pets-are-the-new-deal-breaker-in-modern-dating

Dating today has changed a lot, and it's not just about liking someone or being compatible anymore. People have become very specific about what they want in a partner, and some things are simply non-negotiable. 

Even something as small as a zodiac sign can be a dealbreaker.

One of the biggest factors influencing modern dating is a person’s love for pets, especially dogs and cats. Just like more couples are choosing to have pets instead of kids, many people now ask potential partners if they like animals before even considering dating them. If the answer is no, they often move on, no matter how well they match otherwise.

Pets are now a big part of dating. People are bonding over their shared love for golden retrievers, swiping right on fellow cat lovers, and even going on pet-friendly dates. 

 

Data from Tinder India shows a 7.6 per cent increase in profiles asking, “Do you have a pet?” between January 2024 and February 2025. Dogs are the most mentioned pets, followed by cats. Even people who don’t have pets but love them are making it clear in their dating profiles.

Having a pet can also make dating easier. From fun bios to cute profile pictures, pets help break the ice and spark conversations. Many people start chatting because they notice a pet in someone’s profile picture and want to know more. Some couples have even connected purely because of their shared love for animals.

Pets also reveal a lot about a person’s character. A love for animals often shows kindness, responsibility, and a caring nature—all qualities that stand out in dating. Many people feel that if someone loves pets, they are more likely to be a good person and a compassionate partner.

But dating someone with a pet also comes with responsibilities. If pets are involved in a relationship, clear boundaries need to be set. For example, if a pet was a gift from an ex, it’s important to decide who will take care of it. If someone is still visiting an ex just to see the pet, it can create emotional confusion and may require setting limits.

On the other hand, pets can also help build new relationships. Including them in a dating profile, going on pet-friendly dates, or simply embracing them as part of life can bring people closer. In modern dating, pets are not just companions—they are also matchmakers, helping people find connections based on love, empathy, and shared interests.