STUDY: People are having dogs instead of babies

A Recent article by Roberto A. Ferdman on Quartz  points to research that shows families and single women are choosing to have a dog, in particular small dogs, over having two-legged children.

According to the article, birthrates in the 15-29 year range has dropped drastically in the last decade, almost 10%. In contrast, dog ownership is on the rise, with small dogs under 20lbs being the fastest growing category.

The 2012 U.S Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook shows the average number of dogs owned per household (regardless of size) is 1.6. According to the 2010 census, the average number of children under 18 per household was only .63.

Reasons For The Shift

It’s really speculation, but part of it may be because women are staying single longer, with the average marrying age in the 30’s. All those single 20-something college and/or career women want someone cuddly to keep them warm at night and to talk to during the day. Dogs have become their children – they dress them, take them for walks in carriages, and spend more money on them then some women do on their human kids.

Being one of these women myself, who forgoes two-legged children for fur-kids, I made the choice in part because I am independent and like being able to just leave my kids at home and go do something. Also, I don’t have to pay for a college education and they don’t talk back nearly as much as a human child does!

My friends who are also dog-moms, have a variety of reasons, from easier to train and leave (you can put a dog in a crate, but not a child), to the unconditional love and devotion that only a dog can give.

Tasha Miner Salido, a dog trainer and lover, loves that her dogs are her partners in events. “My dogs are much more willing to participate in what I want to do,” she explains. And many of us feel that way. Our dogs go with us on walks, play sports and games with us, or just snuggle while we read a book. Good luck getting your teenager to do that with you.

Another reason I hear a lot is how scary it is to have a kid nowadays. You have to worry about drinking, drug abuse, violence, etc. A veterinarian friend of mine said she never had kids because she would worry all the time – if they were going to get in a car accident, get their heart broken, etc. With a dog, it’s easier to have more control – keep them out of danger and give them everything they need.

Why It Matters

While this may seem like an absurd and even meaningless static to look at; it actually tells us quite a lot about where we as a nation are headed and job opportunities that may be available for pet lovers (and conversely, the lack of jobs for those looking to be child caregivers).

We all know that the Pet industry is growing every year. According to The American Pet Product Association (APPA), the industry has grown from $32.4 billion in 2003 to $55.72 billion in 2013, pretty impressive considering the recession, and it is estimated to grow this year to close to $60 billion (http://americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp).  Compare this to $7 billion for baby care supplies and $17.8 billion in 2010 for furnishings, accessories, and toys (www.packagedfacts.com)

The pet industry is a growing and thriving industry with room for those who make unique, custom, natural, organic, and/or recycled goods as well as all-natural food products. Anything that can make a dog owner’s life easier or more convenient is also a big seller.

So, when you are thinking about making and selling cute little onesies or maybe becoming a baby sitter, you might decide to make dog sweaters or pet sit instead.

About the Author

Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She also owns her own custom pet products company, A Fairytail House, where she makes personalized collars, leashes, beds, keepsake pillows and blankets, and anything else your imagine can think up. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs.