Pet parent

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Pet parenting refers to the raising of pets, particularly dogs and cats, using typical childrearing techniques[1][2] and terminology (e.g. "dog mom,"[3] "cat mom,"[4] "cat dad," etc.). Pet parenting is associated with urbanism,[5] lower fertility rates,[6] and economic and social flexibility[6][7] and has been inclining in recent years, especially in the United States. Some pet parents intentionally substitute children for pets as a part of the childfree movement or due to poverty.

Reasons

Many pet parents see pets' needs as more manageable than a child's needs.[8][7]

Finances

Many pet parents believe they cannot afford to give a child a good life with their income.[8] 1 in 10 Americans have delayed raising a child or chosen to not raise children and opted for a pet instead due to financial reasons.[9]

One study found a causal relationship between the Great Recession and increased pet ownership.[10]

Psychology

Some pet parents report guilt for leaving pets at home during the workday and anxiety over their pet's health.[11]

Raising a pet may fulfill a desire to nurture for individuals who struggle with fertility issues.[7] Childless pet parents are more attached to their pets than parents.[4][6] Pet parenting styles are often similar to child parenting styles.[6] Pet owners generally see their pets as family members that go through life experiences together with them.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ Biggs, Tim (2025-10-23). "Pet GPS brings location tracking for dogs and cats into Life360". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
  2. ^ Tompor, Susan. "Pet parents are paying millions for Halloween costumes: What animals are wearing". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
  3. ^ "Woman explains key differences between being a dog parent vs. owner". Newsweek. 2024-04-19. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
  4. ^ a b US, Shelly Volsche, The Conversation. "Dog and Cat 'Moms' and 'Dads' Really Are Parenting Their Pets". Scientific American. Retrieved 2025-10-26.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Bharade, Kwan Wei Kevin Tan, Aditi. "China's city dwellers will soon have more pets than toddlers, and there's one way investors can cash in on the trend, Goldman Sachs says". Business Insider. Retrieved 2025-10-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ a b c d Barina-Silvestri, Mita; Díaz-Videla, Marcos; Delgado-Rodríguez, Rafael (2024-11-01). "Pet parenting: A systematic review of its characteristics and effects on companion dogs". Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 76: 13–24. doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2024.09.003. ISSN 1558-7878.
  7. ^ a b c Travers, Mark. "A Psychologist Explains The Appeal Of 'Pet Parenting' For Child-Free Couples". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
  8. ^ a b c "'I have no idea how people can afford a kid': Why so many couples are having pets instead of children". MarketWatch.
  9. ^ "Dog or baby? 22% of Millennials, Gen Z prefer pets over kids". WFLA (in Mexican Spanish). 2022-03-25. Archived from the original on 2023-12-10. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
  10. ^ Crespo, Pablo; Faytong-Haro, Marco (2022-11-02). "Impact of the 2007-2008 United States Economic Crisis on Pet Ownership". Animals. 12 (21): 3010. doi:10.3390/ani12213010. ISSN 2076-2615. PMC 9656514. PMID 36359134.
  11. ^ Press, The Associated. "Gen Zers may not have a house or kids, but data shows they're spoiling their pets more than any other generation instead". Fortune. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
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