ANIMAL mad Brits are so in love with their furry friends that over a quarter have DUMPED a partner who didn’t like their pet.
Nearly half – 41 per cent – say their pet is their best friend and a further 17 per cent cancel dates to spend time with them.
The survey into the relationship we have with our animals revealed 44 per cent call them their ‘baby’ and 43 per cent buy them birthday and Christmas gifts.
Women indulged pets more with 65 per cent saying ‘family life has to fit around the pet,’ compared to 60 per cent of men.
Owners spend an average of £3,200 making their homes more comfortable for pets. One in ten has their own bedroom and 15 per cent said money was no object and they would do anything for their pet.
The findings come from a Pet Census report by insurers Petplan who quizzed 61,000 owners about their devotion to their pets.
Half said they missed out on holidays abroad as they couldn’t bear to be parted and 29 per cent cancelled nights out and meeting with friends and family.
Pets even impact on our work with 64 per cent of owners changing part of their professional life to fit in their pet’s needs.
Isabella von Mesterhàzy, head of Petplan said: “The Pet Census shows that our pets now rank number one, ahead of friends, family – and even our love lives!
“As we’ve seen, their opinions on any potential partners can make or break a relationship and their unconditional love is proving to be the only companionship we need!”
A version of this story along with a quiz appeared in the Sun on Sunday and you can read it online here.
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