Overview
- Representative YouGov polling for Galaxus found 29% of German pet owners let their animals sleep in the human bed, while 52% say pets use their own bed or cage.
- Germany’s animal welfare federation says co-sleeping with dogs and cats is generally acceptable if animals are regularly dewormed and free of fleas and ticks.
- Experts warn that small mammals such as rabbits and guinea pigs should never be in a human bed due to the risk of being crushed during sleep.
- A Mayo Clinic sleep study reported most people sleep as well or better with pets present, with about 20% saying their animal disrupts rest.
- Practical advice highlights consistent rules, on/off-bed training, placing large dogs at the foot of the bed, cleaning paws and fur after walks, and routine parasite prevention.