Why are more people choosing to raise dogs instead of babies? Why are pet supply stores booming while birth rates fall?

We’re living through a cultural shift—and the stats prove it. Around the globe, marriage and childbirth rates are in sharp decline. At the same time, pet ownership is skyrocketing, especially among Millennials and Gen Z. What’s driving this transformation—and what does it say about how we define “family” today?

Your dog’s official name might be Luna, Max, or Mochi.
But if you’re like most dog parents, you probably have a whole library of nicknames you use instead.

Think:

• "Sir Sniffsalot"

• "Mr. Wiggles"

• "Cheese Monster"

• "Boop Machine 3000"

These affectionate titles may seem silly on the surface—but they’re actually a deeply human behavior that plays an important role in attachment, communication, and emotional bonding.

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’ll be right back, don’t worry,” or “You’re being dramatic,” to your dog? Maybe you narrate your morning routine to them like they're your fluffy little roommate. If that’s you, we have good news:

You're not crazy. You’re emotionally intelligent.
And there’s science to prove it.