Why Young People Are Responsible and Provident “Pet Parents” ?

S’occuper d’un compagnon à quatre pattes peut être un défi, mais avec les bons outils et conseils, tout devient plus simple. Marcus Lindstrom/Getty Images

Young people, and particularly those from Generation Z, are often thought of as lacking in seriousness and foresight. However, when it comes to their pets, they defy stereotypes. A recent American survey reveals that these young owners are not only generous in their spending, but also among the best prepared to deal with the unexpected.

66% of dog and cat owners describe their companions as “mischievous”, according to a survey* by the company Lemonade. 58% of owners admit that their four-legged friend has recently been up to mischief, whether by doing its business where it is not supposed to (25%), rummaging through the trash (19%) or damaging a piece of furniture (12%).

Experience makes a difference when it comes to dealing with our furry friends’ mischief. Seasoned owners, with more than five years of practice, report significantly fewer disasters (36%) than novices (54%). The latter often learn the hard way, especially in terms of damage or emergency vet visits.

But whether they are beginners or experienced, all “pet parents” have to deal with the expenses related to the care of their companions. Over the past two years, 16% of animals required an emergency visit, with an average cost of $210 (about 200 euros).

Here again, young people stand out: 28% of Gen Z and 21% of millennials have had to deal with this type of unexpected event. Their secret weapon ? Foresight. Indeed, 74% of young owners take out insurance for their pets, compared to only 54% of their elders. Their prudence often prevents them from taking on debt, a problem that affected 23% of owners in 2024.

Priority ? Animal welfare

In 2024, pet owners spent an average of $121 (€116) per month on their companions, much less than the $276 (€265) recorded in 2022. Generation Z stands out once again from their elders, allocating a monthly budget of $178 (€171) to their furball, far ahead of baby boomers, who make do with an average of $90 (€86). However, savings dedicated to pets are in decline: only 10% of owners have a dedicated account, compared to 44% two years ago.

Despite a drop in overall spending, pet parents remain firmly committed to prioritizing the health and well-being of their companions. “Pet owners may be more cautious about their spending and more likely to save these days, but data shows they're also more responsible about their spending,”, Dr. Stephanie Liff, a veterinary health expert at Lemonade, said in a statement.

Caring for a four-legged friend can be a challenge, but with the right tools and guidance, it can be easier. Seasoned pet owners encourage novices to rely on trusted sources: consulting experts for relevant information (25%), talking to other pet owners (23%), and working closely with their veterinarian (21%).

Ultimately, being a good pet parent is about more than just loving your pet. It’s taking responsibility seriously, and the younger generations are clearly showing that they’re up to the challenge.

*This survey was conducted by Talker Research, on behalf of Lemonade, among 2,000 pet owners (1,000 dog owners and 1,000 cat owners) between October 22 and 28, 2024.