Many Canadians would rather party with their pets this Valentine’s Day (2024)

Many are feeling love this Valentine’s Day – but not for the obvious, like a partner, mate, lover or significant other.

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Nope, we’re giving the whole hearts and flowers experience to the family four-legged friend, according to a recent survey of Canadians who love their pets more than their humans.

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This according to a recent survey conducted by Rover.com online marketplace, in which 500 Canadian pet parents were recently asked to compare people’s love affairs with pets vs. (human) significant others.

It appears pets are winning hands-done, notes the study – and it seems “our furry friends can teach us a thing or two when it comes to love, as well,” per a recent media release outlining how a percentage of Canadians admit they feel “more loved by their dog than they do their other half,” while 18% also say their dogs show them more affection than their partners, and 12% even believe them to be more trustworthy.

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One in ten confessed they value quality time with their dog more than their spouse.

These findings are also backed by a survey conducted by MetLife Pet Insurance that shows 42% of those surveyed would “rather spend Valentine’s Day with their pets, while 78% of people consider their pet to be their child, and 69% love their pets more than they love most people.”

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“Ask any pet parent and they’ll tell you, the love and joy a dog brings to your life is priceless – which is why a quarter of Canadians plan to show their gratitude by posting a Valentine’s Day photo with their pup on social media this year,” said Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Toronto-based veterinary medical advisor for Rover, in a recent media release. “Loyalty and unwavering affection are part of the reasons why Canadians consider their dogs to be part of the family.

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Pet owners would most likely agree with many of the findings – with one bonus finding guaranteed to make owners blush: Half (46%) of Canadian pet parents admitted their pet has interrupted them during private time with a romantic partner. Hey! It happens!

Other findings from the survey:

– One quarter of pet parents believe their dog is more loyal than their partner.

– Men are more likely than women to believe their dog is more loyal than their partner.

– Pet parents are more certain that their dog would never leave them (50%) than they are of their partner (48%) staying.

– 24% of pet parents say they feel less judged by their dog than by their partner.

– Of pet parents surveyed, 58% agree that loyalty is the most important quality in a human partner. Trustworthiness and affectionate follow closely behind.

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– According to the same set of pet parents, Golden Retrievers are most likely to exhibit these three qualities compared to other breeds.

– Only one third of pet parents plan to get their dog a Valentine’s Day treat.

– That said, 24% of pet parents plan to post a Valentine’s Day photo with their dog on social media.

Say I Love You to beloved family pets – but keep the chocolates, wine and flowers away

If you love your pets – don’t get them anything for Valentine’s Day except your love.

It’s for their health and well-being, note the pet specialists at Trupanion medical insurance for cats and dogs, who states sweets for your sweetie can seriously hurt or even kill your pet.

“One of the most common pet medical insurance claims around Valentine’s Day is chocolate ingestion; in fact, chocolate made up 70% of toxicity-related claims in the weeks surrounding Valentine’s Day over the last five years,” notes a recent release, adding that chocolate is the Number One danger for pets this Valentine’s Day.

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It’s toxic, plain and simple – and can cost pet owners thousands of dollars, and even the loss of a beloved pet. Signs of chocolate poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination, panting or rapid breathing, muscle tremors, and seizures.

According to the ASPCA website, precautions must be taken now or until there are no more boxes of Valentine’s Day treats for pets to hunt throughout the home.

We’re not just talking regular chocolate – both organizations warn of the dangers of chocolate in all forms, especially dark or baking chocolate, as well as raisins and any sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol. These can cause extremely serious medical crises for pets.

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Trupanion also warm against:

Flowers: Valentine bouquets are sweet, but lilies and other toxic flowers can cause kidney disease in curious cats who ingest parts of the flower, or even drink the water from the vase. “Lilies are incredibly dangerous to our feline friends. In fact, lily toxicity is one of Trupanion’s most common and one of the most expensive toxicity claims, with an average claim cost of nearly $800,” notes the company.

Wine: “Alcohol and pets don’t mix. Keep the wine and any other type of alcohol away from your pet. Alcohol effects the liver just as it does humans, but it can do a lot more damage and quickly.”

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