Pets in New Zealand: How our dogs and cats are taking up our time and changing our lives

Results from the latest PD Insurance Human-Pet Bond Survey – released exclusively to the Herald and Newstalk ZB – show more than half of respondents spend more than two hours a day with their pet.

Many find that their pets help them reduce their screen time, and some find their pets help them eat more healthily, exercise more, reduce alcohol consumption and smoking, and visit the doctor more often.

Of the more than 1800 people who responded to the survey, 31% spend more than four hours a day with their pet, 30.9% spend two to four hours and 25.8% spend one to two hours daily with their pet.

One respondent said getting a pet had given their days more structure and purpose, spending more time outside and exercising more.

“I wake up earlier now because I know they’re waiting for breakfast and a bit of attention. That small routine has actually helped me sleep better and feel more grounded.

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