Anytime someone announces they don’t have any pets, they’re likely to get a reaction. This is because about 74% of U.S. households own a pet, and many of those own more than one. The United States has become more pet-obsessed than ever, and Gen Z is on board. The proof that we are dedicated to our pets is all around us. There are grooming services, luxury pet food, clothing for pets, GPS trackers, pet strollers, and the list keeps going. So, where did this relationship with pets start, and how is it going?
Looking back at the domestication of dogs, humans primarily had pets to train them to work for them. Throughout history, many pets were treated more as working animals than friends or family members. The breeds of dogs that we cherish today used to be, and in some cases still are, known for what their job is: German Shepherds, Pointers, Retrievers, and Setters. Some ancient civilizations started the humanization of animals early. This was often for spiritual reasons, like in ancient Egypt, where cats were regarded as sacred because of the deity Bastet. From around the 1920s to the 1940s, pets were mainly being treated as workers in the U.S. Many dogs lived in dog houses to guard properties or were brought out for hunting. Only after WWII, when the American dream with the white picket fence began, did animals really start becoming part of the family. There are exceptions to this, of course, especially with birds and cats for wealthier people, but overall, pets really started to become part of the family after WWII.
Pets are now cherished more than ever, and that trend is growing with every generation. In October of 2024, The Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice released a report based on online surveys within the United States. This report shows the numbers behind just how many Americans are humanizing their pets, starting with just how much we cherish them. 82% of pet owners say their pet is like their own child, and 63% of pet owners say they would give years of their lives to their pets if they could live longer, and 54% of pet owners say they prioritize spending on their pets over themselves.
So, where has this dedication to our pets gotten us? There are so many products geared towards pets that it’s honestly a little shocking. There are pet hotels, bars, and cafés specifically catered to pets, celestial pet astrology readings, AI pet resurrections, and so much more. 42% of pet owners have dressed or considered dressing their pets in designer clothing. The luxury brand Versace sells a baroque pet bed for $855, and Prada sells a Re-Nylon Backpack Carrier for $4,100. But for many pet owners, the purchases aren’t enough.
72% of pet owners said they want more pet-first spaces to exist in their community. Pet owners want events centered around pets and more pet-friendly shops and establishments. People have become inseparable from their pets, and the younger you are, the more pet-forward you tend to be. Gen Z spends an average of $509 on their pets per month, while Boomers are only spending an average of $205 per month. This dedication to pets has also shown that younger individuals are more likely to want to take care of just pets than they are to want to take care of just children.
Humans have always had a history with pets. From working animals to pugs in designer clothing, the U.S. has come a very long way. Pets are becoming cherished, valued members of most households, and it’s changing the way many young people live. From pets as big as a fully-grown Great Dane to a tiny insect, the definition of family is expanding every day.
Edited and Reviewed by Kien Powell