From couture clothing to travel and photo shoots, it seems we're all getting a little nuttier in what we do for our furry companions.

Approximately 31% of women say they spend more time with their pet than their spouse or significant other. For men, that perfect is approximately15%, according to Hartz's May 2005 Human-Animal Bond survey. The survey also found that 16% of women (and 6% of men) would dump a boyfriend or girlfriend whom their pet didn't like. Finally, the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 54% of all US households own at least one pet. What's more—47% of those owners consider their pets full-fledged family members.

According to a BizRate Research study for Shopzilla, most women see their pets as a higher priority than their partners do. Here's what 901 pet owners surveyed had to say about their animal companions:

· Affection. Over half of the women surveyed (56%) believe that their pets are more affectionate than their partners (vs. 41% of men), and 45% of women think that their pets are cuter than their partners (vs. 24% of men).

· Connections. Women consistently reported a deeper emotional connection with their pets than men did. Almost all the women (99%) said they often talk to their pets (vs. 95% of men), and a full 93% of women believe that their pets communicate with them (vs. 87% of men).

· Relationships. Almost three-quarters (73%) of female pet owners said they would be more inclined to date or marry someone who also has a pet (compared with 50% of men).

· Happiness. About 7 in 10 pet owners (68%) say their pets make them happier than their jobs. A full 72% of women feel this way, compared with 60% of men.

· Pampering. Over a third (34%) of pet owners—39% of women and 27% of men—say they would take their animal to a pet groomer, therapist or psychic.

· Memories. Just under a third (31%) of owners say they would consider having a pet funeral. Once again, women are much more likely (37%) than men (21%) to say so.

Here are just some of the social and cultural forces at work behind this growing animal obsession:

· Pets are the new people. We've all seen celebrities prancing around with tiny dogs in tutus, or we've read an In Style magazine spread featuring actors and their four-legged companions. We know that Jake Gyllenhaal loves to take his dog, Atticus, for long walks and Oprah doesn't go anywhere without Sophie and Solomon, her American Cocker Spaniels. Pets are an increasingly important part of the family, and giving them treats, services or special gifts is a fun way to celebrate one of our least-complicated relationships.

· Pets are big business. The American Pet Product Manufacturers Association reports that Americans spent $34.4 billion on their pets in 2004. They peg 2005 expenditures at $35.9 billion. And here's another stat that blew me away: There are more pets than people in the US: 377.8 million pets, 290 million people. However you break it down, that's a lot of rubber chew toys, custom-made carriers and kitty massages.

· Pets provide comfort and unconditional love. When the world can seem increasingly dangerous and unpredictable, pets offer a sense of safety, warmth and love.

· Pets smooth our life stages and transitions. Whether you're single, newly divorced, widowed or facing an empty nest, pets are an incredible source of companionship in difficult or lonely times. They can also provide continuity when life is turbulent. Work may be crazy, but Abby the Cavalier still wiggles with delight and flips over for a tummy scratch when you walk through the front door.

Subscribe today...it's free!

MarketingProfs provides thousands of marketing resources, entirely free!

Simply subscribe to our newsletter and get instant access to how-to articles, guides, webinars and more for nada, nothing, zip, zilch, on the house...delivered right to your inbox! MarketingProfs is the largest marketing community in the world, and we are here to help you be a better marketer.

Already a member? Sign in now.

Sign in with your preferred account, below.

Did you like this article?
Know someone who would enjoy it too? Share with your friends, free of charge, no sign up required! Simply share this link, and they will get instant access…
  • Copy Link

  • Email

  • Twitter

  • Facebook

  • Pinterest

  • Linkedin


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

image of Lisa Johnson

Lisa Johnson (lisa@reachwomen.com) is the CEO of ReachWomen (www.reachwomen.com). She is also a coauthor of Don't Think Pink: What Really Makes Women Buy—And How to Increase Your Share of this Crucial Market (AMACOM, 2004).