) of vets said owners sometimes skimp on proper nutrition. Other commonly neglected areas include regular checkups (51%) and dental care (42%).
Not surprisingly, vets’ wishlist for pet owners targets these exact areas: more routine vet visits (48%), better dental care (47%), and higher-quality food (33%).
The wallet opens wide when it comes to feeding Fido too. A whopping 96% of owners would pay extra for better dog food. Gen Z dog parents were ready to splurge the most, with 31% willing to drop over $10 per meal. By comparison, only 21% of millennials, 20% of Gen X, and 11% of baby boomers would spend that much on a single doggy dinner.
Russell Breuer, Founder and CEO of Spot & Tango, says this reflects bigger changes in American families. “This research shows just how deeply bonded people are with their dogs — not just emotionally, but in the daily choices they make,” he said. “It’s clear that for many, investing in a dog’s health and longevity isn’t just a priority — it’s a reflection of how we define family and quality of life.”
Taking Action For Longer Dog Lives
Most owners are already taking steps to help their dogs live longer. These include feeding better food (64%), more walks (58%), adding supplements (56%), and cleaning those canine teeth (42%).
The researchers also talked to 100 vets, with 73% saying they’ve seen better health outcomes based on the dog-owner relationship. Dr. Stephanie Liff, a New York City vet who works with Spot & Tango, stressed the importance of staying ahead of health issues.
“These findings clearly demonstrate that preventative care and a high-quality diet are the absolute best investments pet owners can make in their dog’s long-term health,” Dr. Liff said. “I strongly recommend comprehensive annual check-ups, routine in-home dental care and professional comprehensive dental cleanings. These proactive measures, combined with proper nutrition, form the cornerstone of preventing serious health issues before they develop, rather than treating them after they’ve taken hold.”
Dog-First Nation
As dogs climb the family tree in American homes, it’s changing more than just emotional connections. From what we eat (or don’t), to who we date (or dump), to how we spend our money, the dog-human relationship is reshaping American priorities and spending habits in major ways.
Almost every vet surveyed (96%) agreed that diet affects a dog’s lifespan, and four in five regularly tell owners to change what they feed their dogs. For a growing chunk of Americans, no sacrifice seems too big when it comes to keeping their four-legged family members happy and healthy.
Survey Methodology: Talker Research surveyed 1,900 American dog owners and 100 American veterinary doctors between April 16 and April 22, 2025. The survey was commissioned by Spot & Tango and conducted online. Respondents came from traditional online access panels and programmatic sources, receiving small cash-equivalent incentives for participation. The survey used dynamic online sampling to achieve specified quotas. For analysis, only data cells with at least 80 respondents were included, with statistical significance calculated at the 95% level. Quality control measures included removing speeders (completing in less than one-third the median time), checking open-ended responses, using Captcha to block bots, and digital fingerprinting to prevent duplicate responses. This survey was only available to internet users, and results may not apply to those without internet access.
