Why People Choose Pets Over Kids？

In recent years, an increasing number of people are opting for pets over having children, making this a widespread global social trend. For pet owners, the motivations range from emotional companionship to enriching their lives.Many pet parents are also choosing the smart products to care for their pets.

In this article, we’ll explore why many people are choosing pets, particularly dogs, instead of having children, focusing on the U.S. market—one of the largest pet markets in the world. Based on recent surveys of U.S. pet owners, we’ll also examine the key concerns pet owners have regarding pet costs and care.

This information will be invaluable for pet businesses and brands looking to expand into international markets, helping them understand shifting trends and market demands for more informed strategic decisions.

1. Nearly 40% of Americans Choose Pets Over Parenthood

According to a study commissioned by USA TODAY Blueprint and conducted by OnePoll, 38% of U.S. dog owners choose to have pets instead of children. The primary reasons for this shift are rising child-rearing costs and the ease of caring for pets. Many young Americans, in particular, have expressed that they’re not currently interested in having children. Regarding which pets to choose, the majority opted for dogs.

Key Reasons for Choosing Pets Over Children:

• Higher Costs of Having Children: Many people feel that raising children is financially overwhelming.
• Easier to Care for Pets: Owning a dog is perceived as less demanding than raising a child.
• Desire for Flexibility: A significant number of people report that children are not something they want right now.

For those who chose not to become parents, the reasons were as follows:

• 81% said dogs are easier to care for.
• 72% felt that children were not right for them.
• 54% found that owning a dog doesn’t require as much planning.

This trend is especially pronounced among the 18 to 26-year-old age group, where the proportion is as high as 93% to 98%.

Age Breakdown:

• 18-26 years old: 67% prefer pets over children.
• 27-42 years old: This drops to 43%.
• 43-58 years old: This further decreases to 28%.

Regional Breakdown:

• Northeast: The highest percentage, 61%, choose pets over children.
• South: The lowest, but still notable, 21% choose pets.

For many young people, the decision to choose pets over children is strongly influenced by cost and convenience. When asked, 74% of those who delayed or opted against having children stated that the lower costs of pet care were a key factor.

2. The Impact of Rising Costs on Dog Ownership

Owning a dog is a long-term financial commitment, with costs increasing due to inflation and growing demand for pet healthcare. The first year of dog ownership can be particularly expensive due to adoption fees, vaccinations, and initial veterinary treatments. Ongoing expenses include pet insurance, medical care, food, grooming, and other pet-related services.

Monthly and Annual Costs:

• On average, U.S. dog owners spend $376 per month and $4,512 per year on their dogs.
• Generation Z (18-24 years old) spends the most on their pets, averaging $590 per month and $7,080 per year.

As pet care costs rise, many pet owners are feeling financial strain. A survey found that 76% of pet owners said the rising costs of dog ownership had caused “significant” (37%) or “considerable” (39%) economic stress.

How Pet Owners Are Coping:

• 66% reduce spending on personal items.
• 65% seek financial support from friends or family.
• 47% have incurred debt or experienced financial stress.
• 33% are taking on second jobs or looking for new income opportunities.

Additionally, more than 60% of pet owners have reduced their spending on home improvements, experiences, and even basic necessities to afford pet costs.

SPH（Smart Pets Home） Smart Products: Reducing Financial Stress While Ensuring Pet Health

As the cost of pet ownership rises, SPH’s Smart Collar and Smart Pet House Electric Door provide innovative solutions to help pet owners reduce additional expenses while maintaining their pets’ health. Here’s how SPH’s smart products can ease the financial burden and ensure pets’ well-being:

1.SPH Smart Collar for Real-Time Health Monitoring

• Real-time health data: The SPH Smart Collar includes sensors that monitor your pet’s activity level, body temperature, heart rate, and other vital signs.
• Automatic adjustments: The collar works in sync with the Smart Pet House, adjusting environmental factors such as temperature and humidity based on the pet’s needs.
• Personalized feeding recommendations: Using data from the collar, the system can recommend the appropriate amount of food for your pet based on its activity and weight, ensuring balanced nutrition.

2.Smart Pet House Electric Door for Enhanced Convenience

• Automatic entry and exit: The electric door automatically opens when the pet approaches, using data from the Smart Collar to track the pet’s movement.
• Environment regulation: When pets enter or leave the Smart Pet House, the system adjusts the indoor temperature and humidity levels to ensure a comfortable environment.
• Energy savings: The system conserves energy by adjusting settings based on the pet’s presence, reducing unnecessary energy consumption when the pet is not home.

3.Smart Feeding System for Healthier Pets

• Data-driven feeding: The SPH Smart Feeding System uses the Smart Collar’s data to automatically adjust the amount of food dispensed, preventing overfeeding and maintaining a healthy diet.
• Syncing with the Smart App: The Smart Pet App allows owners to monitor their pet’s feeding schedule and track nutrition intake, offering a seamless management experience.
• Reduced risk of health issues: By offering tailored feeding based on activity and health data, the system helps prevent obesity and other diet-related health issues.

By integrating these smart products, SPH not only helps reduce the financial burden of dog ownership but also ensures that pets are living in a healthy, safe, and comfortable environment. These products offer pet owners peace of mind knowing their pets are receiving the best care possible while controlling costs.

3. Conclusion

As more people opt for pets over children, understanding the factors that influence this decision and the rising costs of dog ownership is crucial for pet businesses and brands. By leveraging innovative solutions like SPH’s Smart Collar, Smart Pet House, and Smart Feeding System, pet owners can enjoy a more cost-effective and healthier pet care experience. These smart products not only ensure pets’ well-being but also help manage expenses more efficiently, making it easier for pet owners to provide the best for their furry companions.

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Cindy

Verified Buyer

5/20/24

Our two cats started using it right away and we all love it! No more smells and it is always clean and ready for the next visit. Super quiet clean cycle and much less litter tracked onto the floor. Definitely a 5 star product!

Was this review helpful?

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Cindy

Verified Buyer

5/20/24

Our two cats started using it right away and we all love it! No more smells and it is always clean and ready for the next visit. Super quiet clean cycle and much less litter tracked onto the floor. Definitely a 5 star product!

Was this review helpful?

2

1

Cindy

Verified Buyer

5/20/24

Our two cats started using it right away and we all love it! No more smells and it is always clean and ready for the next visit. Super quiet clean cycle and much less litter tracked onto the floor. Definitely a 5 star product!

Was this review helpful?

2

1