Almost half of Scottish pet parents believe their furry friends are the true party animals

The research reveals that 1 in 5 devoted Scottish pet parents prioritise their pet’s approval when choosing a partner, with 1 in 10 admitting they have made a relationship decision based on their pet’s instincts.

Almost half (49%) of Scottish pet parents say their pet has a more active social calendar than they do. Who’s the real party animal here?

For many Scottish pet parents, celebrations are better with furry friends, so much so 1 in 5 pet parents would only attend if their pet was invited, while 12% would politely decline a wedding invite to keep their pup by their side.

Special bonds

For over a third of Scottish pet parents (36%), the perfect holiday isn’t complete without their furry companion, choosing destinations with pet-friendly stays. It seems a pet passport is just as essential as a beach towel!

Our bond with our pets goes beyond everyday life - it’s a lifelong commitment. 23% of Scottish pet parents have included their four-legged companions in their will, while the majority (73%) have already chosen a guardian to ensure their beloved pet is cared for, no matter what.

“The fact that so many Brits are embracing the influence that pets have in their lives, from relationships to friendships and even which social events we attend without them, shows just how deep the bond has become”, says Clinical Animal Behaviourist, Karen Wild.

Karen continues: “Pets have truly become fully-fledged family members who shape the lives of their owners in ways we never could have imagined.

pet-approved pairings

“Our pets depend on us to lead happy and healthy lives, so it’s good news that people are saying they put their dogs and cats at the forefront when it comes to lifestyle and relationships too.

“And just like our human loved ones, we want to understand them better – from their unique personalities to the potential health risks they might be predisposed to, so that we can enjoy many more moments together.”

Christine Fong, General Manager at Wisdom Panel adds: “Every DNA sample we analyse fuels our research and brings us closer to the next scientific breakthrough in pet health.

“That means when pet parents trust Wisdom Panel with their dog or cat's genetic testing, they aren't just getting invaluable insights about their pet, they're contributing to the health and well-being of future generations of pets, too.

“That's the power of the community we have built together."

This survey marks 5 million pets tested by Wisdom Panel™, a huge step towards unlocking genetic insights to combat hereditary diseases. These breakthrough insights offer first-hand behavioural predications to help pet parents better understand their pets and strengthen their bond.

The Wisdom Panel™ Premium Kit, RRP £139.99, screens for 365+ breeds, 260+ genetic health conditions, 50+ physical traits, 15 behavioural predispositions and helps to identify any relatives, allowing pet parents to understand their pet as the individual that they are.

Just collect a quick 15 second swab of the inside of your pet’s cheek and place the swab in the pre-paid envelope included in your kit. 2-3 weeks later your results will be available!

For more information about the Wisdom Panel™ range for dogs and cats, visit www.wisdompanel.com

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