A new MetLife survey of more than 1,000 U.S. pet owners finds a striking cultural shift: most people now describe themselves as their pet’s “mom” or “dad” rather than “owner.” This change matters beyond affectionate labels — it signals shifting priorities around family, finances and daily life that affect retailers, landlords and health-care providers.
Pets have long provided comfort, but the survey suggests their role is expanding into something closer to family membership. That redefinition is especially pronounced among younger adults, and it’s reshaping how people spend, socialize and plan for the future.
How people are treating pets like children
MetLife’s polling shows clear behavioral changes that mirror child-rearing: owners frequently use baby talk, share their beds with pets, and hold celebrations for pet milestones. Small dogs, in particular, are treated like social butterflies — Chihuahua owners reported the highest rate of parties.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they prefer the parental label over “owner.” On difficult days, most people also find their pet the easiest family member to care for emotionally, ranking them above partners and children.
The emotional bond has financial consequences. About one in five pet owners said they would spend available money on their pet before spending it on themselves or a partner, and that priority is even higher among Gen Z.
Survey highlights
- Parental identity: Roughly 65% prefer “pet parent” to “owner.”
- Everyday affection: Around two-thirds use baby talk and a similar share share their bed with a pet.
- Celebrations: One in three has thrown a birthday or “gotcha” party for a pet; Chihuahua owners lead at about 53%.
- Emotional ease: 79% said a pet is easier to raise than a child or partner; 72% said a pet is the easiest to love on bad days.
- Financial priority: Nearly 20% would prioritize spending on a pet during a money crunch; 21% of Gen Z put their pet first.
- Replacing parenthood: About 38% of Gen Z owners say pets are substituting for children in their generation; almost one in five report pets making them less likely to want kids.
Those numbers point to more than sentiment. Younger adults are weighing the cost and commitment of traditional parenthood against the lower financial and time burden of pet care. For many, a dog or cat delivers emotional return on investment that children — who are costlier and longer-term — do not.
What this means for markets and policy
The pet-as-family trend has practical ripple effects. Retailers see steady demand for premium food, veterinary care and pet-focused experiences. Landlords and apartment managers may need to rethink pet policies and amenities as more tenants treat pets like family members who sleep on the couch and occupy living spaces long-term.
Health-care and social-service providers also face implications: mental health professionals already cite the therapeutic benefits of companion animals, and insurers and employers are noticing pet-related spending and time commitments when designing benefits or wellness offerings.
At the same time, the trend raises questions about long-term planning. Pets are dependent for life but do not replace legal or financial planning for human dependents: guardianship, college costs and retirement remain unique to raising children. The survey’s findings reflect immediate preferences — not a full substitution of one role for another.
Why this trend is timely
Economic pressures, delayed marriage and childbearing, and changing social norms have converged to make companion animals a more attractive option for many adults. As the population ages and young adults form households later, the way people define and prioritize relationships has become an important indicator of broader cultural and economic shifts.
For journalists, policymakers and businesses, the takeaway is clear: pets now occupy a central, sometimes primary, place in many households. Understanding that shift helps explain consumer patterns, housing choices and evolving family dynamics that will influence markets and public life in the years ahead.
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