Forget tall, dark and handsome. What women really want is a man who loves dogs.
A 2005 study by Biz Rate Research found that nearly three in four women said they were more likely to date or marry someone who also has a pet. Among men, the number is a still-high 50 percent.
The good news is there are several websites devoted to matching up like-minded dog lovers. Here’s a rundown of several popular ones.
AnimalAttraction.com
Motto: “The place for pet lovers”
Cost: Free
AnimalAttraction is top dog among dating sites dedicated to dog lovers and boasts more than 100,000 members. Search profiles based on the type of dog a person owns, and connect through a variety of platforms including instant messaging, e-mail, chat rooms, and message boards.
Something to bark about: The site is taking the fun offline with the launch of a series of “Party Like a Dog” events for single dog owners and their pets.
DateMyPet.com
Motto: “Date Me. Date My Pet.”
Cost: $14.95 per month or $6.66 per month for a six-month membership
The site matches dog owners based on several criteria, and even has a fun pet dating feature where dog owners can set up their pets.
Something to bark about: DateMyPet features pet and online dating advice columnists, including marriage and family therapist Ann Palik’s “Yappily Ever After,” which offers advice on blending two- and four-legged families.
PetPeopleMeet.com
Motto: “The pet owners dating network”
Cost: Free
PetPeopleMeet allows members to search for other dog owners using ultra-detailed search criteria that any matchmaking mom would love, and focuses on doggie play date meet-ups in addition to traditional dating.
Something to bark about: The site allows members to incorporate video and audio greetings – from them or their pets – into their profiles.
LoveMeLoveMyPets.com
Motto: “The best place to meet single pet lovers like you”
Cost: Free
Part of the SocialPlus.com network of dating sites, LoveMeLoveMyPets has the feel of a mass-market dating site and only one profile criterion devoted to dog ownership.
Something to bark about: LoveMeLoveMyPets features the TailorMatch personality test common to all SocialPlus dating sites, which analyzes your personality and locates the most appropriate matches based on its findings.