Pets ease Christmas stress for half of UK owners, Brooke reveals
Almost half of UK pet owners say they are comforted by their pets during stressful holidays like Christmas, new research from working animal charity Brooke shows.
Forty-seven per cent of owners feel their pet comforts them during stressful moments over the festive period, other holidays or family gatherings, with more than three quarters (80%) believing their pet understands them.
Brooke also found over a third (35%) of owners agree their pet understands them better than their friends and family, with almost half (48%) sharing how they’re feeling with their animal every day.
Chris Wainwright, CEO of Brooke, said: “Just as pets provide comfort during stressful times, working animals, including horses, donkeys and mules support millions of people worldwide, often forging unbreakable bonds with their owners.
Handling animals, including working animals, with compassion and respect supports their wellbeing and promotes a positive, life-long relationship with the people around them.
“We hope these findings encourage people to remember that all animals deserve to be treated compassionately – and that animals are wonderful for helping to avoid loneliness.”
The survey also revealed almost half (48%) of UK pet owners always buy their pets a Christmas present which could mean 18 million* pets will receive a gift this year.
One in ten (11%) of pet owners prefer to spend Christmas with their pet than family, with over half (55%) giving their pet a special festive dinner.
Working animals are the backbone of communities around the world, helping them to earn an income, send their children to school and put food on their tables.
Brooke works with communities, local health providers and policy makers to create a better life for working animals and their owners, influencing the landmark ban of the donkey skin trade in Africa in 2024.
This Christmas, Brooke hosted a carol service in London on 12 December 2024, with guests including comedian Rory Bremner and broadcaster, Alastair Stewart OBE.
Watch Brooke’s 2024 animation, “Handle with Care", which raises awareness of how handling animals properly can reduce their pain.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.
Total sample size was 2,148 adults, and fieldwork was undertaken between 12-13 December 2024. The survey was carried out online and figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 16+).
*Estimated 18 million pets using 2023 data from UK Pet Food – full article here.