A growing number of Gen Z individuals are opting to become pet parents rather than have children, citing financial constraints and evolving lifestyle preferences.

According to a 2023 USA Today Blueprint survey of 1,000 dog owners, 67% of people ages 18 to 26 say they are choosing pets over parenthood, at least for now. A separate 2023 Pew Research study found that among Americans aged 18 to 49 who are unlikely to have children, 36% cite affordability as a major reason.

The rising cost of raising children has become a significant factor in this shift. From education and healthcare to housing and daily necessities, the expenses associated with parenthood continue to climb, making it increasingly difficult for young Filipino adults to afford starting a family. 

With inflation, high rent in Metro Manila and other urban centers, and entry-level salaries barely keeping pace, many find traditional family planning out of reach.

Pet ownership, by comparison, offers a more financially manageable alternative. While pets still require care, food, and medical attention, the overall costs remain substantially lower than raising a child. 

This affordability appeals to Gen Z Filipinos who face economic pressures including student loan debt, rising living costs, and uncertain job markets.

Beyond financial considerations, the lifestyle flexibility that comes with pet ownership aligns better with Gen Z values. 

Pets provide companionship and emotional support without the long-term commitments and lifestyle changes that come with raising children. Young adults can maintain their careers, travel plans, and personal freedom while still experiencing the joys of caring for another living being.

The trend also reflects changing attitudes about traditional life milestones. Filipino Gen Z is redefining what family means, with many finding fulfillment in relationships with their pets rather than following conventional paths to parenthood. 

This shift challenges traditional Filipino family values where having children has long been seen as essential.

Social media has amplified this shift, with countless Filipino Gen Z pet owners sharing their experiences and creating communities around pet parenthood. The emotional bonds formed with pets offer many of the same rewards as traditional parenthood: companionship, responsibility, and unconditional love, without the financial strain.

As economic realities continue to shape life choices, the preference for pet parenthood among Filipino Gen Z appears to be more than just a trend but a reflection of broader societal and financial changes affecting young adults today.