Young adults prefer dogs and cats over kids, studies show.
More young adults prefer pets over starting a family
Recent surveys have revealed that a growing number of young adults are choosing to have pets instead of having children. According to a study conducted by Rover, one in 10 Americans are opting to wait on having children and instead getting a dog or cat. Millennials make up 22 percent of this group, with the cost of raising a child being the primary reason for their decision.
Another study found that many childless singles and couples are willing to take a pay cut in order to work from home with their pets. In fact, 44 percent of respondents expressed their willingness to do so. Nicole Beer, the head of marketing and communications for pet pharmaceutical company PetMeds, expressed surprise at the high percentage of people willing to sacrifice pay for the opportunity to be with their pets. She believes that the comfort and health benefits of working from home and being near pets play a significant role in this decision.
A survey conducted by PetMeds, in collaboration with OnePoll, revealed that leaving pets alone at home causes significant stress for pet owners. Separation anxiety is a common concern, with pet parents starting to miss their animals after just 37 minutes of separation. Throughout the day, they think about their pets an average of 13 times. Ms. Beer speculates that these results may be influenced by the COVID-19 lockdown, during which people spent more time at home with their pets.
However, not all young adults agree with the idea of taking a pay cut to spend more time with pets. Madison Andrews, a Gen Z administrative assistant, dismissed the notion as ridiculous, stating that while she loves her cats, sacrificing income for more pet time is not a sensible choice.
Timothy P. Carney, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, suggests that humans have a natural caring instinct and a desire to raise life. For those who choose not to have children, he believes they seek alternative outlets such as dogs and plants. He also argues that blaming the cost of raising a child for the decline in birth rates is exaggerated, pointing out that during the recession, people had more children despite financial difficulties.
Many individuals who own pets have decided to delay or forgo having children altogether due to the lower cost of caring for pets. Mr. Carney, who is releasing a book called “Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be,” disagrees with labeling these individuals as selfish. He believes that selfishness has always existed and cannot be solely attributed to millennials or the decision to not have children.
Pope Francis, who previously made controversial comments about young people not having children, recently addressed Italy’s declining birthrate. Alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the pope referred to young pet owners as “selfish” and emphasized the need for the government to reverse the trend. Mr. Carney, despite being Catholic himself, disagrees with the notion that selfishness is exclusive to today’s young people.
What are some reasons why young adults may choose to have pets over starting a family?
Imal companions as soon as they leave the house. This emotional attachment to pets is another reason why young adults are choosing to have pets over starting a family.
Furthermore, the study found that 71 percent of respondents consider their pets to be their “fur babies” and view them as part of the family. In today’s society, where more young adults are delaying marriage and having children, pets provide a sense of companionship and fulfillment. They offer unconditional love, companionship, and emotional support, which are qualities that many young adults seek in their lives.
The financial aspect of raising children is another significant factor in this trend. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the average cost of raising a child to age 18 is over $230,000, not including college expenses. This financial burden can be overwhelming for many young adults who are already dealing with student loan debt and high living costs. Pets, on the other hand, have lower maintenance costs and can be more affordable for young adults.
Pets also offer flexibility and a sense of freedom that having children may not provide. Young adults value their independence and the ability to travel, pursue their careers, and engage in social activities without the responsibility of raising children. Owning a pet allows them to experience the joy and fulfillment of taking care of another living being without the same level of commitment and responsibility.
It’s important to note that this preference for pets over starting a family does not diminish the desire for human connection and companionship. Many young adults still desire meaningful relationships and may choose to have pets as a stepping stone or a substitute until they feel ready to have children. Pets provide emotional support and help alleviate feelings of loneliness, making them a popular choice among young adults.
In conclusion, the growing trend of young adults choosing pets over starting a family can be attributed to various factors such as the high cost of raising children, the desire for companionship and emotional support, and the flexibility and freedom that pets offer. While pets cannot replace the love and joy of having children, they provide a viable alternative for young adults who prioritize other aspects of their lives at this stage. As society continues to evolve, it’s essential to acknowledge and respect individuals’ choices when it comes to family planning and companionship.
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