Nearly half of UK pet owners (48%) say they would consider ending a romantic relationship if their pet didn't approve of their partner, according to new research from Mars, Inc.
The trend is especially pronounced among Gen Z pet owners. More than a quarter (27%) regularly confide in their pets about their love lives — nearly twice the UK average of 16%. More than a third (35%) say they trust their pet's judgment of other people more than their own, compared to 24% across all age groups. Nearly one in five (18%) have prioritized time with their pet over going on a date.
The elevated place pets hold in their owners' lives
The findings draw on thousands of "pet parent confessions" collected by Mars. More than half of UK pet owners (53%) say they have willingly given up their spot on the sofa for their pet, and 31% say they confide in their pet — sharing gossip, secrets or relationship concerns.
Dr. Tammie King, animal behavior scientist at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, part of the Petcare business at Mars, said the confessions reflect what pets need most in their daily lives. On owners giving up their sofa spot, she said: "Creating comfortable, familiar spaces helps pets feel secure and supports the human-pet bond, even if it means you have to sit on the floor every once in a while."
Owners also report skipping significant social events to stay with their animals: 14% say they would miss a friend's birthday, 11% a major sporting event and 8% a wedding. More than half (52%) say they cancel on friends or other plans at least once a week to spend time with their pet; 45% say they feel happier knowing their pet wasn't alone.
King connected that pattern to pets' behavioral needs. "Dogs and cats are highly attuned to familiarity and consistency," she said. "Further, they need adequate physical and mental stimulation to support their wellbeing. Maintaining regular patterns — from walks, play time and rest — can help maintain pet health and happiness."
The impact pets have on their humans
A separate 2025 Mars x CALM study found 83% of owners say their pet has a positive impact on their mental wellbeing. Most find the simple presence of their pet relaxing (84%), while more than half (56%) say their pet provides comfort during stressful moments. Some 58% said they would prefer to spend time with their pet when stressed, compared to 32% who would turn to a partner and 23% who would turn to family.
On the finding that nearly half of owners would consider ending a relationship over a pet's reaction to a partner, King said. "Pets can be surprisingly good judges of character," said King. "Paying attention to their behavior and body language can tell owners a lot about what makes their pet feel comfortable, safe and at ease."
The research was released in conjunction with Goodwoof, an annual UK festival for dog owners. Mars invited festivalgoers to share confessions at the event, including accounts of people turning down jobs at non-dog-friendly offices, getting tattoos of their dogs and traveling to Paris for a dog's birthday. For every confession shared at Goodwoof, Mars made a £5 (US$6.30) donation to Battersea, an animal welfare charity and Mars partner for 18 years.
"We've always known that people love their pets, but this research shows they are now central to our lives in ways we've never seen before," said Nick Foster, general manager of Mars Pet Nutrition, North Europe. "They're our confidantes, our support systems, and, it seems, our most trusted relationship advisors. These confessions beautifully reflect the joy and companionship pets bring, and it's our privilege to help support that incredible bond."
Mars has been active in the UK pet care space since acquiring Chappell Brothers, makers of Chappie canned dog food, in 1935. The company's Renting with Pets Guide, developed in partnership with Battersea, was produced to support renters and landlords as the Renters' Rights Act takes effect.
