When you think about it, millennials’ and Gen Zs’ attachment to their pets isn’t a surprise. These are the generations that refer to pets as fur babies and to themselves as pet parents.
Steve Dale, CABC writes for veterinary professionals and pet owners, hosts 2 national radio programs, and has appeared on TV shows, including Good Morning America and The Oprah Winfrey Show. He is on the dvm360® Editorial Advisory Board as well as the boards of the Human Animal Bond Association and EveryCat Foundation. He appears at conferences around the world. Visit stevedale.tv.
Word of mouth has always been the most impactful form of advertising. What has changed is that so many can hear or see those words, which can be spread potentially to many others nearly instantaneously.
Any assumption that these millennial and Gen Z clients have no loyalty3,4 is simply not true. For starters, they’re obviously loyal to their fur babies. If there’s any doubt, consider the following5:
When clients call in, services can instantly identify the client’s name, pet’s name, and other information, such as pet birthdays or when they’re due for heartworm treatment. Not only can systems like this be an efficient means to track product sales and appointments, but it also provides a personal touch. All generations appreciate that; everyone wants to feel special.
Because They are Less Expensive and Easier to Manage, Pets Have Replaced Babies for Many Millennials. This Trend is Fueling the Growth of Pet Franchises.
With declining birth rates and a booming pet industry in the U.S., it is clear there is a trend toward choosing pets over kids. News of millennials raising pets instead of children has even spread to the Vatican and has caught Pope Francis’s attention, who warns that it is selfish to choose pets over kids. But is it selfish, or is it smart?
When it comes to deciding between pets and children, there are various reasons why millennials choose puppies over newborn babies. But whatever the reason, there is a beneficiary to this trend: pet franchises. From dog grooming to dog training, today’s pet franchisees are reaping the rewards of the recent pet boom.
Health Advantages
Pets can help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship. Having a pet will get you outside and exercising more and can even lower the risk of cardiovascular disorders. According to the CDC, regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Conversely, having kids can age you.