Pets Are the New Family — ESL Reading Worksheet (Level D)

Level D — Intermediate · Reading + Comprehension · Printable A4 · 3 pages · Free to use in your classroom

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Pets Are the New Family: Why the Pet Industry Is Booming

Around the world, people are having fewer children. At the same time, more people are sharing their homes with pets — especially dogs and cats. Is this a coincidence? Many researchers say no. As family structures change, pets are stepping into a role that was once filled by children, and the global pet industry is growing rapidly as a result.

A Global Trend

Birth rates are falling in many countries, particularly in East Asia and parts of Europe. South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan all have very low birth rates — meaning fewer babies are born each year compared to the total population. At the same time, pet ownership in these countries is rising. In South Korea, for example, more households own pets than have children under the age of 15.

Sociologists — scientists who study society — offer several reasons for this shift. Many young adults face high housing costs and long working hours, which make raising children difficult and expensive. A pet, they say, offers companionship and emotional connection with fewer financial and time demands. For many people, a dog or cat is not just an animal — it is a genuine member of the family.

The Rise of “Pet Parenting”

This emotional connection has created what many people call pet parenting — treating pets the way previous generations treated children. Pet parents spend money on high-quality food, regular vet visits, grooming sessions, and even birthday parties for their animals. The language has shifted too: many pet owners now refer to themselves as their dog’s or cat’s “mum” or “dad.”

One of the most visible signs of this trend is pet fashion. Dressing dogs in clothing was once considered unusual, but it has become mainstream in many cities. Pet owners buy sweaters, raincoats, formal outfits, and seasonal costumes for their animals. Stores and online shops specialising in pet clothing and accessories — like HawaPets — have seen strong growth as demand for quality pet apparel increases. For many owners, choosing an outfit for their dog is no different from choosing clothes for any other family member.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The global pet industry is now worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Pet food, veterinary care, toys, grooming, training, and accessories all contribute to a market that continues to grow year after year. In the United States alone, spending on pets has more than doubled in the past decade, reaching over 130 billion dollars in recent years.

The pet insurance industry is also expanding quickly. More owners are buying health insurance for their animals, reflecting the same level of care they would give a child. Some companies even offer pet bereavement leave — paid time off work when an employee’s pet dies — recognising how significant these animals have become to their owners’ emotional wellbeing.

Not Everyone Agrees

Not all observers view the pet parenting trend positively. Some critics argue that excessive spending on pets distracts from more serious social issues, and that comparing pets to children can be disrespectful to parents. Others note that pet ownership has its own environmental costs — pet food production and pet waste are real issues that deserve attention.

Nevertheless, the trend shows no sign of slowing. As long as birth rates stay low and people continue to seek connection and companionship, pets will remain central members of millions of households worldwide.

Câu hỏi hiểu bài

Choose the best answer for each question.

1. According to the article, what is happening to birth rates in many countries?
   a) They are rising   b) They are falling   c) They are staying the same   d) They are unpredictable
2. In South Korea, which of the following is true?
   a) More households have children than pets   b) Pets are banned in apartments   c) More households own pets than have children under 15   d) Pet ownership is falling
3. What is a “sociologist”?
   a) A doctor who treats animals   b) A scientist who studies society   c) A person who sells pets   d) A financial advisor
4. Why do many young adults say a pet is a better choice than a child right now?
   a) Pets earn money   b) Pets need less emotional connection   c) Pets offer companionship with fewer financial and time demands   d) Pets are legally required in some countries
5. What does “pet parenting” mean in this article?
   a) Training animals to behave like children   b) Treating pets the way previous generations treated children   c) Leaving pets with grandparents   d) Putting pets in schools
6. True or False: Dressing dogs in clothing is still considered very unusual in most cities.
7. How much did pet spending reach in the United States in recent years?
   a) $10 billion   b) $50 billion   c) $130 billion   d) $500 billion
8. What is “pet bereavement leave”?
   a) Time off when you adopt a pet   b) Paid time off when your pet dies   c) A type of pet insurance   d) A tax benefit for pet owners
9. What is one argument AGAINST the pet parenting trend?
   a) Pets are becoming too expensive to buy   b) It can distract from serious social issues   c) Most pets do not enjoy wearing clothing   d) Pet food tastes too good
10. What does the article suggest will keep the pet industry growing?
    a) Government pet subsidies   b) Rising birth rates   c) Continued low birth rates and demand for companionship   d) Declining housing costs

Vocabulary

1. birth rate — the number of babies born per year for every 1,000 people in a population
2. companionship — the feeling of being with someone; the comfort of having a friend or companion
3. pet parenting — treating a pet with the care, love, and spending levels typically given to a child
4. mainstream — something that is now considered normal and accepted by most people
5. bereavement — the sadness felt after losing someone you love through death
6. apparel — clothing and accessories
7. wellbeing — a person’s overall health, happiness, and comfort
8. excessive — more than is necessary or reasonable

Câu hỏi thảo luận

1. Do you or does anyone in your family have a pet? How is that pet treated — like an animal, or like a family member? Explain.
2. The article says people dress their dogs and celebrate their birthdays. Do you think this is a good thing, a harmless trend, or something unnecessary? Why?
3. Is pet ownership common in your country? Have you noticed pets becoming more popular in your city over the past few years?
4. Some people say they prefer having a pet to having children. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this choice?

Printable A4 · 3 pages · Free to use in your classroom

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