A survey of 1500 pet guardians conducted by PetMD found that 90% of pet “owners” would choose their animal companions over money in a divorce, and 56% would not vote for a presidential candidate who was perceived not to like pets. They would also buy products from a company that supports an animal-related charity rather than one that doesn’t, given similar product quality and price. Most wouldn’t date a non-animal-lover.
On the down side, about 12% of pet lovers worry about veterinary expenses, and 25% worry that their pet will get sick. More than a third feel that they have “excellent” knowledge about what is best for their pets. More than half say that scratching and shedding are drawbacks to living with a pet, and many would love to have their pets clean up after themselves and brush their own teeth.