How do your furry friends impact your life choices?

Pet ownership is an incredibly popular choice for Aussie families. In fact, almost half of Australian households own a dog, with around two-thirds owning at least one pet—and there are good reasons why.

Research from the Choosi Pet Lovers Report 2022 reveals that pets make their owners happier (62%) and that they feel unconditional love from them (65%). Owners also report that their pets put them in a calm mood and reduce their stress (55%).

However, there are major pet ownership responsibilities to consider. Over half (52%) of pet owners reduce their socialising time to walk, train and clean up after their pets, with nearly a quarter (31%) spending $100 to $199 on their furry, feathery or scaly friends each month.

To help you weigh up your options, discover how pet ownership responsibilities can impact your life choices, from where you work to your next holiday destination and even where you call home.

How pet ownership can impact our career choice

Bringing a pet into your life comes with several responsibilities. From setting aside time to walk your dog morning and night to remembering to stock up on cat food, caring for your pet requires a significant amount of time and effort.

Understandably, owners need to find a career that allows them the time and flexibility to care for their pets. One in three feel that their pets’ needs influence their choice of career and workplace (36%).

So, what are pet owners looking for in an employer? Being able to take leave if their pet is sick (36%), not being forced to travel or move for work (30%) and flexible working conditions (24%) are the biggest priorities.

When considering if your chosen job is the right fit for pet ownership, it’s important to think about:

• The time commitment: If you’re buying a large, high-energy dog, you’ll need to be able to give your pup enough exercise and attention to avoid potentially destructive behaviours, meaning multiple long walks a day will be non-negotiable.
• The financial responsibilities: Purchasing a pet can cost thousands of dollars, along with initial and ongoing expenses (like food, vet bills, grooming costs, and pet insurance premiums). Make sure you understand how much it costs to own your pet of choice to make an informed financial decision.
• How owning a pet will change your lifestyle: Commuting to an office five days a week and working long hours might not suit pets with high energy or attention needs, making it important to find a pet that matches your lifestyle. Otherwise, you’ll need to seek support from family, friends or pet sitters to keep your little mate entertained while you’re at work.

What pet owners need to consider about travel plans

Are you a frequent traveller? If so, it’s important to consider who will take care of your pet while you’re away and budget for the costs of kennels and boarding.

The Choosi Pet Lovers Report 2022 reveals that three in four pet parents believe owning a pet limits the frequency or length of the holidays they can take with over three in five believing pets limit the destinations they can travel to.

Plus, two in three pet owners wish for more pet-friendly accommodation options when on holiday with a dog.

Owning a pet means you need to be organised, plan ahead, and have a support network ready to care for your pet in your absence. Unfortunately, spontaneous weekend getaways and extended overseas holidays become much more difficult with a pet, as it can be tough to find someone to help at short notice.

The challenges of securing a pet-friendly property

As a member of the family, pets have a big impact on your property choices. For renters, nearly four in five (79%) believe owning a pet makes it more difficult to find a rental property.

However, across the board, 61% of pet owners feel their pets' needs influence the choice they make on where to live and what type of home to live in.

When looking for a property with a pet, it’s important to consider:

• How pet-friendly is the property? Some landlords won’t accept certain types of pets in their properties, and adding a pet to your rental application can make it more difficult to secure approval.
• How pet-friendly is the suburb? Look for areas that have plenty of parks and green spaces as well as essential services like a local vet and pet store.
• How much space does your pet need? Living in a high-rise apartment might suit a cat or fish, but dogs will likely need more space, such as a large courtyard or backyard with dog-door access.

Choosi Tip: Boost your chances of success by adding a detailed description of your pet, references from past landlords and even letters vouching for your pet from your vet, dog trainer or past neighbours.

The role of pets in relationships

Pets are an integral member of the family. In fact, the vast majority of pet owners we surveyed (86%) said they would be lost without their pet, and 3 in 4 prefer the company of their pet over most humans.

But before purchasing one, it’s important to ensure your whole family is on board with the decision to avoid disagreements, conflict or tension.

Take this stat: over half of pet owners reported that they would break up with their partner if they did not get along with their pet.

Keep Reading: Discover why pet compatibility matters and why it can be a relationship dealbreaker.

Protecting your furry friend against the unexpected

So, should you get a dog or a cat? The consensus is clear: owning a pet is an incredibly rewarding experience. But, deciding to add a pet to your household needs to be carefully considered.

From the potentially high costs of unexpected vet bills to the time commitment of owning a pet, it’s essential your whole household weighs up the pros and cons before deciding to purchase a pet.

Want to have protection in place toward your bank balance as well as your furry friend’s health? You may be able to, by taking out pet insurance. Start comparing pet insurance quotes with Choosi today.