“I would prefer to adopt a fur baby rather than bring a new life into this world,” expressed Lynn, a 35-year-old individual who finds immense satisfaction in the companionship of her pet dog. This sentiment resonates with a significant portion of the population, as indicated by a 2023 survey conducted jointly by USA Today and OnePoll, where 67% of respondents between the ages of 18 and 26 expressed a preference for getting a dog over having a child.
The landscape of family dynamics is evolving rapidly, with pets increasingly being viewed as equivalent to, and sometimes even superior to, traditional parenthood. Consequently, many individuals are embracing the role of “pet parents,” integrating their pets into pivotal decisions regarding their careers, living arrangements, and romantic partnerships.
Despite societal expectations to carry on their lineage through conventional means, those who choose to be pet parents often opt to delay parenthood or forgo it altogether.
Outlined below are four reasons, supported by research, why individuals lean towards being pet parents rather than raising children.
1. Pets Offer Flexible Companionship
When deciding between the companionship of pets or children, individuals consider various factors such as career obligations, financial constraints, time limitations, and convenience. The survey conducted by USA Today and OnePoll revealed that more than 80% of dog owners found the responsibilities associated with caring for dogs to be less demanding, influencing their decision to remain child-free.
A study published in Sociological Inquiry in 2017 highlighted that a majority of the women surveyed derived immense joy from the companionship of their pets and appreciated the flexibility that came with being pet parents.
Emma, a 24-year-old individual with two dogs, cited her active social life and preference for spending quality time with her spouse as reasons for postponing human parenthood. Her thriving career also contributed to her hesitation in starting a family.
Emma expressed, “Once you give them attention, they remain content for the rest of the day without any issues. We can pursue our interests while having these adorable furry companions eagerly waiting for us at home. At this point, I am not inclined towards dealing with the demands of a crying infant. I find solace in the presence of a barking dog instead.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by other participants, underscoring the value that pets bring as hassle-free companions.
2. Pets Fulfill Parental Desires
Many individuals encounter difficulties when attempting to conceive, with global fertility rates witnessing a decline over the past few decades. The global fertility rate, which stood at 2.3 in 2021, has significantly decreased from the 5.3 rate recorded in 1963.
Couples facing challenges in conceiving often experience a sense of emptiness, prompting them to seek alternatives to traditional parenthood. For couples facing constraints, owning a pet can offer a meaningful substitute for raising children, providing hope, comfort, and a sense of fulfillment.
3. Pets Satisfy Evolutionary Needs
The choice to embrace pet parenthood over raising children may seem contradictory to our biological imperative to reproduce. However, a study conducted in 2021 concluded that individuals opting to delay or forgo parenthood can fulfill their nurturing instincts by caring for pets instead.
Researchers suggest that “alloparental care,” which involves providing parental care to a non-offspring, is a significant human trait. By engaging in animal adoption initiatives and caring for pets, humans can satisfy their nurturing instincts by nurturing a different species.
Moreover, if the need for nurturing outweighs the desire for traditional parenting, individuals can meet this need through pet companionship without the round-the-clock responsibilities associated with biological offspring. Participants in the Sociological Inquiry study described themselves as actively nurturing their pets or viewing them as outlets for their maternal instincts.
Hannah, a 36-year-old woman, shared her profound affection for her dog, Sam, stating, “Raising Sam fills a void in my life that I didn’t know existed. It offers me a sense of care and companionship that I wouldn’t have otherwise. The presence of Sam has been incredibly comforting for me.”
4. Pets Enhance Mental Well-being
Pets play a pivotal role in enhancing the mental health of their owners. According to a 2024 survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, pet ownership has been linked to the following benefits:
- 84% of respondents reported improved mental well-being
- 62% experienced reduced stress and anxiety levels
- 62% felt a sense of calmness
Pets serve as sources of comfort, alleviate feelings of isolation, and help regulate negative emotions. Their unwavering presence offers continuous emotional support, making them more than just furry companions but also custodians of unconditional love.
Ultimately, the decision to embrace pet parenthood over traditional parenting is deeply personal and warrants thoughtful consideration. While pet ownership brings unique joys, it also presents challenges. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose a path that aligns with your values, lifestyle, and aspirations.
_Curious about the strength of your bond with your pet? Take the Pet Owner Connectedness Scale psychological assessment to find out._