As many as 60% of millennials say their dog is their best friend than anyone else

WHEN it comes to finding the perfect life partner, more and more millennials are looking no further than their dog. A new study has found that millennials often value the company of their dogs more than their best friends, siblings, and even parents. In a survey of 1,900 dog owners in the U.S., 60 percent of millennials said their dog is a better companion than their best friend.

The survey was conducted in April 2025 by Talker Research for Spot & Tango, a company specializing in pet nutrition and health.

Dog in front of family and partner

The trend doesn’t just stop with friends – it extends to immediate family. As many as 55 percent of millennials believe that a dog provides them with better companionship than their own siblings, and 53 percent say the same when comparing their relationship with their parents. Almost half of those surveyed admit that a dog offers them a better and more enjoyable closeness than even a partner or spouse. 

These results show how connected members of this generation are to their pets. For example, one in seven dog owners said they would be willing to end the relationship if it meant their dog could live longer, and among millennials that figure rises to 16 percent.

The willingness to sacrifice goes further – millennials are willing to make concrete concessions for the well-being of their dogs. As many as 41 percent say they would give up coffee for three years if it meant their dog could live longer. In addition, 21 percent would not hesitate to spend more than $10 per meal on their pet’s health, which is significantly more than members of Generation X or baby boomers. 

Decisions that reflect family affiliation

“This research shows how deeply connected people are to their dogs – not just emotionally but through the everyday decisions they make,” said Spot & Tango founder Russell Breuer. “For many, investing in a dog’s health and longevity is not just a priority – it’s an expression of how we define family and quality of life today.”

The survey showed that among all generations, the most favorite shared activity with a pet is casually watching television. That peaceful moment together further strengthens the feeling of connection.