More Filipino Couples Prefer Having Pets Than Children

(SPOT.ph) You've probably seen it: a cute little stroller in the mall containing—no, not a human baby—but a Shih Tzu in a tutu. It’s one of those signs that confirms what we've suspected for a while: the idea of family is changing in this new normal.

According to Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Spokesperson Mylin Quiray, a growing number of Filipino couples are now choosing to raise pets instead of children, with economic stability being a major factor behind the shift.

Quiray said some couples are putting off having kids until they’re more financially secure. Others have decided to skip children altogether in favor of “fur parenting,” treating pets like family members—barkday cakes, spa treatments, and all.

"Mayroon tayong qualitative data. Nakita natin na iyong ibang mga Pilipino, mas gusto nila nag-aalaga ng pets over children kasi [being economical] na raw ang gusto ng mga couples natin ayon sa aming study. Bago magkaanak, iyong economic situation muna nila ay dapat maayos," Quiray said in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. "Uso na po iyan ngayon. 'Di ba po sa mall, mayroon pong mga strollers? Pero ano po ang laman ng stroller? Pets–aso or pusa po. Nakikita naman natin iyan sa study.”

Also read: Are Fur Parents Selfish if They Want Pets Over Children?

Pets in the Philippines

The numbers back up the CDP finding, too. A 2024 study by Kantar Philippines found that 94% of Filipino households own a pet, the highest rate in Southeast Asia.

Dogs top the list, with 68% of households owning one. Medium-sized dogs are the most popular among Filipino pet owners, with Shih Tzus being the preferred breed for dogs and Persians being the preferred breed for cats as per Mars Incorporated.

The boom in pet ownership has also fueled a thriving pet care industry. Pet-friendly cafes, malls, hotels, wedding venues, and even memorial services have been popping up left and right in recent years since the pandemic. 

Sure, pets may not replace the experience of raising children—but for many Filipino couples, they’re more than enough. At the end of the day, CPD champions responsible family planning. If that currently means fur parenting instead of child-rearing, then so be it.

"Gusto talaga natin... iyong mga magulang po ay responsible sa pagpapamilya," Quiray said. “Kung kailan nila gusto, ano ang bilang ng anak na gusto nila, iyon po ang makamit nila.”

Also read: What’s Up With the Filipino Obsession Over Shih Tzus?