More Americans Choosing Pets Over Parenthood as Fertility Rates Hit Record Low

Economic pressures and evolving views on family life are shaping this trend, experts say.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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As U.S. fertility rates drop to record lows, a growing number of young Americans are redefining what family looks like, with many choosing pets over having children. Experts cite economic instability and the high costs of raising a child as key factors influencing this shift in family planning.

Why it matters

This trend highlights how economic pressures and changing societal views on family are impacting major life decisions for many Americans. It also raises questions about the future implications for population growth, childcare, and the pet industry.

The details

According to a recent Harris Poll, 43% of Americans say they would prefer to have a pet as their child rather than a human one. Experts point to the significant financial gap between raising a child and caring for a pet as a key driver, with the average cost of raising a child in the U.S. around $300,000 compared to roughly $27,000 for a pet over 18 years. This shift is not limited to the U.S., as similar trends have been observed in China as well.

  • U.S. fertility rates hit a record low in 2024.
  • A 2022 Brookings Institution study found the average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is around $300,000.

The players

Raven McGregor

An Atlanta woman who considers her two bulldogs, Sonny and Zoe, to be her "family" and "children".

Sarah Morris

A TikTok user who shares her life with her fiance and their two cats, Sundae and Banana, citing financial barriers as a reason for not having children.

Janie Budnick

The founder and president of 4-Legged Kids, a St. Louis-based in-home pet care service, who has witnessed the shift towards treating pets like children firsthand.

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What they’re saying

“They're my family, they're my children.”

— Raven McGregor

“It was simple math right now. I'm already stretched thin, so adding that child, adding that burden, is a barrier for me.”

— Sarah Morris

“If anyone has a hesitation about having a human child, please do not. So I mean, you have to really be confident in yourself that that's the path that you want to take to bring a human into this world.”

— Janie Budnick, Founder and President, 4-Legged Kids

The takeaway

This trend highlights how economic pressures and evolving societal views on family are shaping major life decisions for many Americans, with the rising costs of raising children and the growing popularity of pets as 'family members' driving more people to choose pets over parenthood.