More than 400 pet owners took part in our on-line survey. Commenting on everything from the cat’s top spot in the house to Fido’s favourite foods, here’s what you said.
- 31% see their pet as a child substitute
- 15% have knocked back a dinner invitation and have stayed at home to look after their pet
- 63% talk to their pet in silly voices or “baby” language
- More than 1 in 2 people have bought their pet a Christmas or birthday present
For many Australians, their cat or dog is an important member of the family; some are even considered children. Far more than just a companion, pets provide satisfaction, affection, understanding and unconditional love. Owners have a sense of responsibility and care for their pet, which is why many pets are living longer than ever before.
It goes the other way too – pet owners find having a pet helps their ability to socialise, to meet new people and to keep fit. It’s a lot easier to go for a walk when you know your dog is depending on you for the exercise and it is amazing how many more people will talk to you when you’re with your dog.
Research shows that pets are great topic of conversation at parties. Unlike children, you can waffle on about your pets without turning people off. It is also considered ok to make good-humoured jokes about your pets – you can’t do this about other people.
What the vet says:
“To give our pets the best chance at a long and happy life it’s important to make sure they have a health check up yearly. Older pets require more regular checks to monitor for kidney and liver disease and manage arthritis.
In most cases, the earlier a disease is detected, the better chance vets have at treating or slowing progression. Prevention of disease in our pets is the key and research confirms this. Did you know that Labradors that are kept within a healthy weight range live on average, two years longer than if they are overweight?
What you said
“They are my children, I give them lots of cuddles to let them know they are loved.”
“Our dog shares our life with us and we plan our life around him just as much as we do the kids.”
“My pets mean the world to me, they are my friends and my children.”
“When I visit my mum I spend 20 minutes saying hello to the dogs in a baby voice before I even say hello to her.”
“I talk to them as if they were humans and I am sure they understand.”
“We have songs that we sing to our pets….they love it.”
“My dogs have better social lives than us.”
“I’d rather have a pet than a husband. Less maintenance!”
“I am privileged to witness the love and enjoyment my son and dog share together.”
“Who needs kids when you have dogs?”
View more results from our Pet Survey
Up close and personal
Pet health care
Best friend in a crisis
The guilt factor
Your say: Do you prefer pets to children? Tell us below.
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