Fur love: 3 out of 5 people consider their pet a “soul mate”

NEW YORK – Would you risk your life for your fur baby? A new poll shows that three in five Americans would willingly run into a burning building to save their pet.

The survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners also shows that 81 percent would not think twice about saving their pet from immediate danger. Six in ten (59%) would willingly fight another person to save their four-legged friend.

Say hello to my little friend

62 percent would even call their pet their “best friendâ€, while three out of five would agree that their pet is their “soul mateâ€.

Headed by OnePoll on behalf of Figo pet insurance, the survey also shows that pet owners often seek similar expressions of love from their pets as they do from their partners. These include having their pet “follow him” (63%), “kiss him” (59%) and sleep in bed (53%) as the most important signs of tenderness.

Research has also shown that 84 percent of Generation Z (ages 18 to 24) are likely to include their pet in their wedding or milestone event. More than three-quarters of the Gen Zers are likely to take inspiration from them too. Of those who own multiple pet species, 48 ​​percent admit they bonded to a particular species – including 80 percent who feel more attached to their dog than to their cat.

Regardless of which pet they bond more with, two-thirds (67%) believe they can read their minds because they are so connected. Four out of five pet owners believe their pet has a significant positive impact on their mental health.

In addition, more than a third of respondents say they consult their pet at least once every single day of the week for a serotonin boost.

“The connection we have with our pets goes much further than just owners and companions. Our pets comfort us when we are sad, accompany us through ups and downs and give unconditional love like no other relationship. Our pets are family members and while they may not be able to express their affection for us in words, each pet parent can testify to the strength and depth of their dedication, â€said Lizbeth Bastidas, claims handler and certified veterinarian in a statement.

No hesitation in animal health

As the most loyal companion, more than two-thirds of pet owners feel in some way obliged to repay their pet for everything they do for it. Eight in ten say they’ll likely take their pet to the vet right away if they even suspect something is wrong.

Almost one in five adds that they would pay more than $ 7,000 to save their pet’s life, and 53 percent would willingly get into debt or spend any amount necessary to save them from imminent danger. While only a third have pet insurance, 54 percent of pet owners think this is a great way to repay their pet.

Of those who have pet insurance, one in three says it has been found useful three to four times. Of those who don’t, two in five think it’s too expensive.

With soaring veterinary bills in the US, the sad reality is that many pet owners will at some point face an expensive veterinary bill that could put them in a dire position of choosing between their loved one and their financial health. Our pets are there for us through thick and thin, and many animal parents would do anything to do anything in return. This is especially true today as pet health care has advanced so dramatically; sophisticated cancer treatments, alternative therapies, pain management and the list goes on. Pet insurance relieves pet owners financially, mentally and emotionally and ensures that costs do not dictate the care of their pet, â€adds Bastidas.