EMANCIPE+ Blog

In my preparation for a recent presentation on the relationship between people and their pets, I came across some studies that have really gotten people talking.  Since it’s all about love and relationships and sacrifice, I thought Valentine’s Day would be a fun excuse to share some of this data with you. So, here’s what I learned:

Pet owners love their pets and are afraid of losing them.  Not surprising, but… 79% of pet owners felt losing their pet would be more traumatic than getting into a car accident, and 61% said it would be more traumatic than losing their jobs.  Some people were surprised when I shared this last one.  But, this tracks with my experiences in the clinic at Emancipet.  Honestly not a day goes by that we don’t hear a story of a client who has lost his or her job and who is thankful for the love and joy they receive from their pets.

Most pet owners are willing to sacrifice for their pets’ happiness and safety, and an overwhelming 93% of pet owners said they’d be likely to risk their lives for their pets.  Again, it may seem shocking at first, but people do brave and risky things for their pets all the time.  Think back to Hurricane Katrina, and how many people chose to stay behind and risk their lives for no other reason than their pets were not allowed to evacuate with them.  Recent data indicates 62% of pet owners would defy a forced evacuation order if they could not evacuate with their pets.

So there you have it.  We love our pets.  Here’s what I want to know:  Have you ever risked your life (or even limb) for your pet, or any animal in need?  Tell us about it!

Thanks for reading, and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your furry companions!