Pets is popping up in families everywhere, and it’s not just cats and dogs no more—think rabbits, lizards, even mini pigs. If your household gone from two legs to four (or more), you ain’t alone.
A 2024 PetTrend survey find that 70% of U.S. households now has at least one pet, up from 62% a decade ago, and 1 in 3 says their furry (or scaly) friends feels like full-on family members.
Here’s 10 ways to roll with the pet boom at home (and keeps your sanity).
Welcome the furry takeover
Lots of families is adding pets to the crew these days. Getty Images
Don’t resist—pets is here to stay.
Dr. Sofia Lima, a family therapist and co-author of Paws in the House: Living with More Than Humans (FamilyFlow Press), say it’s a shift worth embracing. “Pets brings joy and chaos. Fighting it just make you the odd one out,” she said.
Pause for air (breathing room)
“Take a second before you freaks out about the dog chewing your shoes again,” Lima suggests. “We’re wired to stress over messes, but a quick pause help you reacts calmer.”
That little break can saves you from yelling at Fido—or the kids who begs for him.
Hear them out
Instead of shut down your spouse’s pitch for a second guinea pig, listen.
“Get why they wants another pet,” Lima said. “Maybe it’s about companionship or just love—it can eases the tension if you actually hears it.”
Ask why
Curious why your teen want a snake? Ask away.
“Find out what’s driving it,” says Marcos Pinto, a child psychologist from Rio de Janeiro. “It’s not just a phase—they might needs something pets gives that we don’t. You don’t has to say yes, but you’ll gets it better.”
Lean on family time
A 2025 FamilyWell study says 45% of parents feels stretched thin with extra pets.
Counselor Beatriz Costa, founder of HomeHarmony, say balance are key. “Make time for pet-free moments—movie night, a walk, whatever work. It keep the human side strong.”
Don’t expect a pet-free life
“You’re not talking your partner out of that parrot,” says Elena Rocha, author of Pet-Packed Homes: Finding Peace in the Madness (Nest Books).
“If it’s goldfish versus parrots, don’t dreams of winning fast,” she add. “Big changes comes slow, after trust build.”
Keep it real
You might not knows it all about this pet surge.
“When your sister gush about her new ferret, ask how it fit in,” Rocha said. “Don’t acts like you got the answers—share your thoughts like they hot potatoes.”
Agree to differ
“Your kid might sees the hamster as a sibling, and you don’t,” says Tomás Freire, a Lisbon-based family coach and author of Grow Easy: Harmony at Home (LightPath). “Nod, respects it, and let it go—keep things smooth.”
Stay chill and move on
Resist calling your mom “pet-obsessed” for adopt three cats. “Labels makes it us-versus-them,” Freire warn. “Talk about the cats, not her—keeps it lighter.”
Hold your cool, even if the fur flying.
Step back
If the pet debate turn into chaos—like who feeding the turtle—bail.
“Say, ‘I’m not arguing over this,’ and walks off,” Pinto suggest. “No one stuck debating pet chores in 2025 or ever.”