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# Gen Z and the Future of Dog Ownership: Trends and Statistics
- URL: https://rochsociety.com/gen-z-dog-ownership-statistics/
- Published: 2024-12-26T14:31:14.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-07T22:11:42.000Z
- Description: Millennials are notoriously dog-obsessed, but what about Generation Z? This article compiles the latest statistics on Zoomer pet ownership.
- Author: Erin Latham Shea
- Tags: Research

Though millennials are still the reigning [dog-savvy demographic](https://rochsociety.com/millennials-own-more-dogs-than-any-other-generation/), Generation Z (1997-2012) is starting to edge their way into the discussion and be included in more pet-ownership studies. 

The number of Gen Z pet owners has steadily increased over the years as more and more of the demographic ventured into young adulthood. [For reference](https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2024/06/25/2903659/28124/en/United-States-Pet-Food-Market-Analysis-Report-2024-A-61-54-Billion-Industry-by-2032-Fueled-by-Increasing-Demand-for-Premium-Pet-Ingredients-and-Treats.html?ref=rochsociety.com#:~:text=The%20ownership%20of%20pets%20the,and%20reached%2033%25%20in%202022.), 11% of Zoomers owned a pet in 2018, rising to 14% in 2020 and 16% in 2022 (compared to 33% of Millennials in 2022). 

Known for being advocacy-driven and open-minded, this demographic's dog-friendliness reinforces two overarching trends that dovetail with the pet parenthood standards hitherto set by millennials. 

## **Family Ties** 

Viewing and treating your [dog as a family member](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/07/about-half-us-of-pet-owners-say-their-pets-are-as-much-a-part-of-their-family-as-a-human-member/?ref=rochsociety.com) is certainly not a new or novel concept. As a baseline for canine companionship, the familial dog bond has continued to evolve and expand in younger generations. Notably, the dog-doting lifestyle of millennials, including the [rise of DINKWADs](https://rochsociety.com/rise-of-the-dinkwads/) (dual-income, no kids, with a dog), has made canine companionship the central component of the contemporary family unit. 

In many ways, Gen Z piggybacks off millennials in keeping pets at the center of their vision of adulthood, which is overwhelmingly childless. For reference, [7 in 10 Gen Z adults](https://studyfinds.org/gen-z-adults-pets-over-kids/?ref=rochsociety.com) would rather have pets than have children. 

In light of what may be dubbed a fur-baby boom, Gen Z and millennials alike have been subject to much finger-wagging about choosing pet parenthood over *parenthood* parenthood. This general lack of interest in having kids is usually blamed on unchecked self-centeredness in younger demographics, when, by and large, it is actually a prime example of self-awareness and responsibility. 

Financial planning and accountability, in particular, are key to understanding the future of dog ownership in Gen Zers. A decisive [98% of adult Gen Zers](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-reveals-60-of-gen-z-worry-they-will-never-own-a-home-302191148.html?ref=rochsociety.com) cite significant barriers to homeownership. Plus, the majority of Gen Z [are rent-burdened](https://www.marketplace.org/2024/10/23/gen-z-is-burdened-by-rent-that-doesnt-bode-well-for-its-future-wealth/?ref=rochsociety.com) post-pandemic (much like millennials who entered young adulthood in the throes of a housing market crash).

Gen Z's anxieties and complaints about the state (and future) of the world - economically, environmentally, or otherwise - are often pooh-poohed by older generations who cling to the stereotype of Zoomers as inordinately lazy and pessimistic. 

Though it makes fewer headlines, Generation Z is very goal-oriented and even [proactive](https://investors.corebridgefinancial.com/news/news-details/2024/Gen-Z-Beginning-Financial-Planning-Earlier-Than-Previous-Generations/default.aspx?ref=rochsociety.com) when it comes to money budgeting, spending, and life planning. Recent research suggests Zoomers are "[drawing firmer financial boundaries compared to other generations at the same age](https://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/content/newsroom/press-releases/2024/07/parent-trap--nearly-half-of-adult-gen-zers-getting-financial-hel.html?ref=rochsociety.com)." An undeniable part of drawing these boundaries is deciding not to have children and prioritizing the reimagined pet-centered family instead.

The negative reception surrounding this kid-to-dog shift, originating in millennials and reinforced by Gen Z, reveals a longstanding belief that those without children are somehow less self-actualized. Both demographics are actively combatting this assumption by redefining family in ways that reflect their goals, lifestyles, and financial realities. 

**Planning your next trip with your dog?** [Browse dog-friendly hotels →](https://rochdog.com/search-page?ref=rochsociety.com)

For Gen Z, choosing a pet-centric household is less about shirking responsibility and more about shaping their lives around commitments they can realistically uphold. 

