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In an era marked by social upheaval and increasing isolation, dogs have emerged as more than just companions; they are becoming integral to the emotional landscape of American life. As societal connections fray, many are turning to their pets for comfort, inadvertently placing expectations on them that may not be sustainable. This evolving relationship raises important questions about the implications of relying on dogs to fulfil emotional needs in a fast-changing world.
A Cultural Shift: Dogs as Family
In the United States, nearly half of all households now include a dog, with many owners regarding their pets as family members. In a recent survey, 51% of pet owners asserted that their dogs hold as much significance as human family members. This shift has catalysed the growth of a vast pet industry, creating a plethora of jobs ranging from veterinarians to social media influencers focused on canine-related content. According to Mark Cushing, a lawyer and advocate for veterinary issues, this phenomenon represents what he terms the “pet revolution” — a cultural shift that elevates pets to a privileged status within society.
Cushing, in his 2020 book “Pet Nation,” argues that the rise of loneliness in the digital age has led people to seek deeper connections with their pets. However, some experts are challenging this narrative, suggesting that the surge in dog ownership might be less about companionship and more about a broader societal dissatisfaction exacerbated by recent global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dogs as Emotional Support: A Double-Edged Sword
The pandemic highlighted a unique dynamic for many households, with relationships between humans often strained under the pressures of lockdown. In contrast, interactions with dogs flourished. As individuals sought solace in their pets, the trend of adopting shelter animals surged, and social media platforms overflowed with content celebrating the joys of dog ownership. Hashtags like #DogsAreBetterThanPeople captured the sentiment prevalent among dog lovers, indicating a shift in how companionship is perceived.
A study conducted in 2025 revealed that dog owners often rated their pets more favourably than their human companions in terms of support and companionship. It appears that, for some, dogs are preferred as confidants over family and friends. This raises an important concern: the expectations placed upon dogs to fulfil emotional and social roles traditionally held by humans.
The Fragile Fabric of Trust
The connection between dog ownership and a decline in social trust is telling. Since the early 1970s, Americans have reported a steady decrease in trust towards others, with only 34% believing that “most people can be trusted” by 2018. This phenomenon, labelled the “friendship recession,” indicates a growing trend of isolation and reluctance to engage with others.
Millennials, now the largest demographic of pet owners, often cite financial instability and societal pressures as factors driving their preference for pets over children. A Harris Poll revealed that 43% of Americans expressed a preference for having a pet rather than a child. In this context, the relationship between humans and dogs has become a crucial coping mechanism, yet the expectations surrounding this bond can be unrealistic.
Unreasonable Expectations and Their Consequences
While pets can indeed provide emotional support, the burden placed on them to fulfil social and psychological needs can lead to detrimental outcomes. This dynamic may be characterised as an “extractive relationship,” where humans draw emotional labour from their pets, paralleling the unsustainable exploitation seen in natural resource extraction.
Veterinarians are increasingly concerned about the “fur baby” phenomenon, where pets are treated like children, often leading to unnecessary medical interventions and neglect of their needs. As the number of pets rises, many owners find themselves overwhelmed, resulting in increased abandonment and overcrowded shelters.
Rethinking Our Relationships
Addressing these challenges requires a rethinking of how we view our relationships with pets. Some philosophers argue for a radical shift in perspective, suggesting that treating animals as property is ethically indefensible. While this idea may be contentious among dog lovers, it highlights the need for a balanced approach to pet ownership.
Creating an environment that nurtures both human and animal well-being may involve improving access to healthcare and quality nutrition for pets, thus fostering healthier, more sustainable relationships. A society that prioritises human flourishing could potentially lead to better outcomes for pets as well.
Why it Matters
The evolving role of dogs in American society serves as a reflection of deeper social issues, such as loneliness and disconnection. As people increasingly turn to their pets for emotional support, it is crucial to consider the implications of these relationships. Balancing expectations and ensuring the well-being of both humans and dogs is essential in creating a more harmonious coexistence. By understanding the complexities of this bond, society can better navigate the challenges of modern life, promoting a healthier and more compassionate environment for all its inhabitants.
