Over half of UK owners would choose their pet over their partner this Valentine’s Day

50% of pet owners say that their pet is the most consistent love in their life, according to a recent survey of 2,000 pet owners by Agria Pet Insurance.

Nearly half (47%) of female pet owners say ‘I love you’ more to their pet than their loved ones, compared to 33% of males.
Over half (53%) of pet owners buy their pet gifts on special occasions like Valentine’s Day
A further 39% of pet owners would consider their pet their true love, this being higher amongst females (43%).

Valentine’s Day is an annual celebration of love – but who says our pets can’t get involved too? According to Agria Pet Insurance’s recent survey of 2,000 pet owners, over half (53%) of pet owners even buy Valentine’s gifts for their pets.

Not only are pets a huge source of love, but being a pet owner boosts wellbeing and encourages connections with like-minded pet lovers. With over 25 million people in the UK affected by loneliness1, Agria Pet Insurance reveals the power of the human-pet connection and how Brits love of their pets can also bring them even closer to each other.

Pets are known for their unconditional love and loyalty, and it’s no surprise that many Brits are head over heels with their furry friends. According to the survey findings, over half (51%) of pet owners say that it would be a dealbreaker if their pet didn’t like their partner – and vice versa – so it could be a lonely Valentine’s Day for anyone ditched in favour of a pet.

When it comes to showing pets love, nearly half (47%) of female pet owners say ‘I love you’ more to their pet than their loved ones (compared to a third of males). A further 39% of pet owners would consider their pet their one true love, with this sentiment being higher among female pet owners (43%).

Pets are central to our wellbeing and help combat loneliness, with over 2 in 5 (42%) of surveyed pet owners spending time with their pet to boost their mental wellbeing when feeling lonely. A similar number (44%) reported that a senior friend or relative has adopted a pet to combat loneliness and feelings of isolation.

Pets don’t just help fight feelings of loneliness, it turns out having a pet to care for has many human health benefits and an overall positive impact on our lives.

Over half of respondents say their pets improve their mood (55%), help them to relax (55%) and offer constant companionship (52%). For almost a third (32%), pets provide a sense of purpose and teach them responsibility, with 42% choosing to get outdoors more to benefit from fresh air and exercise.

Our four-legged friends can also bring us closer to our family and friends. Over a third of survey respondents say they spend more time with friends and relatives who have pets, suggesting people cherish quality time with loved ones and their pets.

It’s not just our health that benefits from pet ownership, either. A loving home can be transformational for pets too – especially older pets – and over 3 in 5 (62%) of pet owners are willing to consider providing the perfect retirement home for an older pet.

Turning to our own later years, almost two thirds (63%) already have or would adopt an older pet in later life to provide companionship in retirement.

“With many pet owners choosing to include their pets in their Valentine’s Day celebrations, it’s clear that our pets are close to our hearts. Animal welfare is the foundation of Agria’s ethos, and it’s heartening to see the results of our survey demonstrating we’re truly a nation of animal lovers. We’re passionate about pets and the love and companionship they bring to their owners, and we love spreading the word about the special nature of the human to pet connection. ”

Vicki Wentworth

Agria Pet Insurance / Managing Director

To learn more about Agria’s commitment to animal welfare, please visit https://www.agriapet.co.uk/welfare-hub-pet/

ENDS

References:

1 Facts and statistics about loneliness, Campaign to end loneliness.
Nationally representative study of over 2,000 pet owners around the UK, February 2025.

Media Enquiries:
Contact agria@gold79.co.uk

About Agria Pet Insurance
Agria is one of the world’s leading animal insurers, specialising in small animal and equine insurance. Founded in Sweden over 130 years ago, Agria began underwriting policies in the UK in 2009 and is now a prominent part of the UK pet insurance sector.

In the UK, Agria works with over 50,000 vets, breeders and rehoming organisations, providing insurance for cats, dogs, and rabbits. Agria also administers pet insurance schemes for the leading small animal registration bodies, The Kennel Club, and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

Agria Pet Insurance is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products and our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus, Lifetime Premium, Home and Home Plus cat insurance products. Agria has also been awarded 'the best pet insurance overall' from the Telegraph.

Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2024. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. Find out more.

For more information, see www.agriapet.co.uk / https://www.instagram.com/agriapetinsurance / https://www.facebook.com/agriapetuk