Study Reveals U.S. States Most Likely to Chat with Pets

A remarkable two-thirds of households in the U.S. share their lives with at least one pet, contributing to an astonishing total of $136.8 billion spent on their furry friends last year alone. Dogs and cats reign supreme as the most beloved pets, with three out of four owners viewing these loyal companions as cherished family members.

For countless individuals, the ability to comprehend animal communication feels like a dream superpower. Some pet owners have taken this a step further by teaching their furry friends to use buttons to express themselves. By pressing buttons labeled “want” or “treat,” pets can effectively ask for a snack in clear, understandable language.

Studies reveal that dogs possess a remarkable understanding of human communication. Beyond just following basic commands, research involving brain scans has shown that these intelligent animals can comprehend not only words but also the nuances of tone in our voices.

Considering all of this, it’s no surprise that many people converse with their pets. We were curious about how widespread this practice is and how pet owners communicate with their furry friends, as well as how they envision their dogs and cats reacting. To uncover these insights, we surveyed 1,500 pet owners across America.

Key takeaways

• Nevada and New Jersey tie for the state whose residents are most likely to talk to their pets
• Dog owners (83%) talk to their pets more than cat owners (68%)
• Most pet owners (55%) think their pet understands them more than people do
• Over half of Gen Z (53%) and 41% of Millennials feel their pet fills the role of a child

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Talk to the paw: The U.S. states most likely to talk to their pets

Do you find yourself chatting with your pet? You’re certainly not alone! Our survey reveals that a remarkable 84% of people engage in conversations with their furry friends as if they were fellow humans.

The state where most people talk to their pets: Nevada and New Jersey

When it comes to pet conversations, Nevada and New Jersey lead the pack, each boasting an impressive 95% of pet owners who engage in dialogue with their beloved companions. This trend highlights that talking to pets is a common and cherished practice in these states.

Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Colorado are neck-and-neck for second place, with an impressive 93% of residents in each state reporting that they engage in conversations with their pets.

The state where the fewest people talk to their pets: Montana

You might assume that states with the highest pet ownership also see the most pet owners chatting with their furry friends, but that’s not the case. In 2022, Wyoming boasted the highest pet ownership rate, yet a survey revealed that only 56% of pet owners there engage in conversation with their pets.

This ranking places the state at 46th, surpassing only North Dakota, Louisiana, Kansas, and Montana. Interestingly, Montana holds the title for the lowest pet interaction, with just 45% of residents engaging in conversations with their furry friends, according to our survey.

In each state, these are the percentage of residents who talk to their pets like people:

• Alabama: 83%
• Alaska: 62%
• Arizona: 82%
• Arkansas: 70%
• California: 86%
• Colorado: 93%
• Connecticut: 83%
• Delaware: 82%
• Florida: 91%
• Georgia: 87%
• Hawaii: 65%
• Idaho: 73%
• Illinois: 83%
• Indiana: 91%
• Iowa: 88%
• Kansas: 50%
• Kentucky: 88%
• Louisiana: 50%
• Maine: 82%
• Maryland: 78%
• Massachusetts: 86%
• Michigan: 87%
• Minnesota: 60%
• Mississippi: 75%
• Missouri: 93%
• Montana: 45%
• Nebraska: 57%
• Nevada: 95%
• New Hampshire: 80%
• New Jersey: 95%
• New Mexico: 85%
• New York: 86%
• North Carolina: 71%
• North Dakota: 52%
• Ohio: 77%
• Oklahoma: 86%
• Oregon: 92%
• Pennsylvania: 93%
• Rhode Island: 75%
• South Carolina: 88%
• South Dakota: 71%
• Tennessee: 88%
• Texas: 91%
• Utah: 79%
• Vermont: 90%
• Virginia: 80%
• Washington: 75%
• West Virginia: 67%
• Wisconsin: 88%
• Wyoming: 56%

How Americans talk to their pets

We’ve explored the likelihood of people engaging in conversations with their pets, but what does that interaction look like? One key element is tone of voice. Pets are remarkably perceptive and can easily pick up on your emotions, distinguishing between happiness and anger based on how you speak to them.

Dog owners talk to their pets more

If you had this inkling, you’re spot on! It turns out that a remarkable 83% of dog owners engage in conversations with their furry friends, while 68% of cat owners enjoy chatting with their beloved felines.

How do people talk to their pets?

As a pet owner, you’re likely familiar with the unique way people communicate with their furry friends. Interestingly, research shows that 65% of individuals instinctively adopt a higher-pitched tone when speaking to pets. Additionally, a significant 56% of participants admitted to using baby talk, highlighting the affectionate language we often reserve for our beloved companions.

If you sing or read stories to your pet, you’re part of a unique group! According to our survey, 37% of Americans share this special bond with their furry companions.

Have you come across those amusing videos of pet owners chatting with their dogs via remote cameras? They’re a delight to watch, but they’re not as common as you might think. In fact, only 16% of Americans take advantage of technology to connect with their furry friends while they’re away.

Our survey was conducted in English, which likely explains why nearly all participants spoke exclusively in English to their pets. Interestingly, 15% of respondents reported using a different language when communicating with their furry friends.

How do pets talk back?

Have you ever found yourself chatting with your pet, imagining them responding with words of their own? If so, you’re in good company! Many pet owners share this delightful experience, envisioning their furry friends engaging in conversation.

What do our pets sound like in our imaginations? Surprisingly, about 25% of pet owners believe their furry friends have the voice of Tom Hanks, while around 15% picture them speaking with the charming tone of Betty White.

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Most Americans think their pet understands them more than people do

Pet owners truly understand the bond they share with their furry friends. There’s something special about coming home to a pet that just gets you. Even the most independent cat can’t help but show a hint of joy when you return from a trip, even if they pretend to be indifferent!

That’s why 55% of respondents agreed that their pet understands them more than some people do.

Pets make wonderful listeners, and it’s no surprise that 60% of people admit to chatting with their furry companions more than they do with certain friends or family members. This unique bond highlights the special role pets play in our lives, offering comfort and companionship when we need someone to share our thoughts with.

While chatting with your pet can be an enjoyable experience, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a better pet owner. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 73% of respondents believe that talking to your furry friend doesn’t enhance your ownership skills. So, if you prefer to keep the conversation to a minimum, don’t worry—you’re still doing just fine!

Chances are, you know someone who treats their pet like a child. You might even feel the same way, especially if you’re part of the younger generation. In fact, a survey revealed that 39% of participants view their pets as their children, with this sentiment being particularly prevalent among Gen Z compared to Millennials.

The phrase “puppy dog eyes” perfectly captures the expressive nature of our furry friends. As any pet owner knows, dogs and cats may not speak our language, but they have a unique way of conveying their feelings and needs. We can all relate to the challenge of communicating effectively when we lack the right resources.

To effectively communicate with any audience, consider finding an online language tutor through LingualNeeds. (And remember, while your pet may be a great companion, they aren’t the best conversation partner!)

Methodology

On July 21, 2023, we conducted a survey of 1,500 American dog and cat owners to explore their communication habits with their furry friends. We wanted to discover not only who engages in conversations with their pets, but also how they do it and what they believe their pets are saying in response. The survey participants had a median age of 40, with 59% identifying as female, 39% as male, and 2% as nonbinary.