- Would you feel more guilty about leaving your pet or your child when you go on holiday? New data reveals surprising answers
- “Generation Pet”: Therapist reveals why guilt over pets is reshaping travel for millennials and Gen Z
With summer holidays on the horizon, millions of Brits have admitted feeling like bad pet parents if they’re away too long.
Among Gen Z, that guilt is shaping entire travel habits, with almost half (48%) avoiding flying because of their pet. They’re also twice as likely as over-65s to plan holidays around pet-friendly accommodation (63% vs. 31%), showing that pets aren’t an afterthought for many young people – they’re the starting point.
A new study of 2,000 UK pet owners by TrustedHousesitters reveals just how deeply the bond with pets runs: over half (52%) of owners saying they feel like a “bad pet parent” if they’re away from their fur babies too long – and in a hypothetical scenario, over a quarter (27%) say they’d feel worse leaving their pet than leaving a child with a babysitter.
“The fact that some people feel more guilt leaving a pet than a child with a sitter is fascinating but understandable,” says licensed therapist Rebecka Parker (MSW, LCSW). “Pets are completely dependent on their owners without the ability to rationalise absence like older children might. This intensifies owners’ sense of responsibility and guilt.”
That guilt is often rooted in emotional projection. More than half (53%) of pet owners worry their pet thinks they’ve been abandoned when they go away. Unlike children, who can usually understand and process a parent’s temporary absence, pets rely entirely on routine and familiar presence. This can create a significant emotional burden for pet owners, as their furry companions may experience feelings of abandonment or anxiety when left behind – which can be particularly triggering for rescue pets with histories of abandonment or trauma.
The emotional significance of pets is especially strong in younger generations. Among 25-34 year olds, almost half (43%) say they’d feel more guilty at the thought of leaving their pet than a child – compared to the 27% average across all age groups.
High pet ownership rates among young adults underscore this deep emotional bond. 28% of UK adults aged 18–24 own a cat, and 40% own a dog. For those aged 25–34, the numbers rise to 34% for cat ownership and 45% for dogs, reflecting just how prevalent pet companionship is among younger demographics.
“Younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, tend to form stronger emotional attachments to pets compared to older generations,” Rebecka explains. “Part of this is cultural: many young adults today delay traditional milestones like marriage or having children, and in turn, pets naturally fill a nurturing role. Moreover, in a time where loneliness is recognised as a public health concern, pets provide a consistent, judgment-free source of comfort.”
This trend is particularly pronounced in the growing ‘DINKWAP’ demographic (Double Income No Kids With A Pet). For many in this group, the hypothetical comparison of leaving a pet versus a child reflects their current life priorities, where pets receive the care and emotional investment that might otherwise be directed toward children.
This deeper connection with pets is also reshaping how people structure their lives. Three in ten (31%) pet owners say they’d feel more guilty leaving their pet than cancelling plans with a close friend. Nearly a third (32%) say they’d feel worse leaving their pet behind than missing a family birthday – a sign of the emotional priority pets hold, often being placed on the same level as, or even chosen over, human family members.
“Shifting ideas of “family” – from rigid nuclear definitions to more fluid, chosen families – play a big role,” says Rebecka. “For many, pets represent stability, love, and connection in a flexible and rapidly changing world. Lifestyle factors like remote work, increased mental health awareness, and the rise of pet-friendly travel options further reinforce this trend.”
As attitudes continue to shift, it’s clear that pets are no longer just companions – they’re at the heart of how many people across the UK define home and family.
Angela Laws, award-winning Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, comments:
“These findings reflect what we see and hear daily within our community of animal lovers. Owners love their pets like family members and leaving them behind can be genuinely emotional or even distressing for many. That’s why the reassurance of knowing pets are safe and happy at home with a sitter who really cares can make all the difference.”
To connect with a pet sitter while you travel or for more expert advice for pet owners, visit https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/