A recently released Department of Housing study portrays a startling change in our nation’s household structure. Each day, more people choose dogs for companionship over raising children. These results pose a challenge to the dog ownership industry in the United States, which has exploded in growth with 37 million more dogs owned since 1996. In fact, this trend today indicates that in more households, dogs outnumber children.
The American canine population has increased significantly, with dogs leading out as the most popular furry friends in households. Humans are warming up at record speed to canines. This change in attitudes illustrates a desire to seek the companionship of these animals over that of more traditional family surroundings. The same trend plays out in Australia. It’s no surprise then that the RSPCA wrote in 2023 that around 28.7 million companion animals share homes in the UK.
In addition to companionship, dog ownership strengthens social ties across dog owners. Numerous studies have shown that dogs are adept at closing social divides creating spaces, interactions, and communities. As Professor Kubinyi emphasized, “We have to work to enhance family-based social support networks and combat social isolation.… There’s nothing better than dog ownership when it brings people together instead of separating them.”
In addition to these advantages, some studies have shown that dog ownership can affect attitudes toward motherhood. This was illuminating, as Professor Kubinyi shared that various studies have shown dog owners to be less positive about motherhood. Plus, mothers who have dogs tend to experience parenting as less of a chore, and so are less likely to want additional kids. She cautioned that this is only half the story. The real effects of pet ownership on family life are not so cut-and-dry.
Americans spend an average of $161.07 a month on dogs—nearly $2,000 a year! By comparison, that figure is just about 3,218 AUD in Australia. This financial commitment reflects the growing trend of treating pets as family members, further solidifying their role in modern households.
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