MetLife Survey: 68% of U.S. Pet Parents Prioritize Pets on Valentine’s Day

MetLife Pet Insurance released a survey and write-up on Feb 13 showing 68% of U.S. pet parents prioritize pets on Valentine’s Day, based on a 1,000-person survey that points to growing pet-first spending around Feb 14. The company’s findings frame this shift as pet parents increasingly including or prioritizing pets in Valentine’s Day budgets, a trend that alters how shoppers may approach gifting for the holiday.

The 1,000-person survey from MetLife Pet Insurance makes clear that pet-centered purchases are not niche: with 68% of respondents naming pets as a Valentine’s Day priority, retailers and gift givers should regard pet-focused items as mainstream seasonal purchases. MetLife’s Feb 13 write-up emphasizes that spending decisions around Feb 14 now routinely incorporate animals, signaling demand for thoughtful, quality products for dogs and cats as part of romantic and household gift plans.

For shoppers planning Valentine’s Day purchases this year, the MetLife Pet Insurance data suggests prioritizing craftsmanship and longevity. With 68% of pet parents placing pets near the top of their Feb 14 priorities, consider gifts that balance style and function—durable leather leashes, handcrafted pet beds, or chef-made pet treats from local makers. The MetLife survey’s 1,000-person sample underlines that choosing well-made items aligns with a widespread consumer preference for gifts that reflect care and lasting value.

Beyond one-off items, the MetLife Pet Insurance findings also invite practical, long-term thinking. Given that 68% of U.S. pet parents prioritized pets in the Feb 13 report, gifting that supports pet health and routine can be meaningful: schedule a veterinary wellness exam, buy a multi-visit grooming package, or arrange a professional training session. These options respond directly to the survey’s indication that pet-related spending for Valentine’s Day extends beyond toys and treats.

MetLife Pet Insurance’s Feb 13 survey offers a clear metric to guide Valentine’s Day shopping: 68% of pet parents now factor pets into holiday spending, according to the 1,000-person study. That proportion recommends an approach to gifting that blends personal expression with quality and practicality, ensuring Feb 14 presents thoughtful choices for both human partners and the animals who share their homes.