A national survey has revealed interesting information about Irish pet owners – including why they got them and how many allow their pets to sleep with them at night
Anyone who owns a pet will know that they quickly become part of the family and it looks like they are being treated as such by the many devoted animal lovers around the country.
A recent survey on more than 1600 pet owners around Ireland was carried out by Petmania to find out more about the lives of pets and their families. The results were surprisingly heartwarming.
Almost three quarters of Irish pet owners have seen an improvement in their mental health since welcoming their furry friends into their home, with 62% of people admitting to seeing a reduction in their levels of stress and anxiety.
The survey, carried out during the month of August 2023, revealed that more than two thirds of the Irish pet-owning population added a pet to their homes for reasons of companionship and friendship, while almost 20% got a pet to help increase their own personal levels of fitness.
Mindful pet ownership
Ireland’s Pet Report, which is launching to coincide with World Animal Week was created with the aim of educating animal owners and to make them more mindful of their pets’ wellbeing. From companionship and emotional support, to increased fitness levels and laughter in the home, having a pet is proving to be a vital part of life in Irish homes today.
It showed that 90% of dogs get a walk daily with green, open spaces being the most popular location for walks and many getting walked twice a day, if not more.
The survey also revealed that almost one quarter of Irish pet owners would love to take their pet to work with them if they could. Alas, it seems Ireland is still a while away from a future filled with pet-friendly work environments, with just 4% of respondents currently being allowed their pets in the workplace.
The financial toll
And while loving a pet is priceless, often the cost involved in owning one is not. Irish pet owners can spend over €2,000 a year on their pets and, with the cost of living on the rise, it appears Irish pet-owners are trying to cut outgoings with over 70% of respondents admitting they do not have pet insurance.
Cats or dogs?
This can be a deal breaker for many households or even couples when it comes to deciding to get a pet! Whether cats or dogs make the better pets is a bone of contention among many pet-owners but, in terms of ownership, the research showed that more Irish households include dogs rather than cats. In fact, it wasn’t even close. 81% of homes have a dog while 29% have a cat – although almost 20% have both, so perhaps that could be the ultimate compromise.
Nocturnal activity
It really is a dog’s life for Irish pets, with 30% of dogs getting to sleep on their owners’ bed each night. If they’re not on their owners’ bed, 33% have managed to convince their owners to allow them sleep indoors on a pet bed and 11% even made it on to the couch!
