Recent research shows a growing trend among Millennials who are increasingly choosing pets over children. 70% of respondents see the animal as their child, influencing family planning decisions. This shift is driven by the lower financial cost, with a study by Rover finding that 1 in 10 American parents chose a pet over a child.
The trend is particularly strong among Millennials and Gen Z, with 22% of Millennials and 23% of Gen Z respondents choosing pets over children primarily for financial reasons. A Consumer Affairs survey also found that 58% of Millennials would rather have pets than children, and 81% even admitted to loving a pet more than some family members.
This deep love for animals is changing the traditional concept of family structures. For many Millennials, the bond with their pets is as strong, if not stronger, than with their human family members, reflecting a significant shift in how relationships are defined today.
