For 75% of Argentines, their dog or cat is like a child

In some provincial capitals, animals have more presence per square meter than children under 10 years of age , as shown by the figures from the latest National Census of Population, Households and Housing 2022 (INDEC) for the case of the City of Buenos Aires.

The public opinion consultancy KANTAR Insights division carried out a new survey in 2024 with a sample of 1,000 cases, among men and women aged 18 and over, residing throughout the country, of socioeconomic levels ABC1 (high), C2C3 (medium), D1D2 (low) which yielded, among many other conclusions, that for 75% of those surveyed their pet is like a child.

A figure was also reaffirmed: 8 out of 10 Argentines have at least one pet in their home. This number has been maintained since 2022 and is especially driven by those who live in Greater Buenos Aires (GBA) and the Interior. Meanwhile, in the City of Buenos Aires, pet ownership reaches 59%, according to the survey. Dogs continue to be the preferred choice (78% of respondents said they have at least one at home), followed by cats (51% of respondents).

However, although dogs are the most popular pet, a downward trend is observed (-6 percentage points between 2017 and 2024). As in previous surveys, cat ownership is higher among women: 57% of women own cats vs. 44% of men.

Adopt vs. Buy

The Kantar survey highlighted a positive aspect of the bond with pets, which is adoption as the most common way in which an animal enters the home : 64% of the owners chose to adopt, and 28% received it as a gift.

Meanwhile, the purchase rate registered a clear drop: from 11% in 2023 to 8% in 2024. It is worth noting that the purchase rate remains the most common method among the upper and upper-middle classes and residents of CABA. In this regard, the Argentine capital has revealed itself as a Mecca for the coexistence between animals and human beings.

In the City of Buenos Aires, almost half of the households live with a dog or a cat. That's more than 800,000 dogs and cats.

The study also found that there are more dogs in CABA than ten-year-old children. The Almagro neighbourhood is considered one of the most densely populated by pets and/or companion animals per square metre.

The veterinary expert Juan Enrique Romero, in a recent note with Infobae, explained that 'having a dog or a cat, it is proven, does good to humans. Animals accompany and improve emotional well-being, and therefore the health of people. There are many studies that conclude that companion animals are very important for older adults, even in extreme cases such as Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia; since many times older adults calm down in the face of an anger attack if the animal is by their side. They are also welcome and provide well-being in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) .'

Expenses and care

When it comes to pet care , the budget for their maintenance includes some basic expenses: 87% of owners buy balanced food, 68% invest in vaccines and 57% allocate money to flea/tick repellents.

Likewise, other somewhat more sophisticated consumption items such as clothing, toys or hairdressing are observed, which are part of the spending of 2 out of 10 owners, especially at medium-high and high levels.

'Argentines humanize pets, which is evident in the 75% of respondents who say that in some way their pet is like a child, an attitude that predominates among women, people under 50 years old and in the lowest socioeconomic levels ,' explained Mariana Souto, director of Omnibus at Kantar Insights Argentina.

The President of the Nation himself, Javier Milei, without hiding it and with pride, speaks of his dogs as 'my four-legged children: Conan, Milton, Robert and Lucas'.

New habits, new demands

On the other hand, the humanization of pets promotes new habits and demands :

• 39% of owners usually go to 'pet friendly' cafes/bars, reaching 80% who consider that spaces such as shops, restaurants and even museums should allow pets.
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• 59% of owners said they usually choose pet-friendly accommodations on vacation, and 39% hire a home sitter or daycare center.
• 66% of owners revealed that they share photos and videos of their pets and 35% follow pet-related influencers.

In a conversation with Infobae, the legislator of CABA, Emanuel Ferrario, referred to the creation of specific legislation on animal rights, and explained: 'It is essential to promote a harmonious and respectful coexistence between humans and pets. These laws aim to eradicate abuse and neglect, in addition to fostering a culture of responsibility and empathy within the community.'

The legislator believes that cities around the world are currently discussing the best way to establish an animal welfare agenda, which is made up of four aspects: castration, feeding, vaccination and walking.

By Daniela Blanco

Source: Infobae / All PetFood.net

Domestic animals in Argentina are already a constituent part of the population landscape throughout the country, especially dogs and cats. They impact, transform, modify social life.