If you're like many pet parents, your pet means the world to you and is an important part of your family.

And you're not alone.

A Pet Parent Pulse Survey, commissioned by MetLife Pet Insurance, found that nearly one in six respondents tell their pet they love them more often than they tell their partner. The survey also found that eight in 10 pet parents would rather spend time with their pet than go on a first date.

Considered family
While those statistics may sound surprising at first, they may seem less so when you also consider that according to the survey most pet parents (78 percent) said they consider their pet to be their child, with 69 percent also stating that they love their pet more than some of their family members.

Millennials (25- to 40-year-olds) in particular, are more likely than older pet parents to prefer spending their free time with their pet instead of with people (83 percent of millennials, compared to 71 percent of pet parents aged 57 and up).

Beyond basic
In light of current economic uncertainties, though, over half of pet parents (54 percent) worry about being able to care for their pet in the future, according to additional research from MetLife Pet Insurance. While caring for a pet can be a significant financial obligation over the course of many years, many pet parents would say that the love and companionship they receive from their pet makes the cost well worth it – but taking action today can help prevent additional financial stress in the future.

MetLife Pet Insurance goes beyond basic pet healthcare to provide support during all times of need and can also give pet parents financial peace of mind as an innovative, affordable tool to help defend their finances against unexpected expenses like vet bills. It can be a flexible, supportive resource available as they care for their pet through all the ups and downs of their life - through advantages like 24/7 telehealth access, as well as grief counseling for members of a pet's family.

"One of the greatest acts of love a pet parent can undertake is to ensure the health and safety of their pet," said Brian Jorgensen, head of MetLife Pet Insurance. "The good news is, we provide pet parents with the support they need to care for their pet – without breaking the bank."

Any pet parents out there? Go to MetLife Pet Insurance¹ to learn more.