Dating can be rough, but there’s good news for pet parents and pet lovers alike. According to a recent Rover survey1, online daters are more inclined to swipe right on a potential match if their profile features a dog. In fact, 60% of pet lovers looking for a match admit they would swipe for fido.
There’s a reason why 83% of online daters agree profiles featuring dogs most likely receive more matches. According to Philip Tedeschi–professor and researcher on the human-animal bond and a member of Rover’s Pet People Panel–people may actually feel more comfortable or attracted to someone who has a loving bond with their pet.
“People with a well cared for dog are seen as more likable, approachable, and even more attractive. The reason for this is the activation of our oxytocin systems, which light up when we feel safe. In this state, people, and dogs, tend to feel more optimistic, more social, and less stressed.”
Philip Tedeschi
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Rover wants to help pet lovers find their perfect match. We surveyed 1,000 pet enthusiasts looking for love, to uncover how dogs impact online dating success.
Doggie ‘Date’ Care
First comes swiping, then comes…staring at your phone thinking of a clever message to send. The thrill of receiving a match might wear off once you start thinking too much about how best to start the conversation.
Fear not dog parents, Rover’s survey found that 64% of online daters agree that it’s easier to have a conversation with a match when a dog is featured in their dating profile. In fact, one in four (26%) say it’s the first thing they bring up.
Bringing your dog on a date might actually help it go more smoothly. According to the survey, pet parents who have taken their dog on a first date claim that not only does it reduce their own anxiety, but it also makes it more fun, makes them feel more comfortable, is a great ice breaker and makes the date feel less awkward.
The ‘Coveted’ Golden Retriever Boyfriend
Friendly, kind and social. That’s how the ‘Golden Retriever Boyfriend’ is often described. Half of online daters (51%) say certain breeds can convince them to swipe right and the Golden Retriever takes the top spot. Not surprising considering this lovable breed also took the #4 spot on our list of Most Popular Breeds.
Not only did golden retriever boyfriends take over social media in the last year, Taylor Swift was in on the trend as Swifties everywhere dubbed her new main squeeze (footballer, Travis Kelce) the ultimate ‘Golden Retriever Boyfriend’.
Here are the most swiped on breeds, according to our survey:
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Siberian Husky
- American Pitbull Terrier
- French Bulldog
- Boxer
- Chihuahua
- Beagle
- Mixed breed
No More ‘Fish Pics’
Nearly half of online daters say they’ve come across a dating profile featuring a ‘fish pic’ (a person holding a fish they caught) and 62% say it wasn’t a match. According to the same survey, some online daters are flat out tired of seeing ‘fish pics’. More than one third (37%) admit to being more inclined to swipe left (and not match) with someone who has a fish photo on their dating profile–42% go so far as to say it even gives them ‘the ick’.
Of the online daters who admit to having a ‘fish pic’ in their profile, more than half (51%) say they don’t have Valentine’s Day plans, and 69% are willing to swap the fish for a picture of a dog.
We’d like to help with that and take care of date night, too, with a free walk for you and your canine valentine.
Here’s how it works: Swap that ‘fish pic’ for a picture with your dog, send ‘proof’ (before and after screenshots of your profile) to nomorefishpics@rover.com and receive a code for $25 off your first Rover booking.1
1A Rover survey of 1,000 pet parents and pet lovers who are currently, or have in the past, using an online dating service or app.
2Applies only to new Rover.com customers (one per household) using a valid, unexpired coupon to book a service for the first time through Rover.com. The $25 coupon value will appear in your Rover account once redeemed and will be applied toward qualifying service(s) purchased (not including applicable taxes, if any) in a single booking. Any coupon value in excess of amount of first booking will be forfeited. May not be combined with other offers. No processing fee. Void where prohibited. Bookings and services are subject to the Rover.com Terms of Service. Promotion code may not be re-posted to other websites without Rover.com approval. Expires 06/30/2024. © 2021 Rover
