Majority of pet owners think their pet is their soulmate

Forget about destined star-crossed lovers — over half of Americans agree their soulmate is their pet.

A poll of 2,000 U.S. pet owners revealed that 53% believe their pet knows them better than anyone else in their life, including their best friends, family members or even their significant others.

Nearly half (45%) tell all their deepest secrets to their pets and 72% swear their pet can tell exactly what they’re feeling at any point in time.

According to respondents, pets can pick up on when you feel upset (71%), when someone is outside the home (66%), when you feel happy (61%), when you feel angry (58%) and when you feel tired (43%).

One in four (25%) claimed their pet can even mirror their emotions “most” or “all” of the time.

Pets like to mimic certain human-like traits, like coming to help when they’re needed (61%), eating together or at the same time (49%), snoring (48%) or sleeping under the blankets (46%).

Conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Zesty Paws, in honor of National Pet Month, the study found that 32% of pet parents believe they’re so in sync with their pets, that their zodiac signs are even compatible with each other.

Over a third (37%) believe their personality traits accurately reflect their zodiac signs, while 28% believe the same for their pet’s traits and signs.

Respondents also found their zodiacs are in sync when it comes to how they spend their weekends. Fire signs like Aries (77%), Leo (82%) and Sagittarius (80%) are big fans of relaxing. Meanwhile, 62% of loyal Capricorns love playing together on weekends and 22% of socialite Libras like visiting family and friends.

“The bond we have with our pets is unique in a variety of ways,” said Yvethe Tyszka, vice president of marketing at Zesty Paws. “That connection can be so strong; it feels as if pets can read our minds and emotions at times.”

Results also revealed what respondents' pets would likely do with their lives if they were human for a day, all based on their zodiac signs.

Aquarius pets were found to be a perfect match for royalty, Taurus’ have the palate for being professional chefs, Virgos are set to be your personal trainer and Scorpio pets will handle your finances.

Inquisitive Geminis and loud Sagittarius pets are ideal motivational speakers, while Aries and Capricorns will hear you out as your live-in therapist.

Cancers will see you on the basketball court as pro athletes, communicative Libras have the patience for customer service, Leos were made to be reality TV stars and Pisces will take their fame online as YouTube personalities.

“The connection between us and our pets is exactly why we should give them the very best,” continued Tyszka. “Our pets deserve the best quality of health and nutrition, making sure they stick around as our soulmates for as long as possible.”

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American pet owners was commissioned by Zesty Paws between April 17 and April 19, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).