By Vanessa Mangru // SWNS
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC
Two-thirds of Americans claim they spare no expense when it comes to their furry companions, according to a new poll.
Out of 2,000 dog owners surveyed, four in five admitted to pampering their dogs as much as possible.
This may be because three-quarters of respondents consider their dog a member of their family and 79% want to give their pups everything they need to feel loved.
Three in four dog owners said they’re willing to go the extra mile for their pooch since they have an irreplaceable bond with them.
Eighty percent said it’s important to them that their furry friend looks clean and well-kept which is probably why more than half of dog owners said that their pup visits the salon at least five times a year, compared to the 42% of respondents who visit their own salons less often.
Dog parents also love pampering their four-legged companions with “treats and cuddles,” “long walks” or “new toys.”
While 73% agree that pampering their dogs is one of the best ways to show them love, a similar number pamper their dog more than they ever thought they would (72%).
Thirty percent of dog owners even own a pet stroller that they carry their dog around in, and another 21% plan on getting one to wheel their furry friend around, according to the research conducted by OnePoll in partnership with PuppySpot.
And pet parents have a tough time staying away from their pups. Many take their dogs with them to run errands (51%) or when they’re catching up with friends and family (40%).
Two in five seek out restaurants that allow pets and 35% prioritize pet-friendly vacation spots so their furry friend isn’t left out of their plans.
Another way dog owners show their pups love is by celebrating their birthday (57%) with new toys (56%), a party (52%) or a trip to hang out with their doggy friends (49%).
Three-quarters of pet parents show their love by looking into the perfect items for their dogs (76%), spending nearly 300 hours a year looking for the best treats and toys.
Making good choices is important for dog owners, too, with 83% of respondents who have children agreeing that taking care of their dogs is equally as important as taking care of their child.
“As a community of dog lovers, we know firsthand about the various ways dog parents show love and affection to their fur baby, and how these moments build trust and create a life-long bond,” said Claire Komorowski, PuppySpot’s CEO. “Whether it’s through long walks, special treats, new toys or, simply some cuddles, every dog needs to be cared for in a way that shows them just how special and adored they are.”
Most respondents recall bringing home their dogs as one of the happiest days of their lives (72%).
Some of their favorite memories of their dog are times when their puppy fell asleep on them on the way home or the first time they jumped into their lap.
More than two-thirds of dog owners consider their dog their best friend (69%), and 73% think that having a dog has made them a more sentimental/emotional person.
“Welcoming a new dog into your home is truly a one-of-a-kind and life-changing moment,” said Komorowski. “Our mission is to help place healthy puppies into happy homes and from experience, we know that the joy a dog brings to a person or family is truly an unmatched feeling.”