A new national survey of 5,000 U.S. pet owners reveals the growing influence of companion animals on major lifestyle decisions — from skipping vacations to avoiding social engagements — driven by guilt over leaving pets behind.
Commissioned by pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters, the survey found that 56% of owners travel less since getting a pet, and many are shifting personal priorities to accommodate their animals. Notably, a large share of respondents identified as DINKWAPs — dual income, no kids, with a pet — who treat pets as family members and report high emotional dependence.
"We’re seeing a clear cultural shift, particularly among younger, child-free adults who consider their pets to be their children,” said Angela Laws, head of community at TrustedHousesitters. “They’re not just companions — they’re family. And that’s showing up in everyday decisions about travel, social life, and emotional well-being.”
Key findings on emotional impact and behavior
- 61% worry more about their pet’s well-being than their own enjoyment while on vacation.
- 49% experience separation anxiety when away.
- 33% regularly check in or video-call their pet sitter during travel.
- 54% worry their pet thinks they’ve been abandoned.
Many owners also indicated they'd cancel plans or forgo family events rather than leave their pet alone:
- 21% would feel less guilty canceling on a friend than leaving their pet.
- 17% would rather skip a family birthday.
- 1 in 5 would ghost a first date instead of leaving their pet.
The findings underscore a cultural shift linked to demographic and economic trends, as declining birth rates coincide with record pet ownership. Among DINKWAP respondents:
- 16% spent more on travel specifically to bring their pet.
- 18% would rather vacation solo while their partner stays home with the pet.
- 12% said they'd feel more guilty leaving their pet with a sitter than their child.
- 9% would feel worse about leaving their pet than forgetting their child’s birthday.
"We’re not just seeing changing attitudes; we’re seeing a redefinition of family structure,” said Laws. “Pets are a center of family life. And for millions of Americans, that means every plan, trip, or decision includes them."
The trend has implications for pet food professionals and the broader pet care sector, pointing to sustained demand for premium, emotionally resonant products and services.
The survey was conducted by Opinion Matters between March 25 and April 4, 2025. For more information, visit TrustedHousesitters.com.
Adapted from a press release.
