Survey says pets are part of the family

It’s considered the ultimate expression: saying "I love you." For many, it’s tough to drum up the courage to share this sentiment with a loved one. When it comes to pet owners, however, they certainly are not bashful about this term of endearment. According to a recent national survey, 63 percent of pet owners say "I love you" at least once daily to their pets.

A survey of 1,225 pet owners in the United States and Canada conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) reveals that pets have become a large source of unconditional love in the household.

In an effort to learn more about relationships between humans and their pets, AAHA asked pet owners about day-to-day interaction with their companion animals in its 11th annual national pet owners’ survey.

The results indicate that the large majority of pet owners identify their pets as members of the family and will go to great measures to keep their pets happy and healthy. Of the survey respondents:

84 percent acquired their pet mainly for companionship.

78 percent talk to their pet in a different voice.

83 percent refer to themselves as their pet’s mom or dad.

52 percent believe that their pet listens to them best.

59 percent celebrate their pet’s birthday.

90 percent wouldn’t consider dating someone who wasn’t fond of their pet.

More than two-thirds (68 percent) travel with their pet.

36 percent have named someone as the future guardian of their pet.

21 percent would travel 1,000 miles or more in order to obtain specialty veterinary care.

In a life-threatening situation, 44 percent would spend $3,000 or more to save their pet’s life.

Love and attention was rated as the most important element to ensure a pet’s quality of life.