Zendaya is making it clear that when it comes to relationships, her dog comes first. During a recent interview about dating red flags, Zendaya joked that she would absolutely get into a fight if someone even looked at her dog the wrong way. While she said it playfully, the message behind it was serious. For her, how someone treats animals reveals a lot about their character.
She explained that dogs are a good judge of character and that she pays close attention to how people behave around her pet. If someone is dismissive, impatient, or unkind toward animals, that is an immediate warning sign. On the other hand, genuine warmth and attentiveness go a long way.
Zendaya affectionately referred to her dog as her child, saying she loves her “baby” deeply. Anyone entering her life romantically would need to understand that her pet is family. It is not just about liking dogs. It is about showing empathy, patience, and respect.
The actress also noted that she watches how people treat those around them in general. That includes animals, friends, service workers, and strangers. Small everyday interactions, she suggested, reveal more about a person than grand romantic gestures ever could.
Zendaya’s comments resonated with many fans online, especially fellow pet owners who see their animals as part of the family. In a world where dating can feel unpredictable, her red flag rule is simple. If you cannot be kind to a dog, you probably cannot be trusted with someone’s heart either.