Different Generations Were Rated As Pet Parents & The Best May Come As A Surprise

Many enjoy comparing the various generations and how they stack up socially, politically, or culturally. Yet, specific trends have led some experts to champion one generation over another when it comes to pet ownership. While each generation has its positives, generational trends expert Daniel Levine has a clear answer: baby boomers (1946 to 1964).

Speaking with Newsweek, Levine explained his choice: "I think boomers are the best pet owners because they are most likely to treat pets as actual pets. They don't force their dogs to be vegetarian or mollycoddle their animals because they're transferring their own need for reassurance." Levine's opinion was backed by a 2024 Newsweek study by Talker Research, which showed that Gen Z (1997 to 2012) spent the most doting on their pets, averaging $148.50 a month. They were followed closely by millennials (1980 to 2000), who spend an average of $136.20 monthly on their pets. The study further showed that these generations were likelier to buy random gifts and luxury items. A 2022 YouGov poll further highlights that 57% of pet owners buy gifts during the holidays and 40% celebrate their pet's birthdays.

While this care and attention may seem more positive than negative, Levine further explains, "There is a lot of excessive humanization going on which I think makes them the worst owners. Spoiling their pets with treats or human food leads to obesity, and because they are given constant attention, too many pets suffer from separation anxiety when their owners are away." Levin's words may cut deep for generations who emphasize mental health and spoiling their pup, but his opinion is not necessarily universally held.

While Daniel Levine's argument sees attention as a negative, stats reflect the potential positives of generational bonds. Notably, millennials are more likely to open their hearts and homes to a pet, accounting for 32% of pet ownership in the U.S. in 2024, according to the American Pet Producers Association. Showing just how enamored millennials are with their pets, a 2022 Consumer Affairs survey showed that 81% of millennials mentioned loving their fur babies more than actual family; 58% also prefer having pets to kids. The same poll showed the importance of prioritizing finances for pets, with 60% stating they were confident, or very confident, that they could cover any hidden costs of pet ownership.

Gen Z has shown similar gravitation toward prioritizing pets as family, with a 2023 Zillow poll showing that 55% prioritize finding a pet-friendly home over a kid-friendly one at 45%. Gen Z also aims to spend as much time with their pets as possible. In 2024, Statista reported that 76% of Gen Z were interested in travel, higher than any other generation. This reflects the rising trend in pet tourism year over year, exemplifying the need for consideration for animal hospitality globally to tailor to younger travelers. 

While some experts may see the "mollycoddling" of animals as unfavorable, millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of pushing toward positive health and cultural trends and have been integral in the increased adoption rates of cats and dogs. Regardless of what generation someone falls under, anyone has the potential to be a fantastic pet parent for a lucky cat or dog.