I love you, grandma. >> A growing number of young Americans are choosing to have pets over children. >> Hey baby, [music] you slept the day away.>> They're my family. They're my children. >> As the fertility rate in the US in 2024 hit a record low amid fears of economic instability.Some Americans are stepping outside the box with their family makeup. [music] >> My mom calls my dogs her grandchildren. >> Raven McGregor, who lives in Atlanta, runs a popular Instagram page with her two bulldogs, Sunny and Zoe. ...

Britons post three times as many shots of their pets on Instagram as they do of their partners, or even themselves, a survey found last year. “Pet parents”, as some insist on calling themselves, are becoming more affluent, too https://t.co/qKF33keJf0 ...

Responsibility and Readiness - Being ready for a pet is more than just wanting one; it requires understanding their needs [2][8] - Owning a pet involves a serious promise to provide care and attention [9] - Compassion, patience, responsibility, and emotional strength are developed through pet ownership, but only when one is truly ready for the work involved [9] Learning and Preparation - Learning about birds through programs and experts can help prepare for pet ownership [6][7] - Visiting pet shops and learning from experts is crucial before acquiring a pet [7] - Potential pet owners should learn, ask questions, talk to experts, volunteer at shelters, or shadow existing pet owners [10] Pet Ownership Considerations - Pets are living beings that depend on their owners every day [11] - Ignoring signs of illness or neglecting basic needs like feeding, cleaning, and water is unacceptable [8] - The experience highlights the importance of being prepared and knowledgeable before taking on the responsibility of pet ownership [2][3][4]