For many owners, survey finds, the pet has a place in life's biggest calls

For many owners, choosing a home, planning for retirement or deciding whether a relationship will work may involve another consideration: the dog or cat already waiting at home.

A new survey commissioned by Spot Pet Insurance suggests that pets are influencing major life decisions, from where their owners live to how they plan for the future. The survey included 3,600 US dog and cat owners ages 18 to 64 and was conducted by Pollfish in August 2026.¹

Housing was one of the clearest areas where respondents said their pets affected their choices. Nearly 6 in 10 said their pet's needs carried as much weight as their own when choosing their current home, while 75% said they would walk away from an otherwise ideal property if a landlord or homeowners association prohibited their pet's breed or weight. About one-third said they had permanently altered their home's layout or architecture to accommodate a pet.¹

The influence of pets also extended into relationships. More than 8 in 10 respondents said they would take a pet's persistent negative reaction to a new partner seriously enough that it could affect the future of the relationship, including 23% who said the reaction would be an immediate dealbreaker.¹

Financial responsibilities can become part of the relationship equation as well. More than half of respondents said they would consider major medical expenses for a partner's pre-existing pet a shared responsibility after combining households. Far fewer — 14% — said a formal agreement, a “pet prenup,” addressing pet-related responsibilities would be essential before moving in together or marrying.¹

Planning for pets' futures

The survey also suggests that some owners are incorporating their pets into longer-term financial planning.

Forty-two percent of respondents said they would delay their target retirement age by 2 to 5 years if continuing to work would allow them to afford premium medical care and comfort for an aging pet. Another 41% said they planned to set aside money or property for their pet's ongoing care as part of their estate planning.¹

The findings come as veterinary care and other pet-related expenses have become an increasingly important consideration for household budgets. Spot Pet Insurance previously reported survey findings examining how veterinary costs affect pet owners' financial and career decisions.²

The new survey, however, focuses less on the cost of pet ownership itself and more broadly on how having a pet may influence the choices people make around that cost.

Travel was another area where respondents said they were willing to adapt their plans for their animals. More than half said they either plan travel exclusively around their pet or spend substantially more on premium pet sitting or boarding when traveling without them.¹

There were limits to how far that willingness extended. Although 59% said they would consider paying for a scientifically supported treatment that could extend their pet's life span, 85% said they would not preserve their pet's DNA for potential future cloning.¹

Taken together, the survey results suggest that pet ownership is becoming a factor in decisions that extend well beyond day-to-day care. For a substantial portion of respondents, the needs of a dog or cat are part of the equation when choosing a home, building a relationship and planning for later life.

References

1. Pets are reshaping housing, financial, and relationship decisions: Spot Pet Insurance releases 2026 data on how pets shape everyday life. News release. Spot Pet Insurance. September 15, 2026. Accessed September 15, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pets-are-reshaping-housing-financial-and-relationship-decisions-spot-pet-insurance-releases-2026-data-on-how-pets-shape-everyday-life-302878519.html
2. Spot Pet Insurance releases 2026 "Pet Parent Perspective" showing vet bills now influence household budgets, career choices, and relationship decisions. News release. Spot Pet Insurance. March 31, 2026. Accessed September 15, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spot-pet-insurance-releases-2026-pet-parent-perspective-showing-vet-bills-now-influence-household-budgets-career-choices-and-relationship-decisions-302729619.html