Why 'Pet Parenting' Is All The Rage Amongst Child-Free Couples
Who needs a child when you could have a dog or a cat? Research shows that this is a growing sentiment.
By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | March 25, 2024
"I would rather take in a fur baby than create a new life," says Lynn, a 35-year old who's highly content with her pet dog. Her feelings are echoed by many, as evidenced by a 2023 survey conducted by USA Today and OnePoll where 67% of respondents aged 18 to 26 chose to get a dog instead of having a child.
Family structures are rapidly changing and pets are often considered equivalent to, and, in some cases, better than having children. Consequently, people are choosing to become "pet parents," taking on a parental role and factoring their pets into major decisions about their career, housing choices and romantic relationships.
Despite facing social pressure to continue their bloodline and do things more conventionally, people opting to be pet parents often delay having kids or choose to not have them at all.
Here are four reasons why people prefer to be pet parents, according to research.
1. Pets Offer Companionship With Flexibility
Individuals weigh several factors when choosing between companionship from pets or children, including career demands, financial considerations, time constraints and convenience. The USA Today and OnePoll survey revealed that over 80% of dog owners found that caring for dogs was easier and, as a result, chose not to have children.
A 2017 study published in Sociological Inquiry found that a majority of the women in the study enjoyed the rewarding company of their pet and reveled in the flexibility that came from being a pet parent.
Emma, a 24-year old with two dogs, cited her social life and preference to spend time alone with her husband as her reasons to not have human children for now. Her flourishing career had made her wary of the possible challenges of having a child.
"If you give them attention they are good for the rest of the day, they don't have problems. We can still do what we want to do but we have these cute furry little people that are excited to see us when we get home. I just don't have the desire to have a screaming baby right now. I would rather have a barking dog," said Emma.
Her thoughts were reiterated by other participants, highlighting the value pets hold as comparatively hassle-free companions.
2. Pets Fulfill The Desire For Parenthood
Many individuals face challenges when trying to conceive. In fact, fertility rates have been declining globally over the past few decades. The global fertility rate stood at 2.3 in 2021, marking a stark decline from the global fertility rate of 5.3 observed in 1963.
Couples who are unable to conceive often experience a void, which leads them to explore alternatives to raising a child. For couples constrained by circumstances, owning a pet can provide a meaningful alternative to having children—offering hope, solace and a sense of fulfillment.
3. Pets Satisfy Evolutionary Needs
Opting to be pet parents instead of having children seems to be an evolutionary puzzle since individuals are foregoing their biological directive to reproduce. However, a 2021 study concluded that individuals choosing to delay or forego this inner drive are able to meet their need to nurture by raising pets instead.
Researchers suggest that a key human trait is "alloparental care," or parental care toward a young one that is not the individual's direct offspring. Indeed, humans can reap the benefits of alloparenting a different species through animal adoption campaigns and products.
Furthermore, if nurturing rather than parenting is a fundamental need, it can be fulfilled by pets without the full-time demands of biological offspring. Individuals can choose to meet their nurturing needs based on resource availability, support networks and personal choice.
Half of the participants in the Sociological Inquiry study described themselves as actively "nurturing" their pets or viewing them as outlets for their mothering instincts.
"Without having a child to raise, it gives me that care for something that I otherwise would not have. And I think I didn't realize how helpful that would be for me until I had Sam," said Hannah, a 36-year old woman, highlighting her love for her dog, Sam.
4. Pets Improve Mental Health
Pets have a positive impact on their owners' mental health. A 2024 poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association found that pets caused:
- 84% of respondents to experience positive mental health
- 62% of respondents to experience a reduction in stress and anxiety
- 62% of respondents to feel calm
Pets tend to offer comfort, reduce feelings of loneliness and regulate the intensity of negative emotions. Their presence also acts as a constant source of emotional support. Pets aren't just our tail-wagging pals, but custodians of unconditional love.
Ultimately, the decision to become a pet parent over having children is a personal choice that should be considered carefully. While pet parenting offers unique rewards, it is not without its challenges. Carefully consider both sides of the coin and choose the path that best aligns with your values, lifestyle and aspirations.
Wondering how strong your connection to your pet is? Take this psychological assessment to find out: Pet Owner Connectedness Scale
A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.