When Pets Earn Their Spot on the Couch

By Daniel Garcia

As traditional family structures are changing, a new member of the household has quietly claimed a spot at the family table – our pets. According to a 2023 study from the Pew Research Center, about half of U.S. pet owners now consider their pets as much a part of their family as any human member. This change is not just a recent fad, but rather caused by the deep emotional connection we share with our pets. Our pets have become more than just man’s best friend; they have now become family.

Over many decades, the role of our pets in our lives has changed significantly. Originally, the main purpose of owning a pet was for practical purposes such as hunting or guarding, but as times have changed, we have moved our pets from our yards, into our homes, and now into our hearts. Today, pets are no longer just considered animals that we have chosen to care for, but instead, they have become beloved companions and fur-ever family members that most Americans own. The Pew Research Center found that 62% of Americans own at least one pet, with 35% owning more than one. The change in our relationships with our pets shows not only a change in our lifestyle, but also a shift in our values and emotional needs.

Treating your pet like family comes with many benefits beyond having a companion. Pets provide us with unconditional love and emotional support that can have a positive impact on our mental health. More than ever, people are struggling with mental health issues, and pets are a great outlet to help. According to a study conducted by Allen McConnell from the University of Miami Oxford, pets can help reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, while also encouraging physical activity and social interaction.  Simple tasks like walking your dog, or playing with your cat, can increase exercise levels while helping to relieve stress.

As society evolves, so does our acceptance of different family structures, including those that count their pets as family members. In a book published by sociologist Andrea Laurent-Simpson, she shares that “American pet owners are transforming the cultural definition of family. Dogs and cats are treated like children, siblings, grandchildren. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 85 percent of dog-owners and 76 percent of cat-owners think of their pets as family.” On top of this, the pet care industry is booming with pet health care, pet hotels, and even pet spas. These changes in the way pets are viewed show that treating pets as family members is not just a personal choice, but also a societal norm that require structures and businesses to support the animals’ care and comfort.

While the practice of treating pets as family members is on the rise, it is not without its opposition. Anthropomorphizing is when you attribute human characteristics to nonhuman creatures. Critics at Rover-Time argue that anthropomorphizing your pets is dangerous, and it can lead to various negative impacts. They also argue that it can lead to unrealistic expectations of pet behavior. However, this argument overlooks the emotional bond that humans have with their pets. Treating a pet as a family member does not mean their unique needs or instincts are being ignored, but rather it means recognizing them as loving animals who improve our lives.  As we continue to evolve as a society, we must always remember to appreciate the love and companionship our pets provide, as they are no longer just our pets, but our family.