Living with a pet as if it were a child, considering it a full part of the family, and even choosing it instead of a child. This phenomenon, known as "pet parenting", is becoming increasingly common, especially among young couples.
In the United States, according to The Harris Poll's State of Pets 2026 study, 4 in 10 Americans would choose to have a pet instead of a child, while only 21% would choose to add a child to the family.
The trend is also growing in Italy. According to Istat data, over 10 million Italian households live with around 25.5 million pets. Dogs and cats are the most widespread: 33.9% of Italian households have one pet, 22.1% have one or more dogs and 17.4% have one or more cats.
The phenomenon is most evident among younger generations. Among Millennials and Gen Z, 55% have considered building their lives around a pet more than a child. While 83% of pet owners say they consider their dog or cat to be a child.
In the US, the main reasons why many people choose a pet over a child are: they don't feel they are at the right stage of life to have children, an animal is easier to manage, costs less, requires less responsibility, and for some it is a conscious choice not to have children.
In Italy, according to an Ipsos survey for Changes Unipol, 79% of owners consider pets to be members of the family. However, 63% say they do not replace a child and 75% do not see them as a cause of the decline in fertility.
Veterinarian Marco Melosi, president of Anmvi, warns that a strong bond with animals is understandable, but it should not turn into excessive humanization. According to him, dogs and cats have different needs from humans and treating them like children can harm them.
Studies published in the scientific journal Animals show that excessive humanization of animals can cause behavioral problems, such as separation anxiety, aggression, and chronic stress. The main reason is that owners often project human needs and emotions onto the animal, disregarding its real nature and requirements.
The experts' message is clear: Animals can be part of the family, they can provide love and companionship, but they should not be treated as child substitutes. They need love, but also respect for their nature.
