From sharing a bed to boosting mental health - New report reveals insights from Irish pet owners

Almost three quarters of Irish pet owners have seen an improvement in their mental health since welcoming their furry friends into their home, with 62% of people admitting to seeing a reduction in their levels of stress and anxiety, a new survey has revealed.

This is according to new research carried out by Ireland’s Pet Experts, Petmania, which has taken a deep dive into the lives of pets across the country.

The survey, carried out during the month of August 2023, revealed that more than two thirds of the Irish pet-owning population added a pet to their homes for reasons of companionship and friendship, while almost 20% got a pet to help increase their own personal levels of fitness.

Ireland’s Pet Report, which is launching to coincide with World Animal Week, was created using insights from a recent study conducted on over 1,600 animal owners across the country.

The report was created with the aim of educating animal owners and to make them more mindful of their pets’ wellbeing. From companionship and emotional support, to increased fitness levels and laughter in the home, having a pet is proving to be a vital part of life in Irish homes today.

The survey revealed that almost one quarter of Irish pet owners would love to take their pet to work with them, if they had the option, but it seems Ireland is still a while away from a future filled with pet-friendly work environments, with just 4% of respondents currently being allowed their pets in the workplace.

And while loving a pet is priceless, often the cost involved in owning one is not. Irish pet owners can spend over €2,000 a year on their pets and, with the cost of living on the rise, it appears Irish pet-owners are trying to cut outgoings with over 70% of respondents admitting they do not have pet insurance.

Whether cats or dogs make the better pets is a bone of contention among many pet-owners but, in terms of ownership, the research showed that more Irish households include dogs rather than cats, with 81% of homes having a dog versus 29% having a cat - and almost 20% having both.

It really is a dog’s life for Irish pets, with 30% of dogs getting to sleep on their owners bed each night. If they’re not on their owners bed, 33% have managed to convince their owners to allow them sleep indoors on a pet bed and 11% even made it on to the couch (that we know of!). 

And 90% of dogs get a walk daily with green, open spaces being the most popular location for walks and many getting walked twice a day if not more.

Speaking about the launch of the pet report, spokesperson for Petmania, Emily Miller says:

"We are delighted to have been able to gather such interesting – and often surprising – insights into the lives of pets in Ireland through the eyes of their owners but are equally as delighted to be able to share these results with the public.

"Our cats, dogs and other pets mean the world to so many people and at Petmania, we value any opportunity to guide and advise pet-owners on how to best provide for their much-loved pet and mind their wellbeing."

You can read the full report here