New research from Animal Friends Pet Insurance reveals that nearly one in four pet owners (24%) give little or no thought to how World Cup matchday excitement could affect their pets' anxiety and stress. The findings come as millions of Britons prepare to host gatherings for the Argentina semi-final, with over half (51%) watching matches at home with friends and family.
Pet Owners Overlook Matchday Stressors
While 73% of pet owners hosting matchday get-togethers ensure they have sufficient food and drink for guests, the same consideration is not extended to pets. The research shows a widening gap between how owners perceive matchday excitement and how pets experience the environment. More than half (57%) of pet owners report they have observed their pet display signs of stress during social gatherings at home.
Matchday hosting presents numerous stress triggers for pets. According to the study, 41% of pet owners acknowledge multiple disturbances to their usual household routines during matchday gatherings, including louder cheering and shouting (20%), televisions or music turned up (19%), more people in the home than usual (15%), doors and garden gates being opened more frequently (11%), and food or drink being left within reach (11%). While each alteration may appear insignificant on its own, collectively they can generate a considerably more chaotic environment for pets.
Expert Advice for a Pet-Friendly Matchday
Jen Wormleighton, Head of Veterinary Services at Animal Friends Pet Insurance, said: "Major sporting moments bring people together, but they can also create environments that feel overwhelming and unpredictable for pets. It's often the combination of factors - louder noise, unfamiliar faces and changes to routine - that can lead to stress. We know pet owners don't set out to create these situations for their furry friends, but simple things like louder environments, more people in the home or food being left out can all have an impact. The key isn't asking people to change how they enjoy matchday, but helping them make small, practical adjustments that ensure their pets feel safe and secure too."
To assist owners in managing matchday at home, Animal Friends has developed its World Pup Pet Safety Playbook, structured around a straightforward 'GOAL' method:
- G – Give them space: Pets manage better when they feel they have command of their surroundings. Ensuring they can access a calm, recognisable space away from the main hubbub enables them to withdraw when things get hectic.
- O – Offset unpredictability: It's frequently abrupt reactions such as cheering, shouting, or bursts of noise that spark stress responses. Establishing distance from these instances can help pets feel more comfortable.
- A – Avoid overload: Matchdays typically bring multiple alterations at once—more visitors, noisier households, disrupted schedules, and food being left around. Together, these minor changes can rapidly accumulate into stress or heighten the risk of problems such as scavenging or escape.
- L – Look for early signs: Early warning signs of stress can be understated, including pacing, withdrawal, or shifts in behaviour. Acting early, by lessening stimulation or providing pets space, is considerably more effective than waiting until a pet is clearly distressed.
As England fans gear up to watch the semi-final against Argentina, Animal Friends urges pet owners to consider their furry friends' well-being alongside the excitement of the match.
