Do you love your in-laws less than your pet? According to new findings, many animal-lovers in the UK see their pooches as more important than extended family members. Retail giant Matalan has researched just how much Brits care for their creature companions as part of its ‘Made For Modern Families’ campaign.
The YouGov-complied survey found that a whopping 49 percent of Brits said their pet was an important part of the family. 22 percent went as far as calling their animals ‘close family members’. In-laws didn’t fare so well with just 21 percent of people giving them the same ‘close family’ status. Grandparents did far better – 26 percent of those surveyed rated granny and granddad as ‘close’.
The dog-owning Beckhams were named as the best representation of a modern family by 20 percent of people, closely followed by Jamie Oliver’s brood, with 16 percent.
Mark Earls, a leading behavioural expert and fellow of the Marketing Society, said: ‘Contrary to those who have bemoaned the decline of the family as a key pillar of our society, family is alive and well – it just comes in many more different shapes and sizes than it used to including the ‘blended’ or ‘Brady Bunch’ family, which consists of one or more adults with their own children and those from previous relationships.
‘Ultimately, what we want for our families is what we’ve always wanted for those we love – health and happiness. However much the shape and the structures and the participants shift, it seems these same old truths abide. The family is here to stay.’
Are pets a key part of your family? Let Pet Gazette know on twitter @PetGazette
