Austerity, Family Values And The Pet Industry

A survey of 3,000 pet owners has found that in the current economic downturn, 60% of us would put plans to start a family on the back-burner. What is more, says the company behind the survey (Petplan), a quarter of us would choose companions from other species' instead. The pet industry has demonstrated more resilience than most during the slowdown. Could this really be the result of more careful family planning?

The decision to delay family life in favour of a pet was equally divided between men and women, says Petplan. The company's spokeswoman said yesterday:

"It seems that pets of all shapes and sizes are now being considered a perfectly sensible alternative to starting a family for cash-strapped couples. We know that many owners develop very strong emotional ties to their pets that are often treated as part of the family."

The findings are supported by a recent Mintel report showing that in the pet care industry cat and dog owners spent £484 million on their pets this year. Pets at Home meanwhile, has announced that its profits have doubled against this time last year.