We always enjoy seeing the results of pet surveys and here’s a fun one that just came across our cyberdesks: a survey commissioned by Milo’s Kitchen™ shows that 81 percent of Americans consider their dogs to be equal members of the family, while 77 percent own up to talking about their pups as if they are a human family member. Over half of Americans consider themselves “pet parents” rather than “pet owners.” Most said this shift happened the moment their pooch joined the family.
The Milo’s Kitchen™ Pet Parent Survey, conducted by Kelton Research also showed:
- 58 percent of American dog owners are comfortable calling themselves nicknames such as “Mommy” and “Daddy” when referencing their dogs
- 35 percent refer to their dog as “son” or “daughter”
- 10 percent have celebrated Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with their dog
- two out of three pet parents surveyed admitted they use two, if not more, nicknames for their pups
- nearly 72 percent of dog owners with children apply the same disciplinary standards to their pooches as they do with their kids
- 62 percent that their dogs have their own chair, sofa, or bed
- 13 percent of those surveyed said their dogs have their own room
- 81 percent of dog parents know their pets’ birthdays, and have celebrated at least once
- 77 percent have admitted to buying their dog a present for their special day
- 74 percent of pet parents said they like to share one meal with their dogs each day
- 75 percent chose dinner, a traditional time for the family to spend time together, as their favorite mealtime to share with their dogs
- nearly 60 percent of Americans believe they appreciate their pups more now more than their childhood dog
- two in three dog parents believe they are better parents to their dogs than their mother and father were to their dogs
- 79 percent say they talk with their significant other more about their dog more than politics
- 55 percent that discuss topics including their dog more than their human friends
- 48 percent chit chat about their dog more than their job
- 45 percent discuss their dogs more than their relationship
- 57 percent say they and their partners devote more time chatting about their pups than intimacy
- 23 percent have a photo album dedicated to just pictures of their canines
- 16 percent have started scrapbooks for their dogs
- 71 percent have at least one dog picture on them at all times that they show off to others
The survey was commissioned by Milo’s Kitchen™ Brand home-style dog treats, 100% real jerky, sausage slices and meatball treats.
Paris Permenter is the award-winning co-author, with John Bigley, of over 30 pet and travel books including The Healthy Hound Cookbook and Texas with Dogs, both available through Simon and Schuster. Paris is also a member of the Dog Writers Association of America.
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