I’m 30 years old, and like many people my age, I often find myself thinking about the future — about love, work, family. And one question that comes up more and more is: Why do I want children?
The answer used to be obvious for past generations. Having kids was just a natural step in life, something people did without much questioning. But today? Things have changed. More and more people, especially in cities, are saying "no" to parenthood and instead choosing to fill their homes (and hearts) with pets.
Why Are People Choosing Pets Over Kids?
The reasons are different for everyone, but some of them stand out, and I tried to describe the most obvious ones for me personally. You can add to me in the comments.
The Cost of Raising Children
In most countries, raising a child to adulthood costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Between housing, education, food, healthcare, and extracurricular activities, the financial burden is overwhelming. Meanwhile, a pet — though not cheap — costs significantly less over its lifetime.
Freedom and Lifestyle
Having kids means sacrificing a lot of personal time and flexibility. Spontaneous weekend trips, last-minute dinner plans, and peaceful mornings? All become rare with a baby in the house. Pets, on the other hand, require care but still allow a degree of freedom. You can leave a cat alone for a workday, or hire a pet sitter for a weekend away.
Emotional Connection Without the Pressure
Many people find that the love and companionship they get from their pets fulfill their emotional needs. A dog greets you at the door with unconditional love. A cat curls up beside you when you’re feeling down. For many, this kind of bond is enough — and it doesn’t come with the lifelong responsibilities of parenting.
Environmental Concerns
Some people choose not to have children because of concerns about overpopulation and climate change. They believe that reducing their carbon footprint by not having kids is a responsible choice. Meanwhile, caring for a pet provides companionship without contributing to the world's growing population.
A Growing Industry for Pet "Parents"
With more people treating their pets as their “kids,” an entire industry has exploded around pampering and caring for animals. Walk into any pet store today, and you’ll find things no animal truly needs, but that their human owners can’t resist:
Personalized photo albums for pets – Because why not document your dog's life like a child’s?
Pet jewelry and clothing – Some pets now wear designer outfits that cost more than what their owners wear.
Luxury pet hotels – When traveling, some people send their pets to five-star pet hotels with spa services.
Award ceremonies for pets – Competitions that reward the “best-dressed dog” or “cutest cat” are becoming more common.
Pet-sitting platforms like Flatrover – Instead of asking a neighbor to watch your dog, you can now find a professional sitter to care for your pet while you travel.
It’s fascinating — and a little crazy. It makes me wonder: Are we treating pets like children because we secretly want the parenting experience without the lifelong commitment?
The more I think about it, the more I realize that having a pet can provide many of the same emotional experiences as raising a child. You love them, care for them, worry about them, and sometimes even call them your “baby.” But the key difference is that, unlike a child, a pet remains dependent on you forever.
For some, this is exactly the appeal-no rebellious teenage years, no complex school decisions, no financial strain of college tuition. But for others, this is where the experience falls short. A pet can be a beloved companion, but it will never grow into an adult who shares your values, carries on your legacy, or calls you in old age to ask how you're doing.
I’ll continue to watch this trend unfold, as more people trade cribs for dog beds, babysitters for pet sitters, and birthday parties for "gotcha day" celebrations. Maybe it’s just the world evolving. Or maybe, deep down, we’re all still searching for something-love, companionship, a sense of purpose. And maybe, whether through a baby’s eyes or a dog’s wagging tail, we’re just trying to find it in the best way we know how.
[](url)
Top comments (0)