Many New Zealanders now think of their pet as a member of the family or one of their children and are factoring them into major household decisions.

About nine in 10 respondents in the latest PD Insurance Human-Pet Bond Survey think of their pet as part of the family.

Results from the survey of more than 1800 people - released to the Herald and Newstalk ZB - mirror the results of similar polling in the US.

They show 20.2% of respondents think of their pet as a child or baby in their family, while 68.6% of respondents consider their pet a member of their family in a broader sense.

Only 5.8% thought of their pet as a companion and only 2% thought of their pet as their animal.

Furry friends are factored into many households plans, with 50.8% of respondents being unlikely or reluctant to go on holiday without their pet.

Household compatibility was a factor for many, with 36.8% of respondents being unwilling or reluctant to get another pet because of the pet they already have.

Pets were also factored in major decisions, with 29% being reluctant to change from a work-from-home to more office-based career, 18.9% being reluctant to move home, 16.1% being reluctant to get a new flatmate, and 8.3% being reluctant to have a baby.

One respondent said their dog was just “another member of our family” while another said their cat was “treated as family members - humans”.

Cats provided “love and affection” to one person who had lost trust in many people throughout their life.

A similar 2023 Pew Research survey found 97% of Americans with a pet considered them a member of their family and 51% considered them as much a part of their family as human family members.

Women, people with lower family incomes and people living in urban areas are more likely to view their pets as family members, that survey found.

Recent research by Hungary’s Eötvös Lorįnd University, published in the journal Current Directions in Psychological Science, found the parent-child-like bond people feel with their pet is motivated by a biological need to care and nurture.

That need wasn’t being satisfied as society moved away from intergenerational community child-rearing, extended family networks disappeared, and social isolation increased, the study found.

It found dogs and other pets play an important emotional role, especially for people who are isolated or traumatised, the researcher said.

The SPCA noted pets could play a role in both providing companionship and increasing people’s social connections.

“Having a pet can substantially reduce feelings of loneliness by being a constant source of love and affection. For those who live alone and struggle with feelings of isolation, a pet provides much-needed companionship.

“Animals also act as a catalyst for human friendships and increase social connections.”

Michael Sergel is Newstalk ZB’s business reporter, covering the daily life of business and the business of daily life. He’s been covering business, politics, local government and consumer affairs for over a decade.