Single on Valentine's Day? Pets Can Help Make Love Connections

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- For those who are single and looking for love this Valentine's Day, Petco suggests pets may be the best wingmen around. With help from Professional Matchmaker, Dating Expert and Television Personality, Samantha Daniels, Petco has created a four-step guide to finding that special someone for single pet parents and pet lovers this February. 

Step One: Get Out There
Pets encourage people to get out and get active, and whether it's taking a dog for a walk or a shopping trip to pick up pet products, sharing a common love of animals can create natural connections. Daniels says, "Your love for your pet will shine through immediately, and that's attractive to other animal lovers." People with pets have something to bond over instantly when they meet, so look for places where other pet lovers will go. "For dog parents, the local dog park or dog-friendly coffee shop is a great place to meet a potential mate, because other dog lovers will be there, plus dogs can be a great conversation starter and ice-breaker," suggests Daniels. "It can be difficult to walk up to a stranger alone, but a sweet dog eager for attention suddenly makes it easier to connect."

Step Two: Put Your Best Face Forward
First impressions are important when attracting that special someone. "Keep in mind, potential mates may judge you on appearances, so your pet's grooming and hygiene can be just as important as your own when it comes to dating" says Daniels. Petco recommends giving dogs a fresh haircut, brushed coat, and fresh nails and paws at your local grooming salon to help grab a potential mate's attention. And don't let bad pet breath affect a potential love connection. Instead, learn more about pet dental health at one of Petco's Free Oral Health Seminars, February 15-16, 2014.

Step Three: Flirting and Courtship
Once an initial connection has been made, it's important to keep the conversation going. "If someone approaches you to greet your adorable pet, remember it may have been an easy excuse to talk to you," says Daniels. She suggests switching into flirt mode, remembering to smile, laugh, keep eye contact and ask questions. "If you're interested, be sure to let them know without seeming too eager," recommends Daniels. "Hint about things that may be fun to do together, like a pet play date or a hike with your dog." 

With the first date set, remember first impressions count at home, too. Ensure your place smells clean and fresh when your date arrives, be sure cat or dog hair isn't covering the furniture, and habitats for small animals, like hamsters or reptiles, are spotless. "If your date is a pet lover, go ahead and take the opportunity to make introductions with your pet. Your dog, cat or other pet could score you bonus points before you even leave the house!" says Daniels. "However, if you know your date is iffy around animals, you may want to hold off on introductions until you are more comfortable around each other," cautions Daniels. While out on the town, keep pets safely contained and occupied at home with puzzle games, toys and fresh water so the date won't have to end early.

Step Four: Long-term Romance
Moving from casual dating to a serious commitment can take time and pets can play a big role in whether or not a relationship will work. A common misconception is that a dog person and cat person won't be a good match. "Cats and dogs can live harmoniously in the same household and, if your relationship is strong, you can definitely work through any initial hesitation from your animals," says Daniels.

Some people can be squeamish around certain pets like snakes or other reptiles. However, Daniels says, "If the person is right for you, they won't see it as a deal-breaker as long as you can establish some boundaries." For example, a snake may have to stay in its habitat whenever the person is at your place or the habitat may have to be in a room that the other person doesn't frequent. "Of course, over time, as the relationship progresses, the other person may learn to love that pet because they love you," says Daniels.

If a pet has behavior issues, it can hinder the relationship from moving forward. "Your partner may be reluctant to move to the next step, like moving in together or an engagement, until these problems are addressed. Petco's Positive Dog Training program is a great place to start. All Petco dog trainers are certified in AKC Canine Good Citizen and STARR Puppy testing. "You and your love interest can work together with the help of a veterinarian or Petco partner to solve any challenges with merging your two households," suggests Daniels. A couple who can problem solve together is a couple that stays together.

For those looking for love and the love of a pet this Valentine's Day, find the perfect match at Petco's National Adoption Weekend February 8-9, 2014. For more information visit www.petco.com/adoptions.

About Petco and the Petco Foundation
Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing the powerful relationship between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,300 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 100 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; nine Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; and petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $125 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 350,000 animals every year.

About Samantha Daniels
Samantha Daniels is the president and founder of Samantha's Table, the strategic high-end matchmaking service for people who have no trouble getting dates, but who just haven't found "the One" as of yet. Samantha, an ivy league educated, modern-day cupid founded the business over ten years ago. At that time, she decided to ditch her day job as an attorney and to start a business out of her hobby of matchmaking for her friends. Samantha is a well-regarded dating and relationship expert who is regularly featured on TV shows and in newspapers and magazines. Samantha is also the author of Matchbook: The Diary of a Modern-Day Matchmaker (Simon & Schuster). And now with over 300 people married and 1000's of significant relationships under her belt, Samantha is considered the best in the business.

Contact: Krista Lamp, 619-501-2756, [email protected]

SOURCE Petco