Pets are no longer just companions; they are becoming the most important emotional relationship in Brits’ lives, according to new research from Animal Friends Insurance.
The national survey found that over a third of Brits (36%) describe their pet as their “true love.” The sentiment is especially strong among women (42% vs 30% of men) and younger generations, rising to 40% of Gen Z and 46% of Millennials.
A clear divide emerges across the UK nations, with 52% of Northern Irish respondents, 40% of Scots and 29% of Welsh respondents describing their pet as their “true love.” Emotional support also clearly plays a major role across the four nations, with 52% of Northern Irish respondents, 29% of Welsh respondents and 28% of Scots saying their pet gives them more emotional support and love than their partner. When it comes to listening skills, the trend continues, with 61% of Scots and 55% of Welsh respondents admitting their pet is a better listener than their significant other.
The findings point to a wider cultural shift in how relationships and emotional support are defined, with pets increasingly viewed as primary sources of comfort, loyalty and unconditional affection.
Pawsitive support systems
For many pet owners, the bond goes beyond companionship. More than a quarter of Brits (27%) say their pet brings them more emotional support than their partner, reinforcing the idea that pets are becoming trusted emotional anchors in everyday life.
The generational and gender differences also emerge:
- 35% of Gen Z say their pet supports them more emotionally than their partner
- 32% of Millennials say the same
- 28% of women vs 26% of men agree
The research suggests pets are becoming emotional anchors in people’s lives, offering consistency, reassurance and judgement-free companionship - qualities many Brits say they struggle to find elsewhere.
Paws and effect
The strength of attachment to pets is also influencing romantic relationships, as more than a third of Brits (34%) say they would consider breaking up with someone if their pet didn’t like them, underlining how central pets have become to people’s decision-making and personal boundaries.
That figure rises to:
- 41% of women (vs 25% of men)
- 35% of Gen Z
- 40% of Millennials
Charlotte Ashburner, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Animal Friends Insurance, said: “For many of us, pets are no longer just animals we live with, they’re family. This research highlights just how central pets have become to our emotional lives, with many relying on their pet for comfort, companionship and reassurance.
“For millions of pet owners, love isn’t just about treats or grand gestures, it’s about protecting what matters most. That means planning ahead and investing in their pet’s long-term health and wellbeing, including having the right support in place should the unexpected happen.”
