NEW DELHI, 27 MARCH 2025 — When it comes to online dating, pets aren’t just adorable companions — they’re the ultimate icebreaker, a compatibility check, and even a post-breakup therapist.
Whether it’s bonding over a love for golden retrievers, matching with a fellow cat person, or heading out on a pet-friendly date, our furry (or feathered) friends have become a big part of modern romance. In fact, Tinder in India has seen a 7.6% increase in bios asking “Do you have a pet?” between January 2024 and February 20251 , highlighting just how much pets are becoming part of the dating conversation. According to Tinder’s Year in Swipe 2024, dogs continue to top the list as the most mentioned pet, followed closely by cats2. Many users also express affection with phrases like “Don’t have one, but love them” or “Want a pet,” showing that even without a pet, the sentiment is strong. Mentions of birds, fish, and “all the pets” also reflect a growing openness to all kinds of animal companions when it comes to making connections.
Tinder’s latest video campaign captures three real and relatable relationship moments in three different videos, all told through the lens of young Indian women. One standout video, “Move On,” shows a woman moving on from a breakup—symbolised by a pet turtle left behind by an ex—reminding us that every ending can lead to a new beginning. A new relationship begins every 3 seconds on Tinder3, and with 57%4 of young adults in India (18–25) having formed meaningful connections through dating apps, it's clear that modern dating is less about looking back, and more about discovering what comes next. So, next time you’re on Tinder, don’t be surprised if it’s a pup—or a sassy cat—that steals your heart first.
Don’t just take our word for it—have a scroll through Tinder bios and you’ll see pet love front and centre:
Pets are proving to be the ultimate icebreakers in the world of online dating, especially on Tinder. From witty bios to adorable profile pics, they’re making first moves a lot easier. Take it from the bios themselves. A woman on Tinder in India, writes: “Bookworm and dog mum. Looking for someone who appreciates a good pun and isn’t afraid to be a little quirky.” Another one, shares: “A Jane Austen heroine in a modern world - loves cats, emotional intelligence, well structured novels and Taylor Swift. Seeking for a Mr.Darcy.” Meanwhile, a man’s bio on the app reads: “Your mom will love me. Your dog will too. The cat? Well, we’ll have to negotiate.”
And it's not just about the words—add a pet to your profile pic, and you’ve got an instant conversation starter. Whether it's “Who’s the adorable pup in your photo?”, “Tell me your dog’s name and I’ll guess your personality,” or “Only like my profile if you’d let my cat judge you on a first date”—these light-hearted prompts are breaking the ice in the most delightful ways.
But beyond icebreakers, pets are also proving to be surprisingly effective compatibility checks. Forget zodiac signs—these days, sharing a favourite pet might just be the new green flag. As one woman writes in her bio: “Dog mum to the cutest Pomeranian-Lab mix—she’s the real boss here. Telugu movie buff, coffee addict, and always up for deep convos or spontaneous road trips. Sarcasm is my love language. Swipe right if you can handle friendly banter and a dog’s approval!”
Whether it’s spotting “Must love dogs” in a bio or getting into a “Dog person or cat person?” debate, a love for animals often hints at kindness, responsibility, and a nurturing side—all traits that shine in the world of online dating. And let’s be honest, if you're not okay with pets in the bed, for many, that’s a non-starter.
Dating Tips from Dr. Chandni Tugnait, Relationship Expert at Tinder India on Pets, Breakups & Moving On
1. Pets can be powerful emotional support after a breakup
According to Dr. Chandni Tugnait, pets offer comfort, routine, and a sense of companionship that can be incredibly grounding when navigating a breakup. “Your pet becomes your cuddle buddy, your reason to get out of bed, and the one who’s always happy to see you—no breakup involved,” she says.
2. Be honest about who the pet really belongs to
In relationships where pets are shared—or were a gift from an ex—it’s important to have an honest conversation about who’s better equipped emotionally and practically to care for the animal. “The dog may have been a gift, but if you’ve been the primary caregiver, it’s okay to speak up,” Dr. Chandni advises.
3. Visiting your ex to see the pet? Set clear boundaries
Still dropping by your ex’s place to see the dog? That’s sweet… but complicated. “If it’s keeping you emotionally stuck or causing confusion, it might be time to create some distance,” Dr. Chandni says. “Consider what’s best for both you and your pet in the long run.”
4. Use your pet as a positive force in your next chapter
“A shared love for pets can also be a beautiful way to connect with someone new,” she adds. “Include them in your dating profile, go on pet-friendly first dates, and let your pet be part of your journey as you move on and open up to new possibilities.”
“Love may come and go," Dr. Chandni says, "but the bond you share with your pet is often the one that sees you through it all—and sometimes, brings the next great connection right to your doorstep (or on Tinder).”
1 Tinder internal data: Bio mentions between Jan 1, 2024 and Feb 28, 2025
2 India Data from Tinder Bios, Descriptors, and Interests from 1 Jan to 1 Oct 2024.
3 Online Wave Study in 2024 funded by and commissioned on behalf of Match Group, with survey conducted by market research company Ipsos among a demographically representative sample of 18+ adults in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct.
4 OnePoll Survey among Tinder users aged 18-25 in IN who are single and use dating apps. Data was collected between 15/7/2024 - 23/7/2024.
