SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — There’s no question that dogs are fiercely loyal and loving pets, but what about their owners? Well, it turns out humans are just as devoted to their furry pals. In fact, a new survey finds one in four pet owners would actually sacrifice their own life to save their dog.
The poll of 400 adults, commissioned by Rowan and conducted by Pollfish, reveals people are actually more likely to form an immediate connection with a dog than with another person. A staggering 82 percent of Americans say it was “love at first sight” when they first met their dog. That’s more than the number of people who say it was love at first sight when they met their significant other (77%)!
Since many pet owners think of their furry friends as their children, it comes as no surprise that more than one in three respondents (36%) say their dog is their closest friend. A previous study backs this up, finding that three in five people also think of their pet as a “soulmate.”
All of this love and devotion isn’t just talk, as many pet parents go to great lengths to show their dogs how much they care. Nearly half the poll (46%) admit they spoil their dogs even more than their actual partner. Case in point, a survey in the summer of 2021 found two in three pet parents will actually cook a special meal just for their furry companion. On average, pet owners spend about $111 on their four-legged friends every single month.
“Many of us adore our dogs, but these ‘love at first sniff’ confessions were a surprise even to us,” says Sally Clarke, creative director and co-founder of Rowan, in a statement. “This survey shows that pet parents are extremely committed to making their dog’s well-being a priority, and in many cases, taking care of their dog is even more important than taking care of their human partner!”