Dog Fancy Magazine

Online Doggie Dating Services

February 2004

Lisle Nolan of Atlanta, Ga., tried everything.

From popular online dating services to astoundingly expensive matchmakers, Nolan nearly gave up her quest to find Mr. Right. After all, he would have to adore both her and her beloved Golden Retriever Charley, and that was proving to be quite the mission impossible.

When it comes time to find a human companion, most dog owners won’t waste time dating people who don’t think the sun rises and sets around their beloved pups.

To cater to this need felt by many of the nation’s 39 million single pet owners, interactive dating services geared toward animal lovers are popping up on the Internet, and gaining popularity by the week.

These niche-based matchmaking sites basically work in the same fashion as do traditional dating services. Interested participants log on to the site and register, usually for free. Today’s technology enables users to import photos, sound and even video on some of these websites. If they care to contact people who respond to their bio, perform an extensive search or participate more actively in the sites, users are then charged a small monthly membership fee, most less than $20. After some correspondence, people may choose to meet each other and watch for any "sparks."

But the biggest perk about these pet-themed dating sites is that they only include people who are animal lovers; this shared passion helps to foster the success rate.

"You’re getting the same functionality you’d get from any other dating site, plus you’re interacting with people you have a lot in common with," says Darren Trautwein, vice president of New Jersey-based KissyKat (www.kissykat.com).

And that common bond is as strong as many people-to-people unions.

"People don’t even go down the road with someone who doesn’t like dogs," says Kregg Nance, owner of AnimalPeople.com, a six-year-old company based out of Calabasas, Calif.

"Your pet is your child," adds Anne Lerner, owner and founder of Doggie Dating.com, which began in April 2002. "You’re not going to give them up if Mr. Wonderful walks through the door. You can find another Mr. Wonderful. You’re weeding people out so you’re not wasting your time."

No more dating those "I-don’t-like-poodles" type of guys, not another "I’m-allergic-to-dog-dander" gal. For the most part, people on these dating sites are true animal lovers who want the same thing: human and animal companionship.

That’s what Sharon Zemeola of Clifton, N.J., found when she registered with AnimalPeople.com. On Sept. 29, 2002, she married Richard, a dog lover who embraced Sharon and her handicapped duck Sebastian after he met them first online. In fact, Richard even built their web-footed friend a wheelchair, said Sharon. Soon, the couple plan to add a dog to their family.

"We’re a very big success story," she says. "I found a wonderful husband who feels the same way [about animals] as I do."

Adds AnimalPeople.com’s Nance: "We are still not making big money, but stories like Sharon and Richard’s make it all worthwhile."

The general age range of members for these dating services tends to be from 35-55-plus, say site owners. These professional, educated folks want to meet similar, like-minded people, says Trautwein. They don’t want to waste any time on people who don’t love animals.

The newly formed KissyKat attracted more than 600 people–many older than age 50–in its first four days online in October 2003. Perhaps this popularity is because KissyKat donates a portion of the membership fees to various animal-related rescues and charities.

"They’re just as important as matching people up," says Trautwein.

When people meet in person for the first time, they often bring their dogs and gather at a public park or other outdoor venue for a casual date, just as Nolan and Wilhelm did in Georgia. As any dog owner knows, talking about your pet is about an easy an icebreaker as can be.

"That animal serves such a purpose to make sure there is no dead-talk time," says Trautwein. "[The dog] creates that active atmosphere with lots of interaction."

Dogs on dates provide a level of security, too.

"I [know I] feel more comfortable with my dog being with me. It’s a safety net," says Lerner.

On their first date, Nolan and Wilhelm were overjoyed that their dogs also adored each other at first sight. Now, more than a year later, everyone is still going strong.

"[Charley and Tiger] just go everywhere with us," says Nolan, noting how everyone loves to hike together in the local wilderness. "When Michael comes over with Tiger, we all sit on the couch and watch television. There’s hardly any room [left]."

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