LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE! WHY WE SHARE OUR BED WITH PETS
One in two pet owners let their pet cat or dog sleep in bed with them, a new survey has found.
And Gen Z pet parents are the most likely to let their pooch or cat sleep with them, with more than 60% of them saying their bed is just as much a place for their pet as it is for them.
The pet insurance comparison site Compare the Market found that close to one in two pet owners (48.7%) let their pets sleep with them.
To add to the pile (in the bed), this year’s figures show a significant increase from last year.
This year’s figures also revealed that every three in five Gen Z cat or dog owners (60.9%) let their pet under the soft doona covers, which should come as no surprise as previous Compare the Market research found this generation was the most likely to say that a pet is or would be as equally important as a child.
And while Millennials may have coined the term ‘fur baby,’ the survey found that they were the least likely of all generations to let their pooch or kitten snuggle up in bed with them.
Just over 42% of Millennial pet owners would still share their side of the bed, which is below the average.
Generation | % of pet owners who let their pet sleep with them |
Gen Z | 60.9% |
Millennials | 42.4% |
Gen X | 47.9% |
Baby Boomers | 49.1% |
Australian average | 48.7% |
Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager for General Insurance and pet insurance expert Adrian Taylor said that we shouldn’t just offer our pets creature comforts for a lavish lifestyle.
“It’s a ‘tail’ as old as time, and while it’s one of the most debatable topics across Aussie households, it appears that half of us really think pets belong in bed with us,” Mr Taylor said.
“While some argue that letting your canine or puss sleep in bed causes health issues, disrupted sleep and arguments between partners, others say it makes them feel safe and loved.
“Regardless, no matter how we look at it, there are some seriously spoiled animals across Australia! We give them the best food that money can buy and we buy them all the treats and toys we can to ensure that they’re entertained, but it’s important never to forget their health.
“Skipping a general health check-up for your pup may seem non-consequential, but it can have a detrimental effect down the line.
"Think about these visits the same way you view your yearly GP visit. It’s just good sense to have someone check over you to catch any ailments. The same should go for your pet.
“Another thing that many people may forget to get for their pet, no matter how much they love them, is pet insurance.
"We know cats and dogs of all sizes are quite curious and adventurous, so an emergency vet visit is not out of the question for a pet of any age.
“These visits could cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, which can be hard to come by in an instant in the current cost-of-living crisis.
“However, if costs for these sorts of emergencies are a concern, then pet insurance may be able to help by covering a part of the overall cost of these treatments, depending on the level of coverage people take out for their four-legged family member.
“Pet insurance policies offer many different levels of cover, which is why pet parents need to compare their options and shop around to find the best policies for themselves and their pets.
“Furthermore, some policies out there also cover some of the costs associated with routine check-ups or even vaccinations as an optional extra, which is just another reason not to skip out on their pet’s annual check-up.”
