Valentine’s Day is meant for spending time with those you love and for many of us that’s our pets.
Research* from specialist pet insurance provider, Insure Your Paws, which surveyed 1,000 UK cat and dog owners, reveals all the ways pets are influencing our love lives. For one in five owners (19%), a partner must love their pet, or the relationship is off, while the same number (19%) would rather stay single than give up a pet for someone with allergies. Yet pets may still be Cupid’s best helpers, as nearly a quarter of pet owners (24%) say their pet has helped them meet new people.
The love for our pets may even be impacting how people spend their Valentine’s Day, with almost a quarter (24%) saying they would prefer to stay at home with their pet than go out. Our pets are a massive part of our lives, with two thirds of owners (65%) seeing their pets as a family member, more than a quarter (28%) relying on their pet for emotional support and 12% saying they love their pet more than anyone else in their household. Therefore, it comes as little surprise that people may want to include their pets in their celebrations.
Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet at Insure Your Paws, said:
“Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the ones who make us feel truly loved, and pets do that better than anyone. They are with us every day, offering loyalty, affection, fun and a bit of joyful chaos. All they ask for is time, care and, for some, the occasional belly rub.”
He adds, “Even the most well-cared-for pets can face health issues. Vet bills can rise quickly, and many households are not set up for sudden, unexpected costs. Pet insurance can help cover that gap, giving owners confidence that finances will not stand in the way of care when it matters most.”
Insure Your Paws offers flexible lifetime pet insurance for cats and dogs from eight weeks old, with vet fee limits of up to £20,000. All customers also have access to the Assist Your Paws 24/7 careline, providing veterinary advice and support at any time of day.
*Opinium online survey conducted with 1,000 cat or dog owners in the UK from 30 April – 6 May 2025
