Survey Results: Women and Pets

Posted by Jennifer Copley Jan 19, 2009

A recent Lifetime Television survey of women aged 18 to 49 found that:

• 90% consider their pets members of the family
• 59% would risk their lives to save a pet
• 13%, if stranded on a desert island with just one companion, would choose a pet over a person
• 30% name their pets as the best listeners they know
• 12% have sacrificed relationships for their pets
• 28% put their pets' needs before their own
• 49% allow their pets to sleep on their beds

In addition, 66% buy presents for their pets (and 37% have spent over $100 on a pet present). Other pet purchases included:

• 26% - professional grooming services
• 22% - organic food
• 16% - outfits

Despite the sagging economy, 89% of women surveyed plan to spend the same amount or even more on their furry friends in the year to come. While this might sound a little one-sided to those who aren't "animal people," in addition to amusing and entertaining their human companions, research has found that pets provide health benefits for the people that live with them.