From Pets to Family: How They Become an Indispensable Part of the Household

Pets are cherished members of the family

Within modern household structures, pets hold a place as valued family members. Owners purchase treats for them, reserve space for their activities during home renovations, and include them in festive celebrations. They bring joy to the elderly, play with children, and offer quiet companionship during times of low spirits. Through their silent affection, they become vital emotional anchors within the family unit.

Pet Integration: A Global Phenomenon Reshaping Family Dynamics

Globally, 95% of pet owners consider their animals part of the household – a figure reaching 98% in developed Western nations like the US and UK, and exceeding 80% in emerging pet markets such as China and India. Pet needs now factor into household decisions: 69% of American pet-owning families prioritise ‘pet-friendly’ housing when selecting accommodation; 45% of European pet-owning households travel with their pets or select destinations offering boarding services; over 80% of Chinese pet owners regard their pets as ‘family’ or ‘friends,’ with 58.5% creating dedicated living spaces for them and 41.1% prioritising pet-friendly communities when renting.

National household penetration data further illustrates this trend towards pets becoming integral family members: in 2024, 63% of American households owned pets, with 44% keeping dogs and 30% keeping cats; in the UK, 17.2 million households (60% of total households) kept pets in 2024; China's urban household pet ownership rate rose from 13% in 2019 to 22% in 2024. Though lower than Europe and America, its annual growth exceeds 5%, accelerating the pet ‘domestication’ process; Japan's 2024 pet household penetration stands at 26.7%, with total pets (19 million) even exceeding the number of children under four (15 million). Pets' ‘role weighting’ within households now rivals that of human family members.