“I would rather adopt a fur baby than create a new life,” says Lin, 35, who is very happy with her pet dog. Her sentiments are echoed by many, as evidenced by her 2023 survey conducted by . USA Today and One pole 67% of respondents between the ages of 18 and 26 chose to get a dog instead of having a child.
Family structures are changing rapidly, and pets are often considered equal to, and in some cases superior to, children. As a result, people are choosing to become 'pet parents', taking on the role of parents and factoring their pets into important decisions about work, housing choices and romantic relationships.
Despite facing social pressure to continue the lineage and do something more conventional, people who choose to become pet parents are delaying having children or not having children at all. We often choose to.
Research shows that there are four reasons why people want to become pet parents.
1. Pets provide flexible companionship
When choosing whether to bring a pet or a child with you, people consider several factors, including carrier demands, financial considerations, time constraints, and convenience.of USA Today and One pole Research has revealed that over 80% of dog owners feel it's easier to care for a dog and choose not to have children as a result.
2017 study published in sociological inquiry We found that the majority of women in the study enjoy the rewarding companionship of their pets and enjoy the flexibility that comes with being a pet parent.
Emma, a 24-year-old who owns two dogs, said her reasons for not having human children for now are her desire to have a social life and spend time alone with her husband. Since she had a successful career, she was cautious about possible difficulties in giving birth to her child.
“If we pay attention, we'll be much more energetic during the day and have no problems. We can still do what we want, but when we get home we'll have a cute furry friend who's looking forward to seeing us.” “There are little people,” said Emma, ”but I don't want to have a screaming baby right now. I'd rather have a barking dog.”
Her thoughts were echoed by other participants, who emphasized their value as relatively low-maintenance pets.
2. Pets fulfill the desire to be parents.
Many people face difficulties when trying to conceive. In fact, birth rates have been declining globally over the past few decades. The global fertility rate in 2021 was 2.3, a significant drop from the global fertility rate of 5.3 observed in 1963.
Couples who are unable to conceive often experience a sense of emptiness and end up seeking alternative ways to raise a child. For couples with limited circumstances, owning a pet can be a meaningful alternative to having children, offering hope, comfort, and fulfillment.
3. Pets fulfill evolutionary needs
Choosing to become a pet parent instead of having children is like an evolutionary puzzle. This is because individuals ignore their biological command to reproduce. However, a 2021 study concludes that those who choose to delay or abandon this inner urge can satisfy their need for nurturing by fostering a pet instead.
Researchers suggest that a key human characteristic is “alloparental consideration,” or parental consideration for young people who are not their direct descendants. In fact, humans can benefit from allogeneic parenthood of different species through animal adoption campaigns and products.
Additionally, if nurturing, rather than parenting, is a fundamental need, it can be met by a pet without the full-time demands of a biological offspring. An individual can choose to meet their nurturing needs based on the availability of resources, her network of support, and personal choice.
Half of the participants sociological inquiry Studies say they actively “nurture” their pets, or see them as an outlet for their maternal instincts.
“When you don't have a child to raise, you can take care of something that you wouldn't have otherwise. And I don't think I realized how much that would be helpful to me until I had Sam.” , said Hannah, a 36-year-old woman, emphasizing her love for her dog Sam.
4. Pets improve mental health
Pets have a positive impact on their owners' mental health.2024 poll conducted by American Psychiatric Association Pets have been found to cause:
- 84% of respondents experience good mental health
- 62% of respondents experienced reduced stress and anxiety
- 62% of respondents felt calm
Pets tend to provide comfort, reduce feelings of loneliness, and regulate the intensity of negative emotions. Their presence also serves as constant moral support. Pets aren't just tail-wagging friends, they're also guardians of unconditional love.
At the end of the day, the decision to become a pet parent rather than have a child is a personal choice and should be carefully considered. While pet parenting has unique benefits, it's not without its challenges. Carefully consider both sides of the coin and choose the path that best aligns with your values, lifestyle, and aspirations.
Want to know how strong your connection is with your pet? Take this psychological assessment to find out: Pet owner connection scale
