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These are just a few examples of how pets play a central role in human life, and how the relationship between pets is becoming more like that of a parent and child than an owner and pet. In fact, many young people today choose to adopt a dog or cat instead of a child.

— I saw a couple in a stroller on the street the other day, and I thought, “How cute, they must be having a baby.” When I stopped at a traffic light, I took the opportunity to take a look and was surprised. There wasn’t a baby, there was a puppy, says Magdalena Vione, 80, from Palermo, Buenos Aires, in a state of disbelief and anguish. –In the city, I see strollers for dogs more often than strollers for babies. I swear, that’s ridiculous — adds psychologist Mariana Kerestesacchi, 45.

Although there are some countries and cities where the trend of substituting animals for children and treating them as such is more pronounced (Tokyo, Milan, Los Angeles, Miami, etc.), this trend is a worldwide phenomenon, with thousands of followers, especially among newer generations. Reasons range from refusal to make long-term commitments, to love of personal freedom, to financial stress, to environmental consciousness.

— Multispecies families are becoming more and more common, says Ulysse Cuadrado, a therapist specializing in neuropsychology. According to a study by Growth from Knowledge (GfK), Argentina is one of the countries with the highest number of animals per family, along with Mexico and Brazil.

More freedom and less commitment — without giving up love

— Not long ago, personal fulfillment included having a large family with many children. Today, Cuadrado analyzes the concept of happiness and well-being, which is more connected to a sense of personal fulfillment that is tailored to each person’s needs.

In this context, adopting a dog, cat, or other domestic animal seems like a way to maintain individuality without giving up the satisfaction of caring for, nurturing, and loving another living being.

— Animals don’t need as much attention as humans. It makes care easier and allows for more flexibility in life – says Nicholas Anderson, 31, psychologist. He and his girlfriend (34) are sure they don’t want to have children and don’t want to put their personal lives on the back burner. They are guardians of two French bulldogs, Odin and Floki, who are “like children but with fewer responsibilities.”

— The same goes for love. It’s just that you don’t have to change diapers, wake up at 7 a.m. to take your kids to school, or give up your weekends like your friends with kids do — he says. — The commandment to bear children is no longer as strong as it used to be. Today we have more choices.

Similarly, Lucia Bandol, 36, says she has never considered herself a mother, either because of her birth or the abandonment that comes with it.

— I always knew I didn’t want to have children, and was always told that it would change, that I would feel less than complete as a woman. But as the years passed, I became more and more convinced that I didn’t want to do it. I have no intention of sacrificing my body during pregnancy, nor am I willing to give up my job to focus on motherhood.

Lucia, who has two cats, Magnum and Silvestre, believes that you don’t have to want to be a mother to find love.

— We have an almost instinctive desire to give and receive love that goes beyond what exists within a couple or within ourselves — he reflects.

— Compassion and protection are instinctive human skills — Cuadrado explains. — Giving and receiving love is a necessity that brings various benefits to happiness. She notes that many patients report a recurring “calming” effect when living with animals. —When we look at, talk to, or pet our pets, our brain releases oxytocin. Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter essential for building bonds, reducing cortisol, and regulating emotions.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pets can reduce stress, improve heart health, strengthen social and emotional skills, and encourage a sense of responsibility.

— I can live without animals, but they make me happy. They are empathetic and help keep you grounded. I believe in their feelings and the bond they form with us – and for me love alone is enough – concludes Bundle.

Economic factors in an uncertain world

Economic issues also weigh heavily on many young people’s choices.

— Having children is expensive and money is hard to come by — says Ignacio Martínez Larrea, 20. Five of his six friends are thinking the same thing.

Respondents agree that having children means ensuring the basic conditions of economic security, such as an adequate home, long-term education, health care, and leisure time.

—Pets also generate expenses, but in much smaller amounts—Martínez Larrea summarizes.

—I know someone who had children before they bought a house, but child support costs have made that impossible now. It’s a vicious cycle, Bundle says. — It’s hard enough to support yourself, but imagine supporting someone else. Economic factors play a big role.

Additionally, pessimism about the future of the planet is increasing, making the idea of ​​having children less appealing.

— Climate change is real. The planet’s lifespan is numbered, Bundle argues, and it’s unthinkable to bring someone into a world facing water scarcity, sea level rise, drought and fire.