Thinking About Getting A(nother) Pet? Take This Quiz To Help Find Your Pet Soulmate

Hearts and flowers season is upon us, and love is all around. Sure, human love is worth celebrating, but whether you’re booed-up, blissfully single, or wishing you had a sweetheart, one kind of love doesn’t get enough attention on Valentine’s Day: the unconditional love of a pet.

Pet babies are genuinely family — in fact, a recent MetLife Pet Insurance poll finds 78% of pet parents consider their pet to be their child. Two-thirds of those surveyed would prefer to play with their pet than do an activity with friends. Relatable.

Having a pet means companionship, snuggles, hilarity, and, of course, providing for their every need. Care for furry family members can get pricey though, and according to a past study conducted by MetLife Pet Insurance, 84% of pet parents are facing increasing costs, like trips to the vet, food and treats, and accessories. Luckily, there are resources like MetLife Pet Insurance to help alleviate any financial stress and allow everyone to experience the joy of pet companionship.

But how do you know if you’re best suited for a bit of puppy love, some kitty snuggles, or even a few bearded dragon scritches? Which pet is perfect for you? Take our quiz to find out!

How spunky is your ideal pet?

1. I want my pet to play but also to know how to simmer down.
2. Bring on the zoomies!
3. My perfect pal would be playful but independent.
4. I’m looking for a laid-back bestie.

How much time do you want to spend in the great outdoors with your animal bestie?

1. As much as possible! I’m outside every day!
2. I’d like to take my buddy for a Sunday stroll, but we won’t be hiking or anything.
3. I can see my animal hanging with me while I enjoy a nice cup of coffee on the patio.
4. Little to none. I’m “indoorsy.”

Let’s talk budget — how much of your hard-earned cash are you expecting to allocate to your new addition?

1. My budget allows me to care for the daily needs of even a larger pet, and I’ll carry MetLife Pet Insurance for regular and unexpected health care expenses.
2. I don’t want to double my monthly grocery budget on pet food, but I can plan for the big expenses, like health care and regular grooming.
3. I realize there’s no such thing as a truly inexpensive pet, but I probably wouldn’t want a pet that needs more than basic care I can manage with a pet insurance policy.
4. I’m willing to commit to a more specialized level of care, and I’ll provide my new pal with as much comprehensive pet insurance coverage as I can.

Will your pet have full run of the house, or will you create a happy enclosure for your new BFF?

1. How will my furry baby nap in our bed if they’re not roaming free?
2. The best option for my pet is to have a contained space when I’m not home and freedom when I am.
3. Once my new friend is used to their new home and it’s safe for them, they’ll be free to roam.
4. I think I’m an enclosure kind of pet parent.

Are you looking to snuggle and pet or observe and respect?

1. Fluffy! Snuggly! Bring on the togetherness. Who cares about a little pet hair?
2. I definitely want a furry friend, but I’d be bummed if there were big clumps of pet hair everywhere.
3. I want my pet to be like me: Approachable but independent.
4. My ideal pet would probably not include fur and may or may not be “snugglable.”

How important is it for your pet to be communicative and trainable?

1. Can pets learn sign language? I want my buddy to feel like they can tell me exactly what they need — especially when they need to go outside and pee.
2. I’d like a little communication from my pet, but I understand that accidents happen, and I’m cool with it.
3. It would be cool if my pet could at least let me know if they’re hungry, but I don’t expect my animal to learn commands or tricks unless they want to.
4. I don’t need my pet to be communicative, and I’m willing to learn about proper care long before they ever enter my home.

Is your pet going to be a jet setter and your road trip co-pilot, or stay home with a sitter?

1. We won’t fly much, but a car trip buddy would be great.
2. My pet will probably rack up their own frequent flyer miles.
3. I’d most likely leave my pet at home with a caregiver when I travel.
4. Um, flying with my ideal pet’s enclosure would be pretty hard.

Results:

Mostly 1s:

A big dog would be your BFFL. Loyal, trainable, and ready for a long walk, a short run, or a Saturday afternoon drive with the windows down — a big, sturdy pup would be the perfect addition to your life. Popular breeds include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, but remember: your ideal bestie might be a mixed-breed pupper with no papers and plenty of love to give — and could be spared the expensive health issues that often accompany purebred dogs.

Mostly 2s:

A little bitty doggo is probably your jam. They’re full of energy, super portable, and their tiny size makes any shedding a little easier to handle. You’ll have to be patient with potty training and barking, but the cuddles are top-notch. Popular breeds include chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, toy poodles, and Pomeranians.

Mostly 3s:

You, my friend, are a cat person. If you’re up for the bonkers furball phase, a kitten might be for you. There is nothing cuter. If you’re hoping for a pal who wants to co-exist peacefully, snuggle on their own terms, and successfully use a litter box, a grown-up cat looking for their “fur-ever” home is for you.

Mostly 4s:

A small exotic pet would delight you! Consider a well-balanced fish tank, a small rodent like a mouse or hamster, or a beginner reptile such as a bearded dragon or ball python. You’ll need to do a lot of research on proper enclosures and diets ,and locate a veterinarian in your area that sees exotics, but the payoff is worth it. Many small exotics do really well with handling and affection, so your new buddy will provide all of the companionship without the high needs of a dog.

Pet parenting can be a fun and exciting journey, but just like humans, pets can get sick or have accidents, and need regular trips to the vet. To be the best pet parent for your new companion, be sure to check out MetLife Pet Insurance — you can fetch a free quote here!

Coverage issued by Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, and Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 11333 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85454. Coverage subject to restrictions, exclusions and limitations and application is subject to underwriting review. See policy or contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC (“MetLife Pet”) for complete details. MetLife Pet is the policy administrator. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota) and MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois).

About MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions, LLC

MetLife Pet coverage is underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company, a Rhode Island company, or Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware company. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the administrator for this coverage. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois). For more information, visit https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/.