Three-quarters of pet owners prefer a bit of Rovermance, rather than partner time, with 75% saying they would give the heave-ho to a partner, if forced to choose between them and their pet.

Nearly one-in-four women (39%) prefer their pet to their partner, whilst more than a quarter of men (26%) say the same.  And 91% of owners think their pets are more loyal than their partners.

These are the findings of a Valentine’s survey by pet website www.wamiz.co.uk which focused on the love between pet owners and their pets and the third wheel syndrome that can exist when a pet is in the mix.

The survey also found that 92% of interviewees say having a love of animals is a pre-requisite in any future partner and one-in-three (35%) hope a future partner will already have a pet snuggled up at home, when they start a relationship.

Unsurprisingly, half of UK pet owners will be spending Valentine’s Day with their pet and 47% will be treating it to a token of their affection via a gift.

Pets also play a big part in helping lovers hook up.  44% of single men and 31% of unattached women think it’s easier to flirt when with their pet and a whopping 78% of pet owners also say they find people with pets more attractive.  

38% of dog owners and 21% of cat owners have had a romantic encounter thanks to their pet and 72% of pet owners think a pet has made their relationship stronger.

Wamiz’s Country Manager for the UK, Emilie Heyl, says: “Our survey showed that pets have such a special place in people's lives whether they are single or in a  relationship. They bring us love, affection and loyalty and also, when owners are in a relationship, they usually unite the couple. Valentine’s Day is becoming as much about    showing your love of your pet as about romance.”