Are you a pet-loving single? If so, we have good news. If you’re a pet-loving single man, the news is even better!
A study published in the journal Anthrozoös surveyed people who had subscribed to the dating site match.com and had mentioned pets in their profile. The answers to the survey questions demonstrated just how much having a pet influences how people perceive a potential partner.
The results of the survey showed that women were more likely to be attracted to someone who shared their life with a dog. Women also judged their date on how they treated their pup. This is thought to be because they relate how a man treats their dog with how they may act as a father. If he’s involved and caring with a canine dependent, he’s more likely to be an active and engaged parent. Men didn’t seem to feel quite as strongly about women who have dogs and their parenting skills. Interestingly, the same perceptions didn’t apply to people who have cats. This is thought to be because dogs need more care and attention than cats, and they’re much more integrated into our daily activities.
The same study asked participants if they’d date someone who wasn’t a pet lover. Most women said no, whereas men didn’t express any preference. So, if you’re a single guy and share your life with a dog, you’re in the perfect position to find a lady friend.
This makes sense, when you realize that more and more people regard their pets as family members and themselves as “pet parents”. In the United States, families with young children are most likely to have a dog in their household. However, the adults are less attached to the pet because they see it as being the child’s dog. On the other hand, adults with no children express a much closer bond with their pet so it would be particularly important to them to find a partner who felt the same way.
You don’t even need to go to the dog park to encounter a potential new partner. There are a number of online dating sites for pet parents. Some sites go so far as to organize social events for pet-loving singles in different areas. This is a great idea because you’re likely to meet someone who doesn’t mind pet hair on the couch or sharing their bed with a cat or two. There are even apps for smartphones that allow you to meet local pet parents for outings and dates.
What if you don’t own a pet and you want to take advantage of the results of this study? This is where your local rescue group or pet shelter can be helpful. If you can volunteer there for a few hours a month, then you’re very likely to meet a group of like-minded people while helping the pets in their care. You never know, one of the people you meet could be the new love of your life, or perhaps you could even go home with a furry Valentine.
Photo ©iStock.com/LucaCappelli
