In Spain, the number of registered dogs now surpasses the number of children, reflecting a growing trend of choosing pets over having children. As of July 1, 2022, there were 6.6 million residents aged 0-14, while the dog population exceeded 9.3 million, according to Anfaac. This trend is linked to increasing feelings of loneliness and the desire for companionship, driving more households to adopt dogs.
This shift has led to a rise in pet-related services, including pet insurance policies, which covered 64,000 incidents involving over 220,000 insured pets between August 2023 and July 2024. These policies cover liability for damages caused by pets, veterinary expenses, and even pet funeral services, costing an average of €239 annually.
Furthermore, wills increasingly include provisions for pets, with one in twelve testaments in Catalonia now ensuring that pets are cared for after their owners pass away. While animals cannot inherit directly, these provisions guarantee their well-being, reflecting the growing importance of pets in people's lives.