Rover study shows 74% of Canadian pet owners factor their furry friends into financial decisions

"Dogs are man's best friend" isn't just a saying! As of late, pet owners are proving they love their pets as much, if not more, than humans – and we're here for it! In fact, 50 per cent of cat people and 76 per cent of dog people would prefer to spend time with their pets over other people.

Don't believe us? A recent study, released by Rover.com, the largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers, confirms that people are putting their dogs and cats at the top of their priority list. "The Secret Lives of Cat People and Dog People" report, which includes responses from more than 800 pet owners across Canada, revealed that cats and dogs occupy a familial role in pet parents' lives, affecting important financial decisions like buying a home (42 per cent), buying a car (40 per cent) or choosing furniture (37 per cent).

"Traditional family habits are shifting to cater to the family members we choose, our cats and dogs. Millennials are adopting pets as starter families and Baby Boomers are welcoming pets as extended family, and behaviour is adapting accordingly,” said Alison Rutty, Rover’s Director of Cats and New Business Lines. “Pet parents not only want their pet to be their best friend, but to be their pet’s best friend in return. So, it’s not surprising to see that what the data tells us: we have conversations with our cats, comfort our dogs after they have nightmares, and consider all our pets in big life decisions.”

This research comes on the heels of Rover's latest and greatest booking experience for cat owners. This new system makes it easier for cat owners to to find affordable, local pet care from providers who can offer in-home services, like drop-in visits or overnight sitting. Cat owners can now choose from more than 245,000 cat sitters on Rover in thousands of cities across Canada, the U.S and the UK.

Pet owners want nothing but the best for their furry family members and Rover makes it easier than ever for people to enhance the bond between pets and their owners. Rover provides tips and articles that delight and inform, 24/7 support, vet consultations, GPS walk tracking and much more! To learn more about Rover and the findings of their recent study visit Rover.com.