Lucy Bronze meets Purina’s charity partners – as it’s revealed that over two-thirds of pet owners feel a stronger bond with their pets than their family and friends

• Purina research highlights the profound bond between pets and their owners, with almost nine in ten (88%) pet owners reported that their pets have helped them during moments of vulnerability, sadness or significant life changes
• Lucy Bronze MBE – professional footballer, Lioness and proud dog mum – took a break from football to spend time meeting Purina’s long-standing charity partners, Cats Protection and Canine Partners whose work supports people wellbeing through the power of the pet human bond

A new poll of 2,000 UK adults from Purina, reveals the deep emotional connections that pet owners have with their furry companions, highlighting the significant role pets play in providing comfort and support during challenging times. 

According to the new research, over two-thirds (63%) of pet owners feel a stronger bond with their pets than with their family and friends.
Furthermore, almost nine in ten (88%) pet owners reported that the bond with their pet has helped them during moments of vulnerability, sadness or significant life changes including after a tough day at work (61%), when feeling low (59%), experiencing loneliness (52%) or dealing with interpersonal conflicts (44%).

A further 32% say their bond with their pet has helped them through a break-up, 42% have been supported through health conditions and one in ten (10%) say they’ve been a help when they’ve moved to a new place. 

These bonds are never more evident than in the work of Purina’s long-term charity partners, as Lucy Bronze discovered when she met two amazing organisations, who are making so many lives better, supporting people through some of their toughest times. 

First, she learned about Cats Protection’s free and confidential Lifeline service. Lifeline provides temporary loving homes for cats whose families are fleeing domestic abuse, until they can be together again. With our help, Cats Protection have supported 736 cats in need through Lifeline since 2024.

Lucy also then met Fiona, partnered with Canine Partners assistance dog Tiffin. Fiona shared with Lucy the difference Tiffin has made to her life, how she has made it brighter and easier, improving her mental health and helping with physical tasks around the home, like the washing!

Calum Macrae, CEO Purina UK & Ireland, said: “At Purina we’re pet owners too and we know that pets are often the ones there by our side when we need them most. 

“The power of the pet-human bond creates real benefits for people’s wellbeing and this is never more evident than through the work of two of our amazing charity partners: Cats Protection and their Lifeline service and Canine Partners. Both organisations’ work is life changing. It’s why we’re proud to support them and it’s why Purina is committed to helping one million people in vulnerable situations improve their health and wellbeing by 2030.”

The research reveals that simple actions by pets can significantly uplift their owners' spirits. The top ways pets provide comfort include helping to take their owners' minds off things (54%), greeting them at the door (52%), making them smile (49%) and snuggling when they need it most (46%).

For more information about Purina's initiatives and research, please visit Fostering people’s health & wellbeing through the power of pets | Purina

** Source info: Research carried out by Research Without Barriers between 16th and 20th May. The same comprised of 2,002 UK Adults. All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2023) in the UK
and ICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines).