Survey sheds light on:
The human–pet bond
99.7% of participants credit their pets for a happier, more fulfilling life
Ever wondered just how strong the bond is between New Zealanders and their pets? New research from pet insurance specialist PD Insurance confirms what many of us have long suspected: dogs and cats truly are part of the family.
According to the new ‘PD Insurance Human-Pet Bond Survey’, an extraordinary 99.7% of respondents say their lives are happier and more fulfilling thanks to their beloved pets.
“No surprises there,” says Michelle Le Long, PD Insurance COO. “But, when we set out to get a better understanding of the relationship between people and their pets, we asked a lot more than that – and some of the results are genuinely eye-opening.”
She says there are lessons from just how seriously people take their pet relationships for anyone from council staff to landlords, and even hospitality providers. PD’s survey was conducted with input from its charity partner, Healthy Pets New Zealand, an organisation that supports research into improved health and welfare for Kiwi pets.
Companionship and purpose
If you want loyalty, the expression goes, get yourself a dog. And many of the 1,840 respondents did just that. While companionship is an expected aspect of the human-pet bond cited by 86.8%, more surprising were some of the other insights.
Some 57.2% said being responsible for a pet gave them a sense of purpose and 62.5% said they help them cope better with stress or tough times.
“There are proven vitality benefits associated with pets, and those are both psychological and physical,” says Le Long. “On the psychological side, nearly 89% confirm that love, cuddles and cuteness make them happy, and 51% say pets make them feel less lonely. These are valuable mental health boosts.”
That’s clear in a comment from one respondent, who said, “Having my dogs has helped me immensely, particularly with my mental health. They are an extension of who I am and how I see things and are an invaluable addition and complement to my existence.” While we look after our pets, then, it seems they look after us too.
Comfort and connection
‘Life is tough’ is a saying that hits hard for many Kiwis across the country. Having a pet makes it so much better in almost every way, and that’s clear in the research. Very close to 90% of respondents say coping with difficult moments is easier thanks to pets, and 96.9% of those with children say the pets contribute positively to their kids’ wellbeing. That number is similar, if slightly lower, for those with elderly family members, with 83.6% crediting pets with improving the wellbeing of senior citizens.
“We instinctively know that a wagging tail or kitty cuddle makes the world of difference, and the data backs that up,” says Le Long. “But I think the most interesting finding here is one relating to lonely hearts. Turns out pets can be the link you’re looking for in the search for friends or more.”
Indeed, just a shade over 65% of people said pets helped them meet or connect with people they would otherwise not have. One said, “I am not an outgoing person and have very little self-confidence, but when we go for a walk, he loves people, so I am forced to stop and chat.”
Pets inspire healthier daily routines
Pets help make you a better version of yourself. Not only mentally, but also physically. “That’s emerged in our study, with 78.9% saying owning a pet has motivated them to move more or be physically active, and a whopping 83.7% saying pets have encouraged healthier daily routines,” Le Long confirms.
There are some surprising ways pets positively influence their owners’ health. Some 13.8% say they improved their diet; nearly 9% drink less alcohol; 3.3% quit or reduced smoking; and the biggie? 36.3% reduced screen time. “We know that too much screen time isn’t healthy, especially mentally. So, seeing this one is really satisfying,” Le Long smiles.
Lessons and learnings
Gaining deeper insight into the strength of the ties that bind pet owners and their furry charges offers salutary lessons for a range of organisations and individuals, says Le Long.
“Maybe it’s opportunity barking, but councils could factor this deeper into city planning, with more pet-friendly areas,” she says. “We’ve mentioned this before, but smart landlords could attract tenants with pet-friendly policies and a pet bond.”
Among the things New Zealand’s pet parents put on their wish lists include more dog parks or beaches being made available over summer, better accessibility on public transport, friendly places to eat with pets, more dog spas and, for the shredders and rippers, ‘truly indestructible’ toys.
Kiwis are generous when it comes to their companion animals. The 2024 PD Insurance Pet Generation survey [1] shows that 46.8% of owners spend more than $2,000 a year on their pets. “From taking pets to cafés and restaurants to celebrating their birthdays with parties and special treats, the bond between Kiwis and their pets is undeniable,” says Le Long. “We love our pets, and we love giving them the very best.”
[1] https://www.pdinsurance.co.nz/generation-pet-survey/