Young Brits shun Valentine’s Day romance as most want to cuddle up on sofa with dog

Brits don't want love this February, they want a furry friend to curl up with on the sofa – a study found Brits are shunning romance for a night in with their pet dog

Forget a movie or a romantic dinner for two… all youngsters want for Valentine's is a wet nose, furry tail, and night cuddled up on the sofa with the dog.

A study has found that half of Brits aged 18-27 would prefer to spend the most loving day of the year with their pet rather than their partner. And over a third (36%) wish their partner was as loyal as their pet, followed closely by 34% who feel their pet is more loving. A quarter (24%) even admitted their pets show them more affection than their significant other, while 9% say they prefer their pet’s manners.

It’s not just Gen Zs who feel this way. Millennials are also showing their pets love this Valentine’s Day, with almost half (49%) choosing to spend the day with their pet, accoding to research by Burns Pet Nutrition.

Meanwhile, Gen X (31%) and even Boomers (17%) are prioritising their pets over their partners.

It seems no expense is spared when it comes to treating pets for Valentine’s Day. Almost half (48%) of Gen Zs buy a Valentine’s gift for their pet, with one in ten (12%) splashing out between £50-£100 and nearly two in five (17%) spending over £200.

In fact, some Gen Zs are spending more on their pets than their partners – over one in ten (16%) are willing to spend up to £100 on their significant other.

Millennials are just as generous, with two in five (44%) buying a Valentine’s gift for their pet. A third (34%) spend up to £200, which is almost equal to the one in three (30%) who spend the same on their partners.

In contrast, nearly one quarter (24%) of Gen X purchase Valentine’s gifts for their pets, while a mere 12% of Boomers do the same.

Three-quarters (75%) of Boomers spend nothing on their pets for Valentine’s Day, with nearly half (48%) believing it’s a waste of money.

When it comes to celebrating, curling up for a cosy film is the top choice for every generation, for over one quarter (26%) of Gen Zs, followed closely by Millennials (19%), Gen X (14%), and Boomers (7%) opting for a movie night with their pet.

A Valentine’s walk is also a popular choice across the board, while a select few (14% of Gen Zs and 4% of Millennials) even head to the pub with their pet in tow.

Ultimately, pets are proving to be the true Valentine’s champions, with 50% of Gen Zs and 49% of Millennials believing that buying a Valentine’s gift for their pet is a fun way to show affection.

Emily Boardman- Pet Nutritionist and Veterinary Advisor said: “It’s so nice to see how much joy that pets brings their owners, especially around Valentine’s Day.

“Whether it’s a cosy night in, a walk, or a special treat, one thing is clear – pets are stealing the spotlight this Valentine’s Day!”

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