Did you know that one in two Aussies (49 per cent) are more attracted to pet owners, with furry friends on dating profiles getting a swipe right from almost half the population?
According to new research by eHarmony, that effect is amplified if the potential partner owns the same kind of animal as them.
While only 23 per cent of singles admitted to showing off a pet in their profile, almost half of Aussies (44 per cent) admit profile pictures that include a match’s pet make them more attractive.
Why dogs specifically, though?
A whopping 75 per cent of the online dating base named dogs as the most attractive pets, while cats were considered the most attractive by fewer than half (47 per cent) of online daters.
This was followed – surprisingly – by birds (21 per cent), making them the most underrated wingmen.
However, eHarmony psychologist Sharon Draper cautions that leaning on our pups to get a match can only get us so far. “Ultimately, compatibility is more than just liking a profile pic.”
Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of pet owners say it’s crucial for a potential partner to get along with their pet. Further still, if a couple has fur babies who don’t get along, almost half of Aussies (47 per cent) would be prepared to walkies away.
Ms Draper noted it was particularly interesting that the vast majority (81 per cent) of those surveyed felt how someone treats their pet is a strong indicator of how they would treat their partner.
“Beyond that, more than three-quarters of participants said pet ownership signified a person’s ability to handle commitment.”
Attractive fur-ends v. pet faux-paws
Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of Aussies look to a person’s choice of pet to assess a potential partner’s suitability.
Overall, dog and cat ownership are associated with more positive traits, including dependability (49 per cent for dogs and 23 per cent for cats), loyalty (55.5 per cent and 22 per cent), good levels of affection (47 per cent and 30 per cent) and intellect (43 per cent and 28 per cent).
However, two-thirds of respondents also associated cats and cat owners with traits like mischievousness, selfishness, and shallowness.
Reptile-lovers also saw the other edge of the sword, with most respondents associating coldblooded pets, and their keepers, with rudeness (41 per cent), shallowness (40 per cent), and selfishness (37 per cent).
Across the board, the most attractive pet you can possibly have is a rescue.
Almost two-thirds of Aussies said having an adopted or rescued pet, rather than purchasing one from a pet shop or breeder, makes a potential partner more attractive. No matter what your fur baby looks like, giving them a safe and comfortable home is a green flag.
Online daters were also asked which pets would be the ultimate deal breakers and named snakes (48 per cent) and rats (42 per cent) in response.
Lizards appeared on both lists, with six per cent of those surveyed rating them a solid 10 on the scale, and 27 per cent telling lizard owners to geck’yo act together.
Ms Draper added that while animal companions were positively perceived by most online daters, there was a significant proportion (30 per cent) of survey participants who said pets can make relationships harder – “perhaps causing disagreements about training, or maybe sparking jealousy over who’s getting the larger share of the owner’s affection”.
“These challenges that our furry friends pose to our relationships can also be seen as an opportunity to check-in regarding your values and see if you’re on the same page. Should your pet sleep in your bedroom? How will you train them and how will you discipline them when they’ve been naughty?
“Unsurprisingly, our fur babies act much like real babies when it comes to testing our relationships, but also providing an opportunity to know your partner on a deeper level, and to find joy and companionship with a new member of the family.”
Get the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
