Once, the markers of adulthood followed a predictable path —
marriage, children, and the steady hum of family life. But that narrative is rapidly evolving. Today, it’s no longer unusual to see a couple proudly pushing a stroller, only to discover a bow-clad dog or a snoozing kitten nestled inside. An increasing number of couples are embracing a different kind of parenting—one filled with wagging tails, litter boxes, and unconditional love. Whether it’s about lifestyle, emotional alignment, or deeper societal shifts, pet parenting is fast becoming a defining choice of modern relationships. What’s behind this trend, and what does it say about us today? Let’s find out.
For some, like Dhaval Roy, it started rather unplanned. “My three meowsketeers—Tango (for tangerine), Pepper (Calico cat and black pepper), and Cathy (pun on catty)—are to me what unplanned babies are to parents. They followed my nephew to our building to seek refuge during a heavy downpour two years ago. Then they just sauntered into my house, and I let them stay when I discovered they had been sleeping in the electric meter box. The plan was to get them vaccinated and spayed, and then give them up for adoption. But when the time came, I couldn't bear to let them go. And I didn't want to separate the sisters, so I adopted all three of them.”

As a neurodiverse individual, Roy has always thought of marriage and motherhood as overwhelming. “Cognisant of how women mostly end up being overworked and unappreciated in the family, the thought of marriage and motherhood has personally always been off-putting.”
Once, the milestones of adulthood were clearly marked: find a partner, get married, have kids, and settle into the rhythms of family life. But today’s couples are rewriting that script.
For fitness trainer Meghana Vaikul and her husband, Fenny—their Labrador—is their nirvana, their home. “Over all these years of being encumbered with my daily commitments, responsibilities, and priorities, Fenny’s love for me remained unchanged—unlike us humans, where we expect so much from each other that we forget to even give and only want to take. Fenny taught me to give—and give with a big heart; forgive—and forgive with a bigger heart; be thankful—with no limits to showing how thankful you are... That’s the beauty of living with a divinely blessed animal. There is no transaction, no contract—just love that flows with arms wide open.”
While no one can argue with Ms. Roy and Ms. Vaikul about the unconditional love and sense of belonging they’ve found, one wonders: why are more and more couples opting to take care of furry little ones rather than children? At first glance, the choice to become a pet parent might seem like an easy way out—a playful alternative to the responsibility of raising a child. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find a deeper narrative.

“Adopting a child isn’t easy—the process, the paperwork, and the responsibility are not for everyone. Pets are like children who never grow up. You don’t have to work around teenage tantrums and school fees,” laughed Shomita Prabhu, a crystal-dealer and proud mother of a Dalmatian—Dan! “I can only speak for myself—it’s not like pet parents don’t make sacrifices or have expenses. Vets are not cheap! Pets come with a lot of work, and a lot of emotional and financial investment.”
“Today, I live a blessed life with Fenny, Sushi, and Momo—but one cannot deny the fact that pets do get separation anxiety. Honestly, this has only tripled my own separation anxiety toward all three of them. Home is where my labs are, and it’s my best holiday spot to date. So if having them restricts my movement, my holiday plans—so be it. All those dog memes on social media about dogs and their owners/families are all true... It’s beyond the understanding of a pet-less human that a bond like this does exist in reality,” asserts Vaikul.
Actor-comedian Mallika Dua spills the tea on her love lifeCritics might argue that this trend reflects a culture of selfishness or a refusal to grow up. But such criticism overlooks the genuine affection and care that pet parents pour into their animals. From elaborate birthday parties to high-end pet foods and even “paw-ternity leave” at progressive workplaces, the devotion is undeniable. Indeed, for many, pets are more than animals—they are family members, complete with vet bills, insurance, and sometimes even social media profiles.
Ms. Roy sums it up perfectly when she says, “Here’s why being a pet parent is a win-win for me. I do things for them like a mum would—feeding, cleaning, doctor’s appointments—minus the stress of studies, exams, and doing their school projects or asking them to get off the phone! These three laddoos are my own. I wouldn’t trade their goofiness and cuddles (despite being cats!) for anything—even if it means being woken up at 4 or 5 AM to them jumping on me and play-biting, or all the broken glassware, chewed-up earphones,
and toddler-like tantrums. I’m a super-proud pawrent.”
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