Choose to raise animals instead of having children.
Last updated: 6 Aug 2025
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When Dogs and Cats Became More Than Pets
Ypulse, a research organization specializing in Gen Z and Millennial insights, studied a sample of 16-34-year-olds and found that more than two in five of them considered pets to be their children and part of the family. This is reflected in their spending habits, such as purchasing high-quality pet food over the cheapest, as well as pet toys. A 2014 Wakefield Research survey also found that 76% of Millennials were more likely to spend on pets than on themselves, compared to only 50% of Baby Boomers.
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Having Children and the Cost
The reasons why many Millennials are deciding not to have children or having children later than previous generations may stem from a number of factors. These include improved birth control effectiveness, women having more options than 50 years ago, as they no longer aim for marriage and children to achieve financial security, and social conditions that are less conducive to childbearing. As Christine Percheski, Associate Professor of Sociology, points out, A professor at Northwestern University told Insider that people often delay having children during times of political and social unrest.
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But what makes them choose to care for pets instead?
One way to show caring for childless families is by caring for pets. Pets represent unconditional love, providing a comforting source of support during tough times. Another major reason, of course, is the cost. Raising a dog or cat for the first year costs just a few thousand dollars (approximately 30,000 baht), while raising a baby in the first year costs around 10,000 dollars (approximately 300,000 baht), not including tuition and future amenities. In Thailand, a 2019 study found that the actual cost of raising a child (aged 0-14) totals 1.57 million baht.
Furthermore, having children limits your time and freedom, as many parents struggle to navigate work or life outside the home without leaving their children alone. They need to devote time to caring for, paying attention to, and observing their behavior. The daily development of a child, while allowing them to leave their cat or dog at home, and even the cost of hiring a pet sitter, is relatively cheaper than hiring a nanny.
The above reasons make some young people unable to confidently claim to be fully prepared to care for a child. Furthermore, the state does not provide adequate childcare support, as in some countries, such as Finland, which offers welfare packages for newborns and monthly parental benefits.
Furthermore, the value of having children early, or children caring for their parents in old age, has diminished compared to the past. Many young people believe these benefits should be the responsibility of the state. However, since the state cannot allocate sufficient and comprehensive funding for these benefits, having children means thinking ahead to the responsibility of a child for decades, as well as their own old age.
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Pets and the Family Model
Another perspective for those who own pets but do not have children may not be a complete replacement, but rather a preparation for basic child-rearing skills. For example, a dog's barking and howling during its first weeks, waking its owner up in the middle of the night, is similar to a baby who often wakes them with a cry at night.
Furthermore, for some couples, Caring for a dog or cat together can be like simulating a family. Taking on the role of a parent can help you understand how the other person will care for you and cope when problems arise, such as an injury.
In addition to simulating a future family, pets can also significantly improve a person's overall quality of life. A study found that dogs can reduce stress levels and boost self-esteem. Furthermore, pets often encourage healthy activities, such as walking your dog, which helps you get more exercise, or even chasing after your favorite shoes when your dog is frantically biting them. Sometimes, pets can even act as a medium for connecting with strangers or even family members, leading to small conversations and increased face-to-face interaction without even realizing it.
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While pets and humans are not completely interchangeable, pets are a perfect and ideal choice for young adults burdened by responsibilities but still want to provide care and love amid the current stressful situation.
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Thank you for this great information from thematter.
Ypulse, a research organization specializing in Gen Z and Millennial insights, studied a sample of 16-34-year-olds and found that more than two in five of them considered pets to be their children and part of the family. This is reflected in their spending habits, such as purchasing high-quality pet food over the cheapest, as well as pet toys. A 2014 Wakefield Research survey also found that 76% of Millennials were more likely to spend on pets than on themselves, compared to only 50% of Baby Boomers.
___________________________________________
Having Children and the Cost
The reasons why many Millennials are deciding not to have children or having children later than previous generations may stem from a number of factors. These include improved birth control effectiveness, women having more options than 50 years ago, as they no longer aim for marriage and children to achieve financial security, and social conditions that are less conducive to childbearing. As Christine Percheski, Associate Professor of Sociology, points out, A professor at Northwestern University told Insider that people often delay having children during times of political and social unrest.
___________________________________________
But what makes them choose to care for pets instead?
One way to show caring for childless families is by caring for pets. Pets represent unconditional love, providing a comforting source of support during tough times. Another major reason, of course, is the cost. Raising a dog or cat for the first year costs just a few thousand dollars (approximately 30,000 baht), while raising a baby in the first year costs around 10,000 dollars (approximately 300,000 baht), not including tuition and future amenities. In Thailand, a 2019 study found that the actual cost of raising a child (aged 0-14) totals 1.57 million baht.
Furthermore, having children limits your time and freedom, as many parents struggle to navigate work or life outside the home without leaving their children alone. They need to devote time to caring for, paying attention to, and observing their behavior. The daily development of a child, while allowing them to leave their cat or dog at home, and even the cost of hiring a pet sitter, is relatively cheaper than hiring a nanny.
The above reasons make some young people unable to confidently claim to be fully prepared to care for a child. Furthermore, the state does not provide adequate childcare support, as in some countries, such as Finland, which offers welfare packages for newborns and monthly parental benefits.
Furthermore, the value of having children early, or children caring for their parents in old age, has diminished compared to the past. Many young people believe these benefits should be the responsibility of the state. However, since the state cannot allocate sufficient and comprehensive funding for these benefits, having children means thinking ahead to the responsibility of a child for decades, as well as their own old age.
___________________________________________
Pets and the Family Model
Another perspective for those who own pets but do not have children may not be a complete replacement, but rather a preparation for basic child-rearing skills. For example, a dog's barking and howling during its first weeks, waking its owner up in the middle of the night, is similar to a baby who often wakes them with a cry at night.
Furthermore, for some couples, Caring for a dog or cat together can be like simulating a family. Taking on the role of a parent can help you understand how the other person will care for you and cope when problems arise, such as an injury.
In addition to simulating a future family, pets can also significantly improve a person's overall quality of life. A study found that dogs can reduce stress levels and boost self-esteem. Furthermore, pets often encourage healthy activities, such as walking your dog, which helps you get more exercise, or even chasing after your favorite shoes when your dog is frantically biting them. Sometimes, pets can even act as a medium for connecting with strangers or even family members, leading to small conversations and increased face-to-face interaction without even realizing it.
___________________________________________
While pets and humans are not completely interchangeable, pets are a perfect and ideal choice for young adults burdened by responsibilities but still want to provide care and love amid the current stressful situation.
___________________________________________
Thank you for this great information from thematter.
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