Shocking number of pet owners would date AI versions of their animals, study reveals
Share and Follow

Man’s best friend, indeed!

As generative AI becomes increasingly widespread—using the tool for everything from crafting grocery lists to composing love poems—equally absurd social media trends are emerging.

Most recently, pet owners on TikTok looked to ChatGPT to strangely turn their dogs into humans.


man with his dog
Survey results also showed that over half of pet owners tell their fur babies “I love you” at least once a day. Shiv Mer – stock.adobe.com

Bizarre as the trend is, pet owners’ eccentricity doesn’t stop there.

A recent survey by MetLife asked 1,000 people various questions to gauge how significantly pets influence their daily lives, and—spoiler alert—some individuals are very devoted to their animal companions.

Of the respondents who were familiar with the anthropomorphic trend, 31% admitted that they would date the human version of their pet.

Interestingly, millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers were markedly more inclined to this, with millennials at 34% and the older two generations at 33%, whereas zoomers were considerably less enthusiastic, at 24%.

Romance wasn’t — theoretically — in the air for all pet owners, though.

Nearly 40% of animal enthusiasts admitted that their pet would be a “walking red flag” if they were human.

Despite some of their furry friends’ naughtier traits, these pet parents are beyond attached to their animals — in many cases, animal experts believe this to be a side effect of quarantine and the COVID-19 pandemic.


woman with dog
Cat and dog owners were equally as likely to say they’d date the AI-generated human version of their pet. Vasyl – stock.adobe.com

In fact, an overwhelming 87% of pet owners would be willing to give up their dream apartment if it weren’t pet-friendly.

Forget dating their pets — some ultra-devoted pet owners are basically married to them.

“The value of pets for their human caregivers appears to be very high, comparable to … meeting with friends and relatives on a regular basis, or even with being married,” wrote the authors of a 2025 study on the subject.

Corroborating that sentiment, 77% of pet owners who took part in the survey said that their pet offers better emotional support than their previous human partner.

“Instead of giving my husband, Alex, a kiss, I wake up and give [my dog] all my kisses,” Elsie, 44, a divorce attorney from Jersey City, New Jersey, previously told The Post.

“It’s the same before we go to sleep at night.”

It’s nothing personal. Elsie loves her husband, but as many pet parents maintain, there’s just nothing like the affection and loyalty of an animal.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
ICE agent dragged a block when illegal migrant speeds away in van in Oklahoma City

ICE Agent Clings to Van as Undocumented Migrant Attempts Escape in Oklahoma City

During a traffic stop in Oklahoma City, an undocumented migrant managed to…
Fever guard Caitlin Clark to miss 3-Point Contest, WNBA All-Star Game

Fever’s Caitlin Clark to Skip 3-Point Contest and WNBA All-Star Game

INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark will sit out this weekend’s 3-Point Contest and…

Colorado Town Celebrates as Moose Safely Relocated in Unique Rescue Effort

DENVER (KDVR) A young bull moose was spotted in Colorado this week,…
Harry wants to reconcile with Royals but he must do it WITHOUT Meghan

Harry seeks a reunion with the Royals, but must do so without Meghan

Suddenly, the timing of Prince Harry’s secret ‘peace summit’ last week seems…
Musk demolishes Trump's claim that Democrats created Epstein 'hoax'

Musk Refutes Trump’s Allegation of Epstein ‘Hoax’ Orchestrated by Democrats

Elon Musk sharply criticized Donald Trump on Wednesday following the former president’s…
New IVF technique uses DNA from three people to prevent genetic diseases

Innovative IVF Method Incorporates DNA from Trio to Avert Genetic Disorders

In the UK, eight children have avoided severe genetic disorders due to…
Former Georgia police officer dead after saving 5 in beach rip current

Former Georgia police officer dead after saving 5 in beach rip current

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A decorated former police…
Felix Baumgartner 'was dead BEFORE hitting ground' in paraglide crash

Felix Baumgartner ‘died before hitting the ground’ in paragliding accident

Extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner is thought to have died after losing consciousness…