Key points

A majority of pet owners believe their pets contribute to their relationship well-being.

Emerging research points to positive effects of pet ownership on dating and ongoing relationships.

Experimental research showed a lingering effect of positive expressions after interacting with a pet.

This lingering effect may be beneficial to established romantic partners.

Need one more reason to love your dog? New research suggests they might be called "man's best friend" for reasons beyond reliable companionship.

A recent study experimentally manipulated the presence or absence of pets (mostly dogs), and the findings point to the possibility that pets may provide an indirect boost to romantic relationship quality (Barklam & Felisberti, 2025).

Pets and Our Romantic Relationships

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