Survey reveals people prefer to cuddle with their dogs instead of their partners

A new survey has revealed people are kicking their partners out of bed at night, instead choosing to cuddle up with their dogs.

Pet owners are choosing pooches over partners to snuggle up with in bed during the chilly winter months.

And those who have a problem with it can expect to be shown the door.

New research suggests two-thirds of pet owners let their cat or dog sleep in bed with them.

It’s one of many signs that pets are playing a bigger role in our family lives, according to the

2022 Pet Parent Report commissioned by PETstock.

The research also found 56 per cent of cat owners would explicitly seek out other pet owners on dating apps.

Animal behaviourist Dr Kate Mornement said a potential match’s connection with animals was an important relationship foundation.

Amber Omar with her dog Peggy Sue. Picture: Richard Dobson

“We typically perceive people who have positive attitudes towards animals as being more caring and empathetic and these are traits we tend to look for in a partner,” Dr Mornement said.

“Pet parents may also prefer to date a potential partner who also loves animals because they perceive them as a better match in terms of values and lifestyle.”

Dr Mornement said owners were increasingly relying on their pets’ judgment while dating.

“Recent research has shown that dogs can sense our emotions by reading our facial expressions,” she said.

“This might explain why some pet parents swear by their pet’s ability to tell whether people they meet are nice or not, and could make a potential match for their owner.”

According the research, 39 per cent of Sydneysiders preferred pets over children.

Bellevue Hill’s Amber Omar said one-year-old pomeranian-Shih tzu-Maltese Peggy was like a child to her.

“She’s my baby and I’m her mum,” Ms Omar said.

“She does everything and goes everywhere with me. All my friends know it and expect to see her, and they love her too.”

A survey has found that 39 per cent of Sydney pet parents would rather sleep next to their pet than their partner. Picture: Richard Dobson

Ms Omar said it was important Peggy was loved by those in her life, particularly her new fiance.

“He just absolutely adores her,” she said.

“Anyone who doesn’t love Peggy is just someone I can’t really see in my life.”

The research into owners’ attitudes to their pets also found 15 per cent of women were embarrassed by their dog’s behaviour at dog parks, while only 9 per cent of men felt the same.

Female pet owners were far more likely to support animal charities and preferred pet charities over human charities.

They were also more likely than men to include their pet in their will.