In today’s unpredictable world, a significant trend is emerging among young adults in their 20s and 30s: the decision to delay or forgo having children in favor of welcoming pets into their homes. This isn’t a fleeting fad; it’s a profound demographic shift driven by a perfect storm of factors. Mounting economic uncertainties, the ever-present specter of environmental concerns, and the demands of increasingly intense career paths are making traditional parenthood feel like an insurmountable challenge for many.
For this generation, the notion of raising a human child amidst soaring cost of living and global instability is simply overwhelming. Instead, the profound love and companionship offered by a dog or cat present a more manageable, yet equally rewarding, path to nurturing.
This trend is not just anecdotal; it’s strongly supported by recent data. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reported a significant increase in pet ownership, with 94 million U.S. households owning at least one pet in 2024, up from 82 million in 2023. Notably, Gen Z is leading this growth, with a 43.5% increase in pet-owning households from 2023 to 2024, and 70% of Gen Z pet owners having two or more pets. This surge comes as the cost of raising a child continues to climb, with some estimates for raising a child from birth to age 17 exceeding $300,000, not including college expenses.
Choosing between puppy or baby?
A 2024 Harris Poll further revealed that 43% of Americans now prefer pets over children, with many Millennials and Gen Z citing ease of care and lower financial burden as key motivators. This data underscores a fundamental societal re-evaluation where the emotional benefits and manageable responsibilities of pet parenthood increasingly outweigh the complexities and significant investments associated with raising human children.
Pets offer a sense of purpose, unconditional affection, and a loving presence without the same level of financial strain or the profound, lifelong commitment a child requires. This isn’t to say pets are mere substitutes; for many, these furry family members are deeply integrated into their lives, shaping daily routines and providing immense emotional support in a world that often feels out of control.
Why do you want a puppy, not a baby?
Puppies become dogs. Dogs are fun.
But, so are the babies.
Babies become people. People are dumb.
Some of the questions that haunt us aren’t a device of our making, but that of the world. Consider this ― When are you getting married? and god forbid, if you are married, When are you expecting a baby?
Also see: How to introduce your dog to the baby?
What about the questions that matter, something on the lines of Mary Oliver – what one wants to do with his or her wild and precious life?
Like the other deeply conflicting debate: Which came first, egg or the chicken Humans these days are choosing puppy or baby (that is when they can’t have both). From Italy to the USA, the birth rate hit an all-time low. The stats were so staggering that even Pope Francis publicly warned married couples against substituting pets for children. He also suggested that such couples have been too strongly influenced by a “culture of well-being” which promotes the idea that life is more enjoyable without kids.
This dog isn’t suggesting that a puppy is a replacement for a baby, but shouldn’t we leave this choice to pet parents? Why drag religion into it? For pet parents treat their dogs like babies. Furthermore, what about the countries where the population growth rate is still far from under control, I am all for having dogs, provided you adopt them.
Scientific research has also led to conclusive evidence that dogs and babies share some common traits. Japanese scientists have found that the “mutual gaze” between dogs and their owners stimulates the same bonding process (release of oxytocin) that occurs between the mother and child. While Researchers in Hungary concluded a study that shows that dogs respond to eye contact and verbal and nonverbal cues from humans similarly as a human baby would. So for all of you out there who say your dog is like your baby, you may be more right than you thought!
“My husband and I are either going to buy a dog or have a child. We can’t decide whether to ruin our carpet or ruin our lives.”
— Rita Rudner
Still having doubts?
Okay, good luck with diaper changes and tantrums, I would rather have my doggy ‘kid’.
I’m a cat person, but I agree with you. My cats are my babies and I can’t imagine lifee without them. Kittens grow up to be cats, and cats are still adorable and lovable after they grow up. My oldest daughter is one of those humans who was cute as a baby but she grew up to be a very mean person. At least two of my children are putting off the decision to have a baby, and I support them completely. I’m totally happy to spoil their cats as they are my GrandCats.
I agree – and cats are quiet and clean, dogs are smelly and noisy. cats don’t need to be walked. cats eat less than dogs, and they cover up their poop. As far as smart/intuition: cat would never submit to being hooked up with seven other cats to pull an eskimo sled.
Why fight over which animal is better? Any animal is better than human beings. Each animal has its own characteristics. I have a cat and a dog and both are awesome
Cats are definitely cute and rule the internet but dogs rule human hearts. Saving the world from detonators, depression and diehard terrorists, dogs are more important to the world than any other animal.