New York office - 646-873-7565 / usnews@swns.com
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO & INFOGRAPHIC
When uploading photos for a dating profile, don’t worry about being outshined by your friends — it’s your DOG people are swiping for, according to new research.
Turns out, over a third (39%) of people have swiped right because they wanted to meet the dog in someone’s profile more than they wanted to meet the person.
A survey of 2,000 Americans who have used a dating app (1,000 of whom own a dog) found having a cute pooch in the shot helped respondents find success matching online (63%).
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of pet food brand “I and love and you,” the survey examined the correlation of dating and pets in this modern age of swiping — and the love Americans have for their four-legged friends.
Choosing which photos to include on a dating profile can be a make-or-break, and the survey found non-dog owners wanted to reap the benefits of a pet, too.
Results revealed that 39% have even borrowed a friend’s dog to use in their dating profile.
But this can backfire — of the 39% who have matched with someone who used a dog that didn’t belong to them, more than half (53%) were “very upset” when the truth came out.
That’s not the only lie people have told on their profiles; 58% have come across someone who didn’t look like their profile photos, while 49% have encountered a match who was untruthful in the bio or description.
The survey not only looked at the elements of a successful profile, but also at relationships and how they can change when a pet is involved.
Thirty-seven percent of respondents have experienced a breakup in which a pet was involved — and 69% of those say they missed their pet as much as they missed their ex.
Fifty-three percent worried their pet would feel abandoned, and 31% admit they even stayed in the relationship longer than they should have because they didn’t want to leave the pet.
“We believe pets are people too, so not only can a breakup be heartbreaking with your human partner, it can sometimes be even harder knowing you won’t see your furry companion every day,” said Lindsey Rabaut, VP of marketing at “I and love and you.” “We want the best for them, even more so after a breakup.”
Considering the love people have for their four-legged friends, it’s perhaps not surprising that 60% of respondents would prefer to spend Valentine’s Day with a pet instead of a partner.
Respondents are eschewing the traditional romantic dinner — instead, 73% would rather stay home and have a night in.
Of dog owners surveyed, 83% admit to craving extra love from their furry friend around Valentine’s Day.
They want to return the favor, too, as the vast majority plan to do something special for their dog around the holiday.
Top of the list was buying them a new toy (45%), followed by giving them a special dinner (44%) or buying them a special treat (44%).
Some owners might be planning to do something more permanent to show their love — they could join the third of dog-owning respondents who have a tattoo to show their love for their pet.
“Pets make the ultimate Valentines. They love us unconditionally year-round. One of our favorite ways to show our pets love is treating them to a delicious and nutritious meal,” said Rabaut. “Food is love for pets and humans. Maybe even give them some extra special love with yummy treats, cuddles and tummy rubs. They deserve all the love and attention in the world on Valentine’s Day — and every day!”
HOW DOG OWNERS PLAN TO SHOW THEIR PET LOVE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
1. Buy them a new toy 45%
2. Give them a special dinner 44%
3. Buy them new treats/a special treat 44%
4. Take them on more/longer walks 37%
5. Take them to a dog-friendly cafe or restaurant 35%
6. Spend time at a dog-friendly park or beach 27%
7. Buy them new clothes/bandanas 25%
8. Give them a dog massage 21%
9. Teach them a new trick 21%
10. Give them a bath 21%
AFTER EXPERIENCING A BREAKUP (WHERE A PET WAS INVOLVED) . . .
1. I missed the pet as much as I missed my ex 69%
2. I continued to occasionally see the pet 54%
3. Worried the pet would think I abandoned them 52%
4. My ex and I shared custody 50%
5. I stayed in the relationship longer than I should have because I didn’t want to leave the pet 31%
