According to state data, Hawaii has a higher rate of pet ownership than the rest of America. Estimates show that about 60% of households in the state have at least one cat or dog, compared to a national average of 36.5%. The people who add four-legged fur babies to their households can be further broken down into several specific pet owner demographics.
People 60 years and older gravitate toward pets at two crucial moments in their lives. The first is when children leave home and the nest becomes empty. Seniors also tend to add pets to the household when they become single, such as after divorce or the death of a spouse. Both cats and dogs make excellent companions that help to reduce feelings of loneliness.
Adults between 40 and 60 years old adopt pets for different reasons, depending on family structure. LGBTQIA persons often adopt pets as the easiest way to grow their families and strengthen their relationships. Parents of young children and teens might also adopt pets because children love them. Adults in this age group have also re-focused heavily on self-care. Dogs are often great companions for people focused on getting active and staying active.
Millennials have set a trend of marrying much later than earlier generations. They have also delayed starting and growing their families for personal and financial reasons. Instead, many millennials and those in younger generations prefer to adopt pets. This has created a trend of “cat moms” and “dog dads." Many people under 40 are also just starting their families and might adopt a cat or dog for their children, just like mature adults.
Regardless of the age of pet owners, their pets are all susceptible to illnesses. When this happens in Hawaii, you need a trusted medical provider for your pet. This is why at Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, we treat your pets as if they were our own. Schedule your appointment today.