By Dr. Becker
Pets have become such an integral part of our lives that for many of us, it’s impossible to imagine life without them. For committed pet guardians, there’s nothing casual or temporary about our relationships with our animal companions. We’re in it for the long haul, and we know our home will always be home to at least one non-human family member.
That’s why, if you’re a single animal lover looking for a partner, it’s so important to focus your dating energies on people who feel as you do about the significance of pets in their lives. It’s not that non pet-lovers are bad people, but if you know in your heart that animals will always be a central focus of your life, why waste precious time and risk potential heartbreak dating someone who is repulsed by your dog’s wet nose or your cat’s litter box?
One avenue you might want to consider in searching for a like-minded potential love interest is the Internet. These days, online dating sites are well-accepted and commonplace, not to mention diverse in terms of the types of singles they appeal to. Among them are a handful of pet-centered sites you might want to check out.
Dating Sites for Pet People
DateMyPet.com
This site looks much higher tech than some of the others. From their website:
“Leading dating website created exclusively for pet lovers
Whether you are looking for a life partner, a buddy for your pet or just someone to hang out with, here you’ll be able to find exactly who you are looking for – pet lovers like yourself. It’s fun, interactive, safe, and anonymous – until you decide to take it further. Our website offers numerous interesting and comfortable approaches for our members to meet and get to know each other.”
Must Love Pets
From their website:
“Must Love Pets is the premiere pet finder destination for meeting and/or dating quality animal lovers who are single and seeking a sincere relationship with other dog lovers or cat lovers.
At Must Love Pets all animal lovers profiles are pre-screened and qualified insuring you a safe and enjoyable dating relationship. Must Love Pets is exclusively for pet lovers who are either a dog lover, a cat lover, or animal lover in general. Whatever your pet may be or even if you aren't a pet owner yet and are looking for a pet finder, you are more than welcome to become a member here at Must Love Pets.”
PetPeopleMeet.com
From their website:
“Welcome to PetPeopleMeet.com. Sharing lifestyles are an important foundation to any relationship. If meeting like-minded singles who have pets is important to you, join PetPeopleMeet. Here, online dating is made simple for pet lover singles. PetPeopleMeet is intended to bring together single men and single women whose animals are a valued part of their life. Whether you are looking for a date, love, friendship, romance, or more, enjoy uplifting relationships on PetPeopleMeet.com.
PetPeopleMeet.com provides a simple, safe, and fun atmosphere which makes it easy to quickly view and contact thousands of singles who are pet lovers. Our one of a kind profile system allows members to setup photo albums, share interests, and much more.”
You Must Love Dogs Dating
From their website:
“Ah, Puppy Love… that beautiful, hazy crush when your heart is aflutter and the world is a rosy, sunny place. We agree that’s a beautiful place, so why not use it as a starting point when you are looking for the perfect mate?
We are the FIRST niche website designed specifically for singles who love dogs. Our site has over 2 million dog lovers who are looking for someone just like them – a loving, caring human being who feels life isn’t complete without a tail wagging, furry friend. If you meet someone who loves dogs you immediately have common interests (after all, why do complete strangers at the dog park talk like old friends?!). We are here to help you find a good match for the rest of your criteria.”
Love Me Love My Pets
This appears to be a free site and advertises itself as “The Best Place to Meet Single Pet Lovers Like You.” However, the pictures of members on the home page feature not one single pet, nor did a random search return anyone who even mentioned a pet. Therefore, this wouldn’t be my first stop on a tour of pet-centric dating sites.
Please understand that I can’t vouch for any of these sites, and list them just as suggestions for places you might want to visit in your search for a pet-focused partner.
Other Ways to Meet Pet Lovers
An alternative to a pet-centric site might be to go to one of the big dating sites like Match.com and create a profile that emphasizes your love of animals and that you’re specifically seeking a like-minded person to date. Upload a few images of you and your pet(s) to underscore the point, and then search for and respond only to those people who share your passion for animals.
Other suggestions for meeting pet people:
Volunteer with a local shelter or rescue organization. This will put you immediately in touch with others with a heart for animals, and you’ll be doing something wonderful for homeless pets, to boot.
Sign your dog up for an obedience class, agility training, dock jumping, nose work, or another dog-centric activity he might enjoy. You and your pet will have new adventures to share, and you might just meet Mr. or Ms. Right in the bargain.
Visit the dog park. If Buddy enjoys mingling at the dog park, take the opportunity to mingle with other dog guardians while you supervise his playtime with his canine pals.
Frequent local pet stores. The people who work there, and the customers who shop there, will have at least a passing interest in pets. If you remain open to the possibilities, someone who shares your affinity for animals could be standing behind you one day in the checkout line.
Stay on Your Path
However you ultimately go about finding a like-minded love interest, keep this in mind: pet people are very passionate in their commitment to the care of animals. It is a fundamental part of who we are.
The level at which you and a potential partner are both committed to animals is critically important for your long-term happiness as individuals and as a couple.