One in four pet owners have created a social media account for their four-legged friend

More than a third did it to show off their beloved pet to the world – but nine in ten say their dog or cat has more followers than they do

One in four pet owners have created social media accounts for their furry friends – with many pets having more followers than their owner’s page.

A study of 2,000 cat and dog owners found that of those with pet social media accounts, more than a third (35%) set it up to show their pets well. -loved in the world.

Another 34% wanted to take advantage of the positive feedback shared about their pets online.

These pampered pets have an average of 925 followers – with 89% of owners admitting that’s more than they have on their own social media accounts.

However, 42% of adults with personal social media profiles admitted to filling their own feeds with photos of their pooches and kitties.

The research was commissioned by pet insurer ManyPets, to mark its name change from Bought By Many, whose CEO and co-founder Steven Mendel said: “It’s clear that pets are the pride and joy of the nation.

“Whether we’re showing them off on social media or throwing them a birthday party, our four-legged friends deserve the best.

“We love that pet owners are passionate about putting their pets first, which is a core value we share as a brand – and our mission is to make the world a better place for pets. company and their parents.

“Our new name ManyPets brings us one step closer to that goal.”

Research has found that social media isn’t the only place pet owners show off photos of their beloved pets – as two in five (40%) even have more snaps of their pet than they do.

And many also admit to having more photos of animals on their phones than of their friends (38%) and relatives (36%).

In fact, two-thirds would go so far as to say they consider their pet one of their best friends.

And up to 44% of those who treat their four-legged friends will do so on their birthday – with a third (34%) of all pet owners throwing them a birthday party at one time or another. .

And nearly half of those respondents admitted to spending more on their dogs and cats than on some of their loved ones.

Many owners will even miss their pets the most (44%) compared to parents, children and friends when they are away from home – with a third (34%) taking their pet on weekends .

A quarter (26%) of respondents, via OnePoll, will frequent pet-friendly restaurants to include their pets in their plans, and more than half (55%) say they have made new friends through their pet.

Meanwhile, nearly half (48%) have canceled plans to spend more time with their furry friend.

Steven Mendel added: “It is more important than ever for us to show our commitment to pet owners by giving them access to practical solutions to care for the health and well-being of their four-legged friend.