Study reveals one-fifth of couples choosing pet parenting over kids
Aug 11, 2019, 12:30 PM | Updated: Aug 12, 2019, 9:10 am
(Pixabay photo)
(Pixabay photo)
PHOENIX — Some couples are reaching for the leashes rather than a stroller, according to a recent study.
Innovet Pet looked at 3,800 pet owners to see the extents they would go to for their pets.
Out of the owners surveyed, over one-fifth of participants in Arizona said they’re prioritizing their pets over human parenthood. The highest number came from Louisiana where 56% would prefer to parent pets over kids.
When it came to taking care of their pet’s well-being, the study found that owners were willing to take an average of 4 unpaid days off work to care for a sick pet.
The study showed that Arizonans were willing to sacrifice more time at six unpaid work days to take care of their pets. The loss of days was estimated to cost them over $550 in lost income.
The study revealed that men were more willing to take time off work than women at 3.8 days compared to 3.5 days.
It also found that 60% of Arizonans prioritize their pets’ diets over their own.
When it comes to being part of the family, a quarter reported to confiding in their pet with 38% said they’re close with their pet than some of their own family members.
The survey reported that 1 in 10 respondents might kiss their per goodbye on the lips, and over half (56%) allowed their pets to sleep next to them at night.
