●     Eighty per cent of owners feel that it is more important for their partner to get along with their pet than their parents

●     One third (32 per cent) of pet owners would reconsider a relationship if they didn’t get along with their pet

●     Nearly half (44 per cent) of pet owners revealed that ex-partners had admitted to being jealous of how much attention their pet got

New research by Direct Line Pet Insurance¹ has found that pet owners are relying on their animal’s instincts more than ever to guide them towards successful relationships, with 8 in 10 pet owners (83 per cent) saying that loving their pets is a must-have quality when it comes to finding love.

Unfortunately, even that doesn’t guarantee a happy ending, as 32 per cent of British pet owners admitted they would reconsider a relationship if their pet didn’t warm to their other half.

More than twice as many pet owners admitted that it was more important that their partner gets on with their pet (80 per cent) than their parents (31 per cent).

Relationship Deal breakers

Our animals’ instincts aren’t the only factors in relationship splits, as nearly half (44 per cent) of pet owners revealed that ex-partners had admitted to being jealous of how much attention their pet got.

More than a third (38 per cent) of owners consider that pets watching them during intimate moments to be a deal breaker.

A quarter (25 per cent) of pet owners revealed they hadn’t been able to agree on ground rules for their blended family’s pets. Owners also admitted that dogs can put more strain on relationships than cats.  

Relationship deal breakers	For pet owners	For dog owners	For cat owners	For male pet owners	For women pet owners
Pet watches or interferes during intimate moments	40 %	35%	39%	40%	38 %
Pet licking partner’s mouth	22 %	14 %	29%	20%	22 %
Pet sleeping on the bed	11 %	16 %	7%	14 %	10 %
Partner talks too much about their pet	7 %	6 %	7%	0%	8%

Source: Direct Line

Animal Instincts: Who Do Pet Owners Trust Most?

The new research highlights just how much influence cats and dogs have over their owners and comparatively, how male and female owners react to their pet’s instincts.

Three in 10 men (34 per cent) would be more likely to trust their pet’s instincts and break off a relationship, whereas 48 per cent of women are more likely to act on their pet’s instincts when it comes to ‘untrustworthy’ friends.

Cats are more likely to influence their owners to reconsider their relationships (34 per cent) compared to dog owners (29 per cent).

However, when it comes to friendships, dog owners (50 per cent) admit they are more likely to take their pet’s instincts seriously, with only one per cent of cat owners and three per cent of dog owners stating they would side with their partner or friend over their pet.  

Pet owners claim it’s most important that their partner gets along with...	In order of importance
Pet/s	81%
Parents	32%
Siblings	22%
Best friends	21%
Other relatives	15%
Friends	13%
Colleagues	9%

Source: Direct Line

Ryan O’Meara, former professional dog trainer and publisher of K9 Magazine commented:

“The reason that pets top the list is because they have such an impact on our happiness. We plan our days, nights, weekends and holidays with our pets in mind because they bring so much to our lives.  This is why we are equally conscious we bring as much happiness and security to theirs too. It’s our responsibility to do so.

“I met my wife through my first dog, Jackson. He had shown signs of not trusting people in the past and let it be known at that time by barking or even going to the toilet indoors, luckily for me - and her - his instincts were favourable.”

Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line commented, “The relationships we have with our pets is unconditional and they very quickly become part of the family. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that owners are so trusting of their animal instincts. We care for our pets like we would our children, which is why it’s so important that we surround them with people that are kind to them and provide our pets with care that they deserve.”

Studies² have potentially found the answer to why we trust our pets with our happiness. When we bond with our pet, from hugging to stroking them, oxytocin (also known as the love hormone) is released into the bloodstream.

Studies³ say that when we look into our pet's eyes the same hormonal response that bonds us to babies is activated, creating an oxytocin-mediated positive loop that bonds us to our pets in the same way we would bond with a child.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

Radio Interview/Filming opportunities available with Ryan O’Meara, publisher of K9 Magazine and a former professional dog trainer.

1 - Direct Line partnered up with K9 Magazine, a lifestyle magazine featuring a wide range of dog ownership topics. K9 Magazine issued a survey to its readers, to which 1,110 responded.

2 - (Russian Journal of Genetics: Applied Research, (Website) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S2079059717030042 “Oxytocin: Coevolution of human and domesticated animals”

3 – (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, (Website) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5645535/ “Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Dog Owners and Their Dogs Are Associated with Behavioural Patterns: An Exploratory Study”

For further information please contact:

Olivia Thwaites

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 832 145

Email: [email protected]

Kim O’Meara

K9 Magazine, Total Pet Publishing

Tel: 07903 410 421
Email: [email protected]

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com/home-cover