Key Findings

• Affection for Pets
• 81% of millennials love their pets more than at least one family member.
• 57% love their pets more than their siblings.
• 50% prioritize their pets over their mothers.

• 30% value their pets over their romantic partners.

• Financial Sacrifices for Pets

• 1 in 4 millennials would sell their car to afford a life-saving pet procedure.

• Average monthly spending on pets: $198 ($2,376 annually), 60.4% more than the average U.S. dog owner.

• Pet Ownership Preferences

• 58% of millennials would prefer pets over having children; this rises to 63% among cat owners.

• Living Considerations

• 89% of dog owners and 85% of cat owners consider pets when choosing where to live.
• Millennials prioritize pet-friendly cities and yards over proximity to friends or modern kitchens.

Pet Spending and Emergency Costs

• Confidence in emergency care:
• 60% are very or extremely confident they could afford life-saving pet treatments within a month.
• 84% are at least moderately confident.
• If costs become unmanageable:
• 49% would take a second job.
• 43% would sell TVs; 41% laptops; 29% jewelry.
• 46% would create a GoFundMe page.

Pet-Friendly States and Cities

• Top Pet-Friendly States
• 1. Maine
• 2. Vermont
• 3. Montana

• 4. Oregon

• Best Dog-Friendly Cities

• 1. Idaho, Idaho: Many off-leash parks; dedicated website for navigation.
• 2. Portland, Oregon: High number of parks; dog-specific hotline for owner queries.

Why Millennials Prioritize Pets

• Millennials delay or avoid traditional milestones (e.g., home ownership, having kids) due to financial constraints and lifestyle preferences.
• Pets offer unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of responsibility without the long-term commitments of raising children.

Summing it up

Millennials are redefining pet ownership with unparalleled affection and financial commitment. Pets are not just companions; they are integral family members, often taking precedence over human relationships and shaping life choices like housing and lifestyle preferences. Despite the high costs, millennials"9 devotion to their pets shows no signs of waning.

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