How more than half of pet owners plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their dogs

By Charlotte Minett via 72Point

Millions of pet owners intend to romance their dogs this Valentine's Day by taking them out to dinner, cooking up a culinary feast - and snuggling up in front of a movie.

A poll of 2,000 cat and dog owners found over half (56 percent) plan on celebrating February 14th with their furry friend.

Taking their dog on a romantic walk, putting something they like on TV, and letting them sleep in the same bed are also among the things owners are planning to do with their pet on the big day.

While one in ten will cook up a meal fit for a king - or a pooch - in a bid to spoil them with their favourite pet food.

Giving them extra tummy rubs and ear scratches, buying them a new toy, and making a pet-friendly cake also appear on the top 20 list.

A spokesman for Lottoland.co.uk, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new scratchcard in support of Blue Cross pet charity, said: “It really does show we’re willing to go the extra mile for our furry friends.

“It’s great to see so many owners showing their pets so much care and attention, especially during the season of love.

“Even though cats and dogs don’t have a clue what Valentine’s Day is, I’m sure they appreciate the extra effort.”

The research also found find eight in ten tell their pet how much they love them, with 49 percent doing so on a regular basis.

And companionship, unconditional love and stress relief are among the best things about owning an animal companion.

More than half (56 percent) are jealous of the life their pet has, and 53 percent would even swap lives with their furry friend.

As many as 93 percent know exactly when their pet is happy, and eight in ten would go above and beyond to make sure their cat or dog is content.

And seeing their pet happy makes a whopping 99 percent of respondents happy in return.

It also emerged owners spend an average of £118 ($160 USD) a year on treats and presents for their cat or dog.

Almost four in ten first got their pet because they are so loving, and for the companionship.

And two-thirds reckon their pet shows them more love and affection than their partner does, according to the OnePoll research.

Mary Haisman, corporate partnerships manager at Blue Cross, said: “We know only too well how much people adore and are supported by the love of their pets, and this new survey really shows this.

“It is so endearing that almost all pet owners say when their furry friend is happy, they are happy too, and that so many owners go to great lengths for their pet to show their appreciation.

“This new scratchcard will give players the chance to win £50,000 from just a £1 play, with 20p of every stake going directly to Blue Cross for Pets.”

TOP 20 WAYS PETS WILL BE ROMANCED THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

1. Treat them to their favourite pet treat
2. Give them extra tummy rubs and ear scratches
3. Buy them a new toy
4. Let them sit on the sofa
5. Let them play with their favourite toy
6. Have a night cuddled up in front of a movie together
7. Let them sleep in your bed
8. Take them on a long ‘romantic’ walk
9. Cook them up a meal fit for a pet (using pet-suitable food)
10. Give them a pet massage
11. Put something on the TV they seem to enjoy watching
12. Buy them a nice new collar and lead
13. Play music they seem to like
14. Give them a nice new bed
15. Take them to see their favourite relatives
16. Book them in for an expensive grooming
17. Let them have a dip in the sea
18. Make a pet-friendly cake
19. Take them to see their best friend
20. Arrange a pet photography /portrait session