No matter if you have a dog, cat, or even a bird, the pet you choose often reveals a lot about your personality, lifestyle, and even your career.
By drawing on data from various pet industry surveys, let's explore what your furry—or feathered—companion might be saying about you!
People With Advanced Degrees Are Less Likely To Have A Pet
Considering the considerable time and pressure that come with earning an advanced degree, it's understandable that people with higher education tend to be less likely to have pets.
They might also place a higher value on keeping a clean and orderly living space, which can be difficult to manage when caring for a pet.
Cat Owners Are Likely To Live In An Apartment
Dog owners tend to live in houses with yards, whereas cat owners are more often found in apartments, according to the survey.
This likely reflects cats' greater independence and the fact that they don’t require outdoor access like dogs do.
"Unusual Pet" Owners Are Likely To Have A Lot Of Pets
Survey results show that although most dog owners typically have just one dog, those with "unusual pets" tend to care for a much larger variety of animals.
In fact, over half of the ferret owners surveyed reported having six or more additional pets!
Cat Owners Are Likely To Live In Cold States
Survey results indicate that, compared to other pet owners, cat owners are more commonly found in colder states. On a per household basis, states like Vermont, Maine, Washington, Oregon, and South Dakota ranked high for cat ownership.
This adds up, since cat owners don't need to brave the cold outside for walks like dog owners do!
Pet Ownership Is Highest In People Who Are Social
The survey shows that pet owners are generally more social and empathetic.
They often enjoy hanging out regularly with close friends and, whenever they can, love including their pets in the fun!
Dog Owners: A Wide Variety Of Jobs
Dog owners usually aren't limited to just one type of career. In fact, survey results show they work in a wide variety of fields!
Some common professions among dog owners include jobs in entertainment, nursing, teaching, information technology, and even the military.
Dog Owners Might Not Have A College Degree
Compared to owners of cats, fish, or birds, dog owners are less likely to have a four-year college degree.
Instead, they're more likely to have gone to trade school or gained skills through hands-on experience. Regardless of their education, their outgoing and charismatic nature often helps them succeed!
Horse Owners Are Likely To Have Varying Personalities
Horse owners' personalities can vary depending on their gender. Survey results show that male horse owners tend to be more socially dominant and assertive in social settings.
On the other hand, female horse owners are usually more relaxed and nonaggressive when interacting with others.
Snake Owners Are Likely To Be Neat And Tidy
According to survey results, snake owners are actually the most likely pet owners to describe themselves and their homes as neat, clean, and organized.
They're also the most likely to consider their pet snake a true member of the family.
Female Bird Owners Are More Likely To Be Socially Dominate
Survey results show that dog owners tend to be outgoing and eager to please everyone in their social circles, while cat owners usually prefer to keep to themselves and avoid dominating conversations.
As for bird owners, if they're female, they’re often very outgoing and likely to take charge and lead any social interaction!
Pets Tend To Be Found In Families
To start, pets of all kinds are commonly found in households, regardless of whether children are present. The idea of "family" can take many forms—single parents, unmarried partners, or large families with a van full of kids.
Whatever the makeup, one thing stays consistent: pets are a beloved part of the picture.
The East, South, & Central United States Have More Pets
Survey data shows that pet ownership is especially common in the eastern, southern, and central regions of the United States.
States where you're most likely to find furry companions include Vermont, Maine, North Dakota, Tennessee, Oregon, South Dakota, and New Mexico.
People Living In Mid-Atlantic States Are Less Likely To Own Pets
While pet ownership is more common in the eastern, southern, and central parts of the U.S., the opposite is true for households without pets.
Surveys reveal that people in Mid-Atlantic states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts are less likely to have pets.
Independent People Living In Urban Areas Don't Have Pets
Due to the lack of a backyard, people living in urban city areas tend to be pet-free, such as those living in big cities such as Manhattan, or Chicago.
City folk also have a tendency to be wildly independent people who prefer to take care of themselves and nothing else.
Dog Owners: Senior Management Position
When it comes to people who own dogs, the survey results concluded that they are most likely in an upper senior management position at work.
This is most likely due to the fact that dog owners are also typically more outgoing and charismatic. At least, compared to other pets, such as cats.
Dogs Are Part Of The Family
For many families, their dog is not just "the pet," they are a part of the family. According to the results from the surveys, this is a personality trait that is common in dog owners.
As it turns out, unlike cat or bird owners, dog owners are more likely to include their dog as a part of their family than an animal who lives with them.
Cat Owners: Likely To Be Divorced, Widowed, Or Separated
According to the survey results, cat owners are unlike dogs owners because they are more likely to be divorced, separated, or a widow. Dog owners, on the other hand, are more likely to be part of a family.
Not only that but, according to the survey results, dogs are more likely to be part of a family of five.
Cat And Rabbit Owners: Likely Neurotic
Dog owners are more likely to be fun, outgoing, and charismatic people who enjoy the company of others. The opposite can be said about cat owners. While cat owners will still socialize, they're likely to be less socially dominant.
Also, according to the survey results, cat owners are also more likely to be neurotic, with rabbit owners being the most introverted and neurotic out of everyone.
Bird Owners: Likely To Be Unemployed
Cat owners are likely to be employed with great jobs, such as real estate agents, physicians, science or medical lab technicians, or even personal caretakers. Even dog owners are likely to be employed with some nice jobs and career growth.
Sadly, not the same can be said for bird owners. These pet owners are more likely to be unemployed.
Female Exotic Pet Owners Are Open To New Experiences
Unlike traditional pet owners, females that chose exotic pets, such as turtles, snakes, lizards, and other reptiles, tend to be more adventurous and open to new experiences.
Interestingly enough, exotic pet owners are not the only ones open to new experiences. It just so happens that while cat owners are likely to be neurotic, they also enjoy new experiences.