### *Relevant Statistics:*

1. A [2023 Zillow poll](https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2023-04-11-Gen-Z-would-prioritize-pets-over-partners-and-kids-if-buying-a-home?ref=rochsociety.com) found that 55% of Gen Z adults prioritize having a pet-friendly home (compared to 45% for a kid-friendly home).
2. [60% of Gen Z ](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-reveals-60-of-gen-z-worry-they-will-never-own-a-home-302191148.html?ref=rochsociety.com)worry they might never own a home.
3. A preference for financial freedom and the inability to afford children are e[qually cited by 43% of younger generations](https://www.massmutual.com/about-us/news-and-press-releases/press-releases/2024/09/massmutual-consumer-spending-and-saving-index-many-americans-are-opting-for-childfree-lives?ref=rochsociety.com) choosing a child-free lifestyle.
4. Of surveyed Zoomers without pets, [71% ](https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-want-pets-housing-problem-1955132?ref=rochsociety.com)said it was because of living restrictions, such as space constraints or building rules.

## **Pet Expenses** 

Gen Z's dedication to pet parenthood is strongly reflected in their pet care planning. Signally, Gen Z is [more likely to have pet insurance](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1489393/us-pet-owners-with-pet-insurance-by-generation/?ref=rochsociety.com) (42%) than any other generation, including millennials (31%). 

In terms of pet expenses as a whole, Gen Z has, too, begun to outpace millennials in recent studies. Notably, a [2024 survey conducted by Talker Research ](https://www.newsweek.com/generation-z-spending-most-budget-study-pet-survey-1995973?ref=rochsociety.com)found that Gen Z spent a monthly average of $178 on their pets in 2024 (compared to $146 for millennials, $115 for Gen X, and $90 for boomers). 

Still, despite spending the most, Gen Z surprisingly takes the lead on budgeting in 2024\. For reference, [48% of Gen Z reports putting a cap on pet expenditures](https://www.newsweek.com/generation-z-spending-most-budget-study-pet-survey-1995973?ref=rochsociety.com), contrasted with 38% of millennials. 

These survey results introduce an intriguing overlap between spending and budgeting trends among Zoomers. Even though they are the generation most likely ([66%](https://www.newsweek.com/poll-reveals-how-much-americans-spend-pets-1956233?ref=rochsociety.com)) to rationalize spending money on luxury pet items or services, they are also the "[least likely to go into pet debt](https://www.newsweek.com/generation-z-spending-most-budget-study-pet-survey-1995973?ref=rochsociety.com)." 

Alice Collins, reporting for [*Newsweek*](https://www.newsweek.com/poll-reveals-how-much-americans-spend-pets-1956233?ref=rochsociety.com), traces Gen Z's pet expenses back to the influence of social media. As the first true digital-first generation, they are apt to shape their dog ownership around the content they consume. Online pet trends (e.g., [raw food diet](https://rochsociety.com/raw-food-diet-for-dogs-advisory/)), targeted advertising, and influencer recommendations all hold sway over Gen Z's pet spending habits. 

Particularly, Gen Z is continually enticed by the more pricey, health-conscious side of pet care. [54% of Gen Z ](https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-press-releases/press-release/15468156/gen-z-remain-the-most-confident-about-feeding-their-dogs?ref=rochsociety.com#:~:text=are%203x%20more%20likely%20to,%22better%20for%20my%20dog.%22)say that personalized nutrition for their dogs means quality ingredients, thus serving as a form of preventative care that saves money on more costly pet health issues in the long run. 

As a core participant in this decisive industry shift toward high-quality, all-natural, or fresh pet food, Zoomers are changing overarching perceptions of what our pets 'need.' However, the increasingly saturated pet food industry also demands a constant vetting of health and wellness claims so as not to be misled by mendacious marketing campaigns. Here, Gen Z's [media literacy](https://www.becker-digital.com/blog/digital-media-literacy-training?ref=rochsociety.com) is crucial. 

Broadly speaking, Gen Z can be a very impressionable consumer, more than willing to allocate more funds toward a lavish lifestyle for their dog. Although their dog-related spending can be framed as frivolous, their concurrent financial savviness appears to be balancing their impulse to overspend thus far. 

### *Relevant Statistics:*

1. [52% of Gen Z pet parents](https://www.airvet.com/blog/the-rise-of-pet-benefits-in-millennial-and-gen-z-friendly-workplaces?ref=rochsociety.com) say that additional pet benefits would increase their desire to stay with their company for the next 12 months.
2. According to [NAPHIA](https://naphia.org/industry-data/?ref=rochsociety.com), 6.25 million pets were insured in North America at the end of 2023\. Overall, the pet insurance marketplace increased [by 16.7%](https://naphia.org/industry-data/?ref=rochsociety.com) from 2022 to 2023\.
3. In 2024, [74% of Gen Z pet owners had insurance ](https://www.newsweek.com/generation-z-spending-most-budget-study-pet-survey-1995973?ref=rochsociety.com)that covered at least part of their emergency vet bills.
4. [Over half of Gen Z](https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-dogs-birthday-presents-survey-1941249https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-dogs-birthday-presents-survey-1941249?ref=rochsociety.com) reports buying their dog birthday presents each year.

Without a doubt, Generation Z is cementing its place in the evolving narrative of dog ownership, bringing fresh perspectives while building on trends initiated by millennials. Their forward-thinking mindset and deep commitment to canine companionship underscore how younger generations as a whole are redefining what it means to live meaningful, intentional lives – choosing to delay parenthood while wholeheartedly embracing (and budgeting for) pet parenthood.