New research has suggested that Britons spend a whopping £43 million more to treat their dogs than their partners!
Conducted by More Th>n Pet Insurance, the research shows that dog owners will spend an average of £21.63 buying gifts and treats to celebrate a special occasion for their dog, with one in 10 prepared to fork out up to £50 to treat their pet.
In contrast, those surveyed revealed they would be unprepared to spend more than £15.52 on their partners for the same special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Therefore, with around eight million dog owners in the UK today, the equivalent national spend on gifts and treats for dogs stands at an estimated £152.3 million a year, compared to the £109.2 million spent on husbands, wives, boyfriends and girlfriends.
“For millions of people, dogs aren’t seen as just animals but as faithful companions at the heart of the home. It’s therefore not surprising to see that people are prepared to splash the cash when it comes to their four-legged friends,” commented John Ellenger of More Th>n.
It wasn’t just in monetary terms that partners were playing second best to pets, with 38 per cent even confessing they prefer spending time with their dogs above their partners.
