77% of dog owners believe their pet knows them very well, according to a YouGov survey. — Photo: fotografixx / Getty Images, via ETX Daily Up
Dogs and cats are no longer just pets. For the majority of owners, they are life companions in their own right, confidants and even family members. This bond, once considered trivial, has become deeply rooted in our daily lives. A recent YouGov survey illustrates the depth of this relationship, highlighting the central role animals now play in our lives.
Long gone are the days when dogs slept in kennels and cats had to make do with leftovers. Today, pets are pampered, even humanized, by their owners, who prefer to be called "pet parents." The term speaks volumes about the unconditional love they feel for their little companions. Indeed, 49% of dog owners surveyed by YouGov see themselves as their pooch's companion, 46% as its best friend, and 39% as its father/mother. Among cat owners, the figures are just as telling, with 43% defining themselves as a companion for their feline, 41% as a friend and 37% as a parent.
Surprisingly, female dog owners are twice as likely as men to consider themselves their pet's parent (52% vs 26%), and to feel that this term best describes their relationship (31% vs 14%). The same applies to cat owners: 48% of women define themselves as their cat's mother or parent, compared to just 23% of men. What's more, almost three times as many women as men consider this term to be the best way to describe the bond they have with their cat (29% vs 11%).
Far more than mere companions, pets are perceived as true confidants, capable of understanding their masters just as well as their loved ones. In fact, 77% of dog owners and 61% of cat owners feel that their pets know them very well. Some even go so far as to say that their faithful companion knows them better than their own family or friends. This is the case for 22% of dog owners and 17% of cat owners.
Emotional dependence
Once used for practical purposes (hunting, guarding, etc.), dogs and cats now occupy an entirely different place in our homes. But have they become our codependents? It would seem so. Pet parents feel that their companions meet a variety of human needs and desires. A large majority of those questioned by YouGov acknowledge that their pet brings them affection, entertainment and emotional support.
That's why owners care as much for their pets' physical health as for their emotional well-being. Most dog and cat owners surveyed by YouGov sleep with their pets, and more than half give them gifts. Dog owners, in particular, prepare special treats or meals for their pets, include them in their vacation photos, and frequently take them to the park. Nearly half even celebrate their pet's birthday or adoption day, a far less common practice for cats. On the other hand, organizing a party to mark the occasion remains rare: only 10% of dog owners and 8% of cat owners go this far.
Despite all the benefits they bring, pets are not without their constraints. A significant proportion of pet owners recognize that pets complicate their travel plans and can sometimes be a source of mess or clutter in the home. On the other hand, relatively few see them as a financial burden, or as a factor disrupting their sleep.
It's clear that dogs and cats are no longer just pets, but true partners in life, integrated into their owners' daily lives with an almost filial attachment. This change reflects a profound evolution in our relationship with animals. While this relationship brings comfort and well-being, it also raises questions about new forms of emotional dependence. One thing is certain: our four-legged friends have never been so pampered.
*This survey was carried out online among 2,223 American adults, in two separate polls, conducted from January 6 to 10, 2025 and from January 7 to 10, 2024. — AFP Relaxnews
