Why Dog Ownership Isn’t Replacing Parenting: A Look at Declining Birthrates and Social Trends

In a recent review published in *European Psychologist*, researchers explored whether people are increasingly choosing dogs over having children, especially in the context of declining birthrates in countries like Hungary. While some studies found that a minority of dog owners refer to themselves as ‘pet parents’ or consider their dogs as children, the overarching conclusion is that dogs are usually chosen precisely because they are *not* like children.

Zoe Williams, writing for *The Guardian*, argues that this comparison is fundamentally flawed. She points out the stark differences between the responsibilities of dog ownership and parenthood. Dogs may offer emotional connection and companionship, but they are not substitutes for the complex demands and rewards of raising children. Williams critiques the political motivations behind such discussions, particularly in Hungary, where policies like lifelong tax exemption for mothers with two or more children reflect a state-driven push to raise birthrates.

The article also questions deeper societal issues—such as the affordability of raising children, inadequate social support systems, and global pessimism—as more credible reasons for declining birthrates. Williams suggests that while dogs may bring joy and comfort, their rise in popularity is more reflective of social and economic realities than a simple replacement for parenting.