Hansen and his wife Momo are a married couple in Beijing who have chosen to care for pets instead of having children due to the high cost of raising children in China. The couple refers to their pets as their sons and daughters, viewing them as part of their family. This decision goes against China’s efforts to increase birth rates after the one-child policy was lifted in 2016. Many couples like Hansen and Momo are opting to become pet parents instead of having children due to financial constraints and personal preferences.
The number of pets in Chinese cities is expected to surpass the number of children under the age of four by the end of the year. This trend reflects a shift in values among younger generations who no longer prioritize traditional family structures. Goldman Sachs predicts that pet ownership in China will continue to grow, while birth rates are projected to decline. The rise in pet ownership has become a challenge for Chinese officials as the country’s population declined for the first time in decades.
Pet ownership in China has become a fast-growing consumer sector, with the pet food industry expected to reach $12 billion by 2030. This growth is in stark contrast to the past when pet ownership was considered a bourgeois concept. Despite the increasing popularity of pets, China still has a relatively low pet ownership rate compared to other countries. The decline in birth rates is attributed to various factors such as economic uncertainty and changing societal values that prioritize pets over children.
Authorities in China have introduced incentives to encourage parenthood, including cash rewards and extended parental leave. However, these measures have had limited success in increasing birth rates. Couples like Tao, who runs a dog lodge in Beijing, have chosen to focus on their pets instead of having children. Tao prefers to travel and enjoy her lifestyle without the responsibility of raising children, reflecting a shift in mindset among younger generations in China.
Professor Stuart Gietel-Basten from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology explains that young couples in China face challenges such as unemployment and social pressures, making pet ownership a more appealing option than having children. The decision to prioritize pets over children is a personal choice for many couples, like Hansen and Momo, who find joy and fulfillment in caring for their pets. Despite societal expectations for couples to have children, individuals like Momo believe they can live fulfilling lives without contributing to the country’s birth rate.
In conclusion, the rise of pet ownership in China reflects changing values among younger generations who prioritize companionship with pets over traditional family structures. The decline in birth rates is attributed to various factors, including economic challenges and social pressures. Couples like Hansen and Momo have chosen to become pet parents instead of having children, finding happiness and fulfillment in caring for their fur babies. As China grapples with demographic challenges, the trend of pet ownership continues to grow, highlighting a shift in societal norms and personal preferences among Chinese couples.
