Dogs Bring Comfort, Cats Bring Zen: New Aussie Trends

Best Pet Daily - A recent survey on Aussie pet ownership unveils fascinating insights into the growing trend of pet parenting, revealing how companionship and mental health benefits are driving preferences across the nation

Australia has long been a nation of pet lovers, and the numbers prove it. With an astounding 28.7 million petssnuggling into 6.9 million households, it’s safe to say that Aussies have a soft spot for their furry (and not-so-furry) companions. Whether it's dogs bringing a wagging tail of joy or cats offering a soothing purr, pets are an integral part of Australian life.

So, why do Aussies keep filling their homes with pets? Let’s dive into the fascinating trends shaping pet ownership Down Under.

Statistics referenced throughout this article are sourced from BudgetDirect Pet Insurance's Pets In Australia Survey (2024).

1. Quick Stats You Should Know

Did you know that over 70% of Aussies say they got their pet primarily for emotional support? That’s right—dogs and cats aren't just cute companions; they're our daily therapists.

• Dogs bring comfort, cats bring zen: A staggering 75% of Australians aged 28-37 own a dog.

• Mental health matters: Millennials are leading the way in recognizing pets as a support system.

Best Pet Daily - Aussies have 6.4 million pet dogs

2. The Pet Landscape in Australia

Dog Ownership Trends

Dogs are often described as furry bundles of joy, and it’s no surprise they remain the most popular pet choice. With their goofy grins and boundless energy, dogs are the ultimate comfort providers.

• New South Wales and Queensland: These states top the charts with two-thirds of households having at least one dog.

• Nationwide Love: According to Animal Medicines Australia (AMA), there are 6.4 million dogs wagging their tails across the country.

Cat Ownership Insights

Cats, on the other hand, have mastered the art of zen. They bring a soothing presence to any home, often found curled up in a sunbeam, teaching us the fine art of relaxation.

• Age and State Factors:

  • Over 42% of Australians aged 58-67 own a cat.

  • South Australians, with their laid-back vibe, have nearly 40% cat ownership.

• Purring Nationwide: Around 5.3 million cats are living their best nine lives in Aussie homes.

3. Pet Age Demographics

Curious about how old the nation's furry friends are? Here’s the scoop:

• 1-3 years old: Over a quarter of Aussie pets are in their playful toddler phase.

• 4-6 years old: Another 25% are enjoying their golden mid-life.

• Senior cats: More than 25% of felines are aged 12 years or older, proving cats truly have staying power.

Since the pandemic, nearly 37% of dogs have found their forever homes, highlighting how pets became the ultimate quarantine companions.

4. Why Do Aussies Get Pets?

Dogs for Comfort

Dogs have an uncanny ability to sense emotions, provide cuddles on rough days, and turn any frown upside down. They’re not just pets; they’re family.

Cats for Zen

Cats, with their soft purrs and independent charm, are often chosen for their ability to create a calm environment. They're the masters of relaxation and can teach us a thing or two about mindfulness.

• Cat owners: Around 30% said they got their feline friend to boost their mental health.

• Dog owners: Nearly 40% welcomed their pup for emotional support and companionship.

5. Mental Health Benefits of Pets

It’s not just about having a cute face to come home to—pets can genuinely enhance mental well-being by:

• Reducing stress and anxiety

• Encouraging social interaction

• Providing structure and routine

• Boosting self-esteem and independence

• Supporting emotional development in children

• Enhancing the quality of life for older Australians

6. Where Do Aussies Get Their Pets?

Breeder vs. Shelter

The question of “Where did you get your pet?” often leads to two camps—those who go through breeders and those who adopt from shelters.

• Breeders: Nearly 45% of respondents turned to breeders, with more than 50% aged 38-47 choosing this route.

  • 56% of dog owners found their perfect pooch through a breeder, compared to only 22% of cat owners.

• Shelters & Rescues: About 30% adopted their pet from a shelter.

  • Women were more likely to adopt than men.

  • A whopping 40% of Western Australians rescued their pets from shelters.

Best Pet Daily - The Zen-like quality of cats (and mental health benefits) was acknowledged by around 30% of cat owners surveyed.

Gifted Pets

Did your pet come wrapped in a bow? Surprisingly, nearly 30% of respondents aged 58-67 were gifted their pets.

Cats, being the independent spirits they are, were more often gifted, with 26.9% of cats given compared to only 13% of dogs.

One question that occurs to us (or maybe it’s a hypothesis!) is whether the high level of pet gifting surveyed might be due to geographically immobile Millenials, who raced into pet ownership during the Global Pandemic, then gifting their pets to their parents (ie the 58-67 year olds), once work and travel options normalised (?!)

7. Key Takeaways

Millennials and Their Pets

Millennials are leading the charge in pet parenting, considering their pets as essential family members:

• 75% of 28-37-year-olds own a dog.

• Over 71% cited companionship as their top reason for pet ownership.

• Close to 40% turned to pets for mental health benefits.

8. Conclusion

Whether you're a dog devotee seeking comfort or a cat lover chasing zen, one thing’s for sure—pets bring undeniable joy and tranquility to Aussie homes. They’re not just animals; they’re our stress busters, our best friends, and sometimes, our therapists with tails.

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