Italy has more pets than newborns annually, which may seem like a trivial issue at first, but it actually reflects a more profound social change. More homes are being filled with dogs, cats, and even rabbits rather than kids as birth rates fall to all-time lows.
Birth rates in Italy have dropped to their lowest level since the country’s unification, according to recent data from the national statistics agency. Only about 379,000 babies were born in 2023. More than half of Italian households now own at least one pet, and many have multiple pets, according to surveys. Pets are becoming the “new family members” for a lot of young people.
What, then, is causing this trend?
One reason is that raising a child in Italy has become extremely expensive. The cost of housing, childcare, school fees, and other daily expenses keeps going up, but salaries essentially stay the same. Many young adults believe that starting a family is simply out of their price range.
Second, the change in lifestyle is genuine. The younger generation of today appreciates flexibility—the ability to travel, explore, or concentrate on work without having to shoulder the burden of parenthood. Although they require fewer long-term commitments, pets provide emotional support and companionship.
Additionally, there is a cultural component. Family ties have always been important in Italy. However, people are starting families later, if at all, due to late marriages, urban living, and shifting work patterns.
According to experts, there may soon be significant economic difficulties as a result of the demographic decline. There will be fewer workers to sustain the economy as the population ages and the number of youth declines.
On the plus side, though, pet culture in Italy is flourishing more than before. The new standard is pet-friendly cafés, dog social clubs, and even boutiques selling pet fashion.
The concept of “family” may just be evolving in a nation that is renowned for its warmth and familial ties.
