Pets Drive Everything About Millennial And Gen Z Spending

Dogs and cats rule our finances 🐶🐱💸

In recent years, there’s been a lot of talk about how adults, especially millennials and Gen Z, are extremely focused on their pets. Many couples are choosing to adopt cats instead of having kids or buying houses just to give their dogs a yard. Some might think that’s the limit of pet obsession, but it goes even deeper.

The truth is, people are adjusting their entire lives and budgets to accommodate their pets.

In a recent survey of 400 pet owners, 90 percent said that having a pet is one of the most important parts of their lives. Most of these people also mentioned that their pets influence how they arrange their homes, where and when they travel, and even their financial planning and brand choices.

Nearly half of pet owners surveyed said that having a pet feels like one of the first big adult responsibilities they’ve taken on. This is why they are so dedicated to giving their pets the best life possible.

It’s not just about picking the healthiest dog food or buying a fancy cat bed—pet owners are making all kinds of financial decisions with their pets in mind. From choosing where to travel, live, and what kind of house to buy, to deciding on furnishings, car options, fitness routines, and dining plans, pets often have a bigger influence on these choices than their owners do.

Dodo pet parents are dog and cat owners all over the U.S. Some are even designing entire rooms with kid-friendly furniture and decorations just for their dog. Others plan camping trips based on what’s best for their cat, who is definitely coming along. Pets are considered part of the family, and for many people, they play a big role in deciding major life events.

Three out of four Dodo pet parents say their pets influence their choice of friends and partners. Pets aren’t just part of the family—they have a big impact on every part of family life.