Close to nature: pet owners show above-average environmental awareness

Representative study by DA Direkt in cooperation
with Prof. Dr. Andrea Beetz, psychologist and human-animal relationship researcher

Frankfurt am Main. Animal lovers are more committed than average to environmental and animal protection. This is the result of the current human-pet study by the direct insurer DA Direkt. 35 percent of volunteer pet owners are active in the environmental and animal protection sector. This is more than double the number of volunteers without pets; only 14 percent of this group are involved in this area.

Of course with animals
For 83 percent of pet owners, the focus is on keeping their animals in a species-appropriate manner. This requirement is evidently reflected in a strong environmental awareness. Owning a pet encourages this commitment: since acquiring their pet, a third of owners have become more socially active. 60 percent are happy to take responsibility for themselves and others. “The close bond with the pet can motivate owners to actively work to protect their environment. Through intensive interaction with their animals, pet owners often develop a deep understanding of nature and recognize the importance of protecting it,” says Prof. Dr. Andrea Beetz.

Meaningful experience through animal husbandry and volunteering
Around one in three German adults takes on an active social role in voluntary work. At 35.7 percent, the level of commitment of pet owners is slightly higher than that of respondents without pets, of whom 33 percent are involved. The latter are more often active in the fields of culture and education. In addition to environmental protection, pet owners are more active than average in disaster control and fire services, as well as in sports clubs.

For 56 percent of pet owners, the associated responsibility is a meaningful experience and two thirds (63%) feel happier since their pet moved in. Volunteering offers an opportunity to strengthen the sense of meaning in life. “Many pet owners strengthen their self-confidence by taking on responsibility and experience personal growth as a result,” explains Prof. Dr. Beetz.

“As a pet health insurer, the welfare of animals is very important to us. The willingness of many pet owners in particular to actively support environmental protection not only shows a strong affinity for nature, but also a strong sense of responsibility. This also corresponds to our motivation to provide long-term support to the German Animal Welfare Association,” says Peter Stockhorst, CEO of DA Direkt.