Survey: 30% of childless pet owners see their dog or cat as a child

A survey conducted by the Sofi Charity Foundation together with research company Norstat Latvia has found that 30% of pet owners without children view their dog or cat as a child substitute. The findings were presented at a discussion during the LAMPA talks festival, addressing the common assumption that people choose pets instead of having children.

The survey suggests the reality is more complex. Respondents most often linked their decision not to have children to global and economic conditions or the lack of a partner — each cited by 18%. Another 16% said they did not feel financially ready to raise a child, the same share said they had consciously chosen not to become parents, and 16% said they were willing to take responsibility for a pet but not for a child.

Emotional bonds and their limits

Sofi Foundation head Sindija Liepiņa says a close bond with a pet is natural, but a pet should not become a substitute for a child or a solution to loneliness. Psychologist Diāna Zande adds that the need to care for someone and feel needed is a natural human trait, but people must also maintain full relationships with other humans rather than placing responsibility for their emotional wellbeing on an animal.

When care turns into overindulgence

Dog behaviour specialist Andra Pašujeva warns that good intentions can lead to excessive humanising of pets — for instance, taking a dog to noisy, overstimulating places or feeding it human food, which can harm its health. She stresses that more important than including a dog in every human activity is giving it the chance to express natural behaviours such as walking, sniffing, digging, playing and socialising with other animals.

The Sofi Foundation was founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Toms Jurjevs and supports animals affected by the war in Ukraine as well as sterilisation and shelter programmes in Latvia.