Dog owners prefer their pets to partners post-pandemic, study finds

The pandemic saw pet owners spend more time with their dogs than ever before - ultimately leading to stronger bonds with our four-legged housemates.

And studies have shown people are now more likely to plan their social life around their dog rather than their partner.

The slogan tees donning phrases like ‘sorry, I can’t, I have plans with my dog’ and ‘If I can’t bring my dog I’m not coming’, are no longer a joke, with 58 per cent of pet owners saying they plan their life around the dog instead of their spouse.

Pet sitter site Rover.com revealed that 92 per cent of owners said they’d built stronger bonds with their pet, with more than half preferring to visit dog-friendly venues.

As dogs are increasingly considered a key family member, 65 per cent of pet owners said their social experiences were enhanced by dogs with almost three quarters confessing to putting their pet’s needs above those of their friends.

On the whole, Brits wished more venues to be more pet-inclusive, and were likely to decline an invite to an event if their pup wasn’t permitted.

The news comes as Rover releases its Best Pub for Dogs shortlist , part of the Great British Pub Awards, aiming to find the nation’s number one pup-friendly pub.

Would you rather go to the pub with your dog or your partner? (Getty)

The six pubs shortlisted include:

• Flying Childers Inn, Derbyshire

• The Maltings, Cheshire

• The Leicester Arms, Kent

• The Cow at Dalbury, Derbyshire

• Stag Inn, Gwynedd

• The Railway Steamin Billy - Leicestershire

The shortlist was devised after two rigorous rounds of judging, with the winner set to be announced in the next few weeks.

Adem Fehmi, Canine Behaviourist for Rover said: “We’ve been through a period of time like no other, but throughout, our pets have been right by our side.

"Bonds have become stronger than ever, so it’s no surprise that people want to maintain the same amount of time with their dog post-lockdown.

"It’s fantastic to see just how many establishments are now catering for the country’s pups and the lengths they’re going to in creating inclusive environments - let’s hope it continues.”