BROKEN TO BRAVE

Tired of Being Single? Your Pet Could Help You Find Love!

How pets can break the ice, reveal lifestyle compatibility, and help you meet fellow animal lovers.

By Donna Barnes

Can your pet help you find love? Yes—your pet can give you a natural way to start conversations, meet other animal lovers, and discover shared interests. A dog walk, a pet-friendly outing, or a dating app for pet lovers can open the door. But a shared love of animals is a starting point, not proof that someone is compatible, available, or trustworthy.

If you’re tired of being single, you may not need another perfectly posed dating profile. You may need a more genuine way to connect.

In this episode of my Broken to Brave podcast, I spoke with Sheryl Matthys, founder of FetchaDate, about how our pets can help us meet people—and what that connection can teach us about relationships.

I’ve long said that my Akita was the true love of my life. That dog brought me companionship, routine, and a kind of love I’ll never forget. She also gave me something surprisingly useful in dating: common ground.

How can pets help you meet someone?

Pets give people an easy reason to say hello. Instead of searching for a clever opening line, you can ask about the animal right in front of you. A conversation about a dog’s name or personality can turn into a conversation about the person holding the leash.

Sheryl described how walking her greyhound in New York City changed her experience of the city. People stopped to ask questions, pet her dog, and connect. What had felt lonely became an opportunity for friendship—and the inspiration for connecting single pet lovers.

I’ve experienced that, too. While dog-sitting for my brother, I’ve made genuine friends at a dog park in Fort Lauderdale. We didn’t start with job titles or dating résumés. We started with our dogs.

Where can single pet lovers meet in real life?

Start with places where a conversation about animals feels welcome: pet-friendly community events, neighborhood walks, or a dog park if your dog enjoys that setting. Aim to meet people, not to turn every outing into a search for a partner.

Try a simple pet-centered conversation starter

These are a few opening lines you can adapt:

• “What’s your dog’s name?”
• “How did you two find each other?”
• “Does your dog have a favorite place to walk?”
• “I used to have an Akita. What’s yours like?”

Then listen. If the other person seems interested, ask a follow-up question. If they’re busy or not engaging, let the conversation end graciously. Always ask before approaching or touching someone’s pet.

One of my matchmaking clients seemed reserved until I learned he had an Akita. The moment we discovered that connection, the conversation changed. We had something personal and meaningful to talk about.

What is FetchaDate, and how does it work?

FetchaDate is a dating app designed to connect pet lovers. Its pet-first approach lets your real or virtual pet act as your “WingPet”: people see the pet first and can reveal the person behind it before deciding whether to connect.

The appeal is simple. Rather than relying only on a headshot, you begin with something you already care about. You can then explore the person’s profile and conversation to see whether your interests and relationship goals align.

You don’t need to own a pet to join. FetchaDate offers virtual pets for animal lovers who don’t currently have one. That matters if your housing, schedule, finances, or grief after losing a pet makes ownership impractical right now.

As I told Sheryl, I don’t currently have a dog of my own, but I love spending time with my brother’s animals. Not having a pet doesn’t erase that part of who you are.

Learn more about the pet-first approach at FetchaDate.

Why does pet compatibility matter in a relationship?

Pet compatibility matters because animals affect everyday life: routines, travel, household rules, finances, and how you spend your time. If your pet is family to you, a partner needs to respect that bond—even if you have different preferences about pets.

In the episode, I described a coaching client who liked the woman he was dating but resented her dog. He wanted to become the priority instead of the animal. My advice was to consider whether the relationship actually fit his needs, rather than trying to make her give up something important to her.

Loving a partner and loving a pet are not the same relationship. They don’t have to be a competition.

Questions to discuss before things get serious

• Are allergies, fears, or species preferences something we need to discuss?
• Are pets allowed in the bedroom or on furniture?
• How will we handle walks, travel, pet-sitting, and expenses?
• Do we agree on humane training and household boundaries?
• If we both have pets, how will we introduce them safely?

“Must love animals” can be a useful starting point. Shared expectations—and respectful communication—are what make it workable.

Can a pet help you reconnect after a breakup?

For me, caring for my dog created a reason to get out of bed, get dressed, and step outside during a difficult time. The walk didn’t solve everything, but it gave my day structure and helped me reconnect with the world.

A pet can offer companionship, but adopting an animal is a long-term responsibility—not a quick fix for loneliness or a substitute for mental health care. Consider whether you can meet that animal’s needs before making the commitment.

If ownership isn’t right for you, spending time with a friend’s pet or exploring a suitable volunteering opportunity can be another way to enjoy animals without taking on more than you can manage.

Can your dog tell whether someone is a good partner?

A dog’s reaction is worth noticing, but it cannot reliably tell you whether someone is trustworthy or right for you. Fear, unfamiliarity, excitement, and the setting can influence behavior. Look at how the person treats you and your pet over time rather than treating one reaction as a verdict.

Sheryl and I shared stories about pets responding strongly to people. Those were personal experiences, not a dating-screening method. A calm introduction and attention to the animal’s comfort matter more than expecting your pet to choose your partner.

Keep both dating safety and pet welfare in mind

• Meet a new date in a public place and tell someone you trust about your plans.
• Ask directly about relationship status and intentions; an app profile is not verification.
• Don’t bring your pet if the environment will overwhelm them.
• Follow leash rules and avoid introductions your animal cannot handle comfortably.
• If your pet struggles around unfamiliar people or animals, seek qualified professional guidance.

Sheryl made an important point about pet-friendly events: sometimes bringing a photo of your dog is the better choice. You can still connect with other animal lovers without putting your pet in a stressful situation.

Look beyond the photo—but don’t overlook the person

One of my favorite themes from this conversation is that attraction isn’t always immediate. Someone you initially overlook may become more appealing as you discover their warmth, humor, and values.

A pet can help open that door. But don’t confuse loving someone’s dog with wanting a relationship with its owner. Pay attention to consistency, emotional availability, boundaries, and how you feel when you’re together.

 

“Do I feel loved?” — Donna Barnes

 

That’s a question I return to when thinking about the quality of a relationship. A shared love of pets is wonderful, but you deserve care and respect from the human partner, too.

Frequently asked questions about dating for pet lovers

How can I meet other single dog lovers?

Try pet-friendly events, neighborhood walks, and dating platforms designed for pet lovers. Dog parks can create conversation opportunities if your dog enjoys them, but you still need to find out whether the person is single and interested in dating.

Do I need a dog to use FetchaDate?

No. FetchaDate offers virtual pets for people who love animals but don’t currently own one. It is for pet lovers, not only dog owners.

What if my date doesn’t like my pet?

Ask what concerns them: an allergy, a fear, a behavior issue, or simply a different lifestyle preference. Discuss boundaries and possible accommodations. If they expect you to give up a pet you consider family, recognize that you may not be compatible.

When should I introduce my pet to someone I’m dating?

There is no universal date number. Wait until you feel comfortable and can arrange a calm, safe introduction suited to your animal. Don’t rush the meeting or force contact if your pet is uncomfortable.

Are pet lovers automatically better partners?

No. A shared love of animals can give you common ground, but it doesn’t guarantee honesty, kindness, or relationship readiness. Evaluate the person’s actions, communication, and respect for boundaries.

Your next connection could start with a simple hello

If you’re tired of being single, let your love of animals become an opportunity to connect—not another source of pressure. Start a conversation. Be curious. Stay open to someone outside your usual “type,” while staying clear about your needs.

My conversation with Sheryl reminded me that pets can connect people who might otherwise never cross paths. Sometimes the first step toward love is simply having something meaningful to talk about.