- New research from pet insurance brand ManyPets reveals that the nation’s love for its pets has reached an all time high, with two-thirds (64%) of UK dog owners saying their pet’s happiness is more important than their own.
- The majority (88%) believe their pooch deserves to be pampered just as much as humans do, while half (48%) admit they’ve prioritised their pet’s needs over their partner’s or children’s.
- ManyPets has unveiled the 10 pet pampering activities set to dominate households in 2025 including bubble baths (71%), dedicating space for their pet on the family sofa (43%), setting a place for them at the dinner table table (31%) and giving their paws a manicure (28%),
New research from pet insurance brand, ManyPets, reveals that the pet pampering phenomenon has reached new heights, with almost two thirds (64%) of UK dog owners believing their pet’s happiness is more important than their own.
The revelation comes as over half (48%) admit they prioritise their pet’s needs over others in the household – even partners and children – while the majority (88%) say their pets deserve to be pampered just as much as humans do. Over half go as far to say it’s their duty as an owner to pamper their pet (51%) with 86% confessing they’ve left a social event early to spend more time pampering their furry companion.
For a whopping 83%, pet pampering has become an everyday ritual, with 57% of owners admitting their pets live a more luxurious life than most humans. This week, ManyPets has unveiled the 10 pet pampering activities set to dominate households in 2025:
- Owners bathing their pets (71%)
- Regularly buying new toys (64%)
- Celebrating their pet’s birthday (54%)
- ️Giving their pet a dedicated space on the sofa (43%)
- Meal prepping home cooked food (41%)
- ️Setting a place at the table so pets can eat as part of the family (31%)
- Giving their pet a manicure (28%)
- Feeding their pets by hand (19%)
- ☔Holding an umbrella over them to shelter them from the rain (16%)
- Hosting a pet photoshoot (10%)
As winter sets in, ensuring pets stay warm and comfortable becomes another top pampering priority – from wrapping them in a blanket (57%) to preparing pet safe hot meals (26%). A third of owners also admit to giving pets their own duvet at night to keep them cosy (35%).
The survey of 2,000 dog owners also unveiled that two-thirds of households (66%) treat their pet to a dedicated bedtime routine, including washing and brushing their fur (40%), teeth-cleaning (26%), and playing them relaxing music (23%). One in ten will also read their pet a story or do pet yoga (9%).
In another heart-warming find, a third of owners (29%) let their pet sleep in their bed every single night, while more than half (55%) welcome their pet into their bed at least once or twice a week – despite 71% of pooches having their own bed. Pampered pets indeed.
Humans like a pamper too – be it a cut and blow dry, or a trip to the nail salon. But research shows that humans put their money where their pet is, as two-thirds will spend up to £100 a month on pet grooming (61%) – a projected total of £17.8 billion in 2025** – but only half will do the same for their own hair care (51%). It’s not just specialised grooming that pets get treated to (32%), also on the agenda nowadays is specialised paw care (20%) and massages(16%).
Even travel plans are influenced by pets, with over half (59%) of owners opting for staycations over international trips to accommodate their furry companion. Nearly half (48%) pack dedicated suitcases for their pet’s belongings, and a truly devoted 18% have arranged first-class travel for their dogs to ensure their comfort.
So why do pet parents love to pamper their pooches? Whilst 88% of paw-rents interact with their pet as if it were human, pampering is all about sending a message to their pet – to ensure they’re as happy as possible at all times(64%), to make them feel part of the family (62%) and to strengthen their bond (61%).
ManyPets Vet Dr Joanna Woodnutt BVM BVS MRCVS, said: “It’s brilliant to see how much the nation values their pets, and considers them part of the family. At ManyPets, we believe every pet deserves a little pampering now and then – it can be a great way to show your love and can even lift their mood. However you choose to pamper your pets, be sure to listen to them and look out for signs that they may not be enjoying themselves in order to ensure they feel relaxed, happy and comfortable at all times.”
Head to the ManyPets website for more information on how to support your pets with year-round care, practical tips and support, discounts on the latest pet stuff and access to great ways to keep them healthy, like a free video vet app.
- Survey of 2,000 UK pet owners conducted by ManyPets between 17th and 20th December 2024.
- ** PDSA Report, 2024. Based on 28% of UK adults owning a dog (53 million total UK adults) and an average spend of £100 per month on grooming, the total projected annual spending on dog grooming in 2025 is approximately £17.8 billion.
