man hugging dog
Leah Berenson
Leah Berenson
April 17, 2024 ·  5 min read

Many People Have Found Their Soulmate in a Pet

Most people think of their pets as an extension of their own family, spoiling them with love, treats, and care. Furthermore, often people even feel a stronger bond with their pets than they do with other people. More than that, a poll taken a couple of years ago shows some even consider their pets to be their soulmate. Warm fury, snuggles, tiny paws, wagging tails, sweet soulful eyes, it’s no wonder people feel so deeply connected to their pets. 

Unconditional Love 

Although having a pet requires a lot of care and is a huge responsibility, the companionship they provide is often more than enough to make it worth every task. A soulmate, many would argue, can take a lifetime to find and also requires a lot of work. After all, managing a job, paying the bills, and keeping your sanity while still nurturing meaningful relationships is a complete balancing act. Some people have been lucky enough to have a pet completely change their lives for the better. With that in mind, it’s not a stretch to consider them a soulmate.

The amazing thing about pets is that they rarely hold grudges if you come home late from work or don’t have time to cook dinner in advance. People often feel spread too thin by today’s standards, and yet a soulmate pet will never hold that against you. When you feel like you may be falling short, pets will never judge you for not accomplishing everything on your task list for the day. 

Can a Pet be a Soulmate

The survey conducted by OnePoll, shows a large number of people consider their pets to be their soulmates. Two thousand participants, ages 18-24, were questioned about varying circumstances and how highly their pets are prioritized. Many people would characterize their pets as a soulmate; in fact, around 60% of participants came to that conclusion. Meanwhile, 3 out of 5 participants have said they would be willing to save their pets from immediate danger, like rescuing them from a burning building. Moreover, 59% of participants said they would be willing to fight another person if it meant keeping their pet out of harm’s way. 

Not only do many people believe their pet to be their soulmate. 4 out of 5 pet owners also say their pet has a significant and positive impact on their mental health. They find their pets help cheer them up through difficult times and give them a temporary but loving distraction from the chaos of life. One reason this might be is that people look for the same affirmations of love from their partners as they get from their pets. This explains why some pet owners may consider their pets to be their soulmates. 

Including them in Milestones

Gen Z in particular, feels a deep sense of connection with their pets, going as far as including them in certain milestones such as taking part in their wedding or pregnancy announcements. Many even prefer to share their beds with their pets and insist on their partner’s willingness to share the bed with their ‘true soulmate.‘ Lizbeth Bastidas is a vet technician and she weighed in on the matter, stating, “The connection we have with our pets goes much further than just owner and companion. Our pets comfort us when we’re sad, stick by us through ups and downs and provide unconditional love like no other relationship can. Our pets are family, and while they may not be able to verbalize their affection for us, any pet parent can attest to the strength and depth of their devotion,”

Proof Pets can be a Soulmate

Not only do professionals understand the hold a pet can have on the heart, everyday people share the same sentiment. Reddit and Quora users were posed with the question, can a pet be your soulmate? Unsurprisingly, their sentiments strongly align with the OnePoll study’s findings.

One user said, “My dogs. I’ve had 4 of them in my lifetime and I prefer their company to almost all humans. They’re calming/mood-boosting for me. I suffered from depression for a long time and the worst of it was while I was at university and couldn’t have my pets with me. My therapist told me that my graduation gift to myself should be a new pet. I got a dog a couple of months after I graduated and I was able to wean off my antidepressants a few months after that. My dog is the most important person in my life.”

 Meanwhile, another said, “Sophie was a black lab. She was six months old when I was born 25 years ago. I didn’t have any siblings and my family moved and traveled a lot growing up. She was the consistency in my life and she was everything to me. We were best friends.”

Others have said things like “My best friend claims her Siamese is her soul mate. I’m pretty sure she means it too.” and “Yes. Life-form makes no difference. My husband and I felt a very strong spiritual connection with our last German Shepherd girl.” 

Filling Hearts with Love

Although this poll isn’t a new concept, neither is how much people love their pets. For generations, pets have held special places in the hearts and families of those who’ve cared for them. Furthermore, it’s unsurprising that people feel deeply connected to their pets. In turn, feeling that a pet could be your soulmate isn’t unusual, albeit it doesn’t align with societal norms.

However, new generations are working to break generational habits and beliefs that have long been toxic to one’s mental well-being. As a result, everyone everywhere may finally be able to face the facts: a pet can absolutely bring you more peace and happiness than other people and can even be considered a soulmate. 

Keep Reading: If You Have The Letter ‘M’ On Your Palm – There Is Something Truly Special About You

Sources

  1. Can a human be soulmates with a pet animal?” Quora. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  2. Many people have found their soulmate in a pet.” Earth. Andrei Ionescu. 2021.
  3. Did you ever have a soulmate who was an animal? A house pet, or say, a horse or something? Reddit. u/poesie. 2013.
  4. Three in five people say they’d call their pet their soulmate, survey finds.” People. Staff. October 6, 2021