Survey displays findings regarding pet parents returning to work in-person

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In light of National Puppy Day on March 23, 2022, Wag! surveyed pet owners nationwide as millions of individuals return to work full-time in-person or hybrid throughout the next several weeks. Because of this, stress and anxiety are on the rise for those who became used to caring for pets while working from their homes.

According to a company release,1 1,001 respondents participated in the survey that discovered approximately half of dog parents returning to work (41%) will miss their dogs even more than their kids or spouses. Meanwhile, 76% of new dog parents who adopted pets during the pandemic are worried about the pet care challenges they will face when returning to work.

Additional findings from the study include¹:

• Dogs promote well-being: 93% reported having a dog has offered them mental health support, and 48% said that dog parenting reduced their anxiety.
• Puppy love is in the air: 37% said that the most surprising aspect of being a new puppy parent was the significant amount of love they felt for their new best friend.
• Pet parenting is no easy feat: Though 37% admitted that the amount of love they feel for a new puppy is a top surprise, how much training is needed scored close behind in this area.
• The struggles of pet insurance: 63% cited the amount of time, effort, and money necessary for pet insurance as the biggest challenge of being a new pet parent.
• Traveling with furry friends: 28% travel often with their dog(s), and another 29% described they would travel more if their dog(s) could tag along.

Reference

Wag! survey reveals people returning to work will miss their dog more than kids or spouse. News release. Nationwide. March 15, 2022. Accessed March 16, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wag-survey-reveals-people-returning-to-work-will-miss-their-dog-more-than-kids-or-spouse-301500827.html