Do you ever break the “no pets on the bed” policy when your spouse is away? Or sneak an extra treat to Whiskers when your significant other isn’t looking? If you do, you’ve got lots of company: Approximately 70 percent of pet owners break pet-related household rules when their spouse or significant other is away, according to a national survey by the American Animal Hospital Association (Lakewood, Colo.).

The survey, which polled 1,238 pet owners across the United States and Canada, reveals that female owners are bigger softies because they are more likely than males to break pet-related household rules when their significant other is not around.

“Pet owners are going to great lengths to keep their pets happy and healthy,” said Dr. Daniel S. Aja, president-elect of AAHA. “From daily exercise and regular veterinary checkups to making arrangements for pets in case of emergency, this survey shows that pet owners are extremely dedicated to their beloved pets.”

The survey suggests that pets are becoming more important as members of the household:

• 94 percent believe their pet has humanlike personality traits, such as being emotional or sensitive, outgoing, inquisitive or stubborn.
• 94 percent take their pet for regular veterinary checkups to ensure their pet’s quality of life.
• 93 percent are likely to risk their own life for their pet, and 64 percent would expect their pet to come to their rescue if in distress.
• 82 percent think about their pet more than once while they are away during the day.
• 55 percent have an emergency preparedness plan that includes their pet in case of natural disasters such as fire, flood or earthquake.
• 53 percent said they spend more on their pets now than they did three years ago.
• 50 percent would pick a dog or cat rather than a human as their companion on a deserted island.
• 45 percent think their pets listen to them best, while 30 percent chose their spouse or significant other. [February 2005 PET AGE]