A recent Harris Poll of 2,000 Americans highlights a significant shift in attitudes towards pets, with 43% of respondents preferring pets over children. This trend is most notable among Gen Z and Millennials, who cite pets as easier to care for and less financially taxing than raising children. On average, American pet owners spend $4,366 annually on their pets. Younger generations are driving up these figures: Gen Z spends an average of $6,103 per year, followed by Millennials at $5,150. This spending contrasts sharply with the $2,454 annual average reported by Boomers.
Financial and emotional investments
Pet owners’ dedication goes beyond finances, with 63% expressing a willingness to give up years of their life to extend their pet’s lifespan. Sacrifices include forgoing alcohol (67%), quitting social media (62%), giving up vacations (50%), sacrificing $10,000 (48%), and even declining job promotions (43%). This devotion emphasizes the deep emotional bonds many Americans have with their pets.
Pets in the workplace and changing benefits
The workplace is evolving in response to this growing pet-centric culture. A significant 93% of pet owners believe they’d be happier at work if they could bring their pets, with 91% saying it would increase their loyalty and make them feel more valued. This could impact employee retention, as 90% of pet owners indicated they’d stay longer with a pet-friendly employer. The study also reveals that 58% of pet owners support normalizing pets at work, 49% would appreciate a pet stipend, and 46% advocate for “pawternity leave” for new pet parents.
Organizations are slowly evolving to consider the emotional needs of pet parents at the workplace. Libby Rodney, CSO at The Harris Poll, notes, “Pet owners are no longer just buying kibble — they’re building a lifestyle around their pets. This shift calls for societal adaptation, from pet insurance to workplace benefits, signaling how integral pets have become to modern life.”
