Pet Parent: parenthood for pets

This phrase was first pronounced by George Graham Vest in 1870 and, although still a long way from the birth of social networks, it went viral: “the dog is man’s best friend”. As a definition of our relationship with dogs, these words have travelled far, but it looks as though they are nearing the end. Today, the concept of friendship is not quite enough and we need to go one step further to describe this furry – and indispensable — member of our family. We have entered the age of pet parents.

“Father or mother of a pet”. Although it may seem shocking to some, the term pet parent is used more and more. Times change and the link that grows between us and our pets is something so special that the traditional “owner” or “master” begins to seem inappropriate. We resist associating our furry friend with an object or something we own because that is a long way from what we feel for him.

What does pet parent mean?

It means a lot! Above all, it means a change in the sensitivity with which we see our pets and how we understand our relations with them. Like everything that has anything to do with love, the concept carries many nuances. Let’s take a look at the main implications.

• Being a pet parent means taking on responsibilities. People who look after an animal acquire a commitment similar to that of parents with their children. They have to provide care, attention, love and good food. Pets are living beings with their own needs and emotions, and pet parents accept that their duty is to look after them, rather than simply “owning them”.
• Being a pet parent means recognizing that your pet is part of the family. Although not human, your pet is decidedly an addition to the family, and needs to be treated and cared for as such. Pets can contribute a lot to our lives and to the family dynamic.
• Being a pet parent means unconditional love. That is, you have to accept your dog or cat with all his qualities and faults. Because, although he may cause you an occasional headache, at the end of the day you know that he/she will always be there, ready to give you all his love and loyalty.

A world more and more in love with pets

If you define yourself as a pet lover, if you spend hours looking at videos of puppies and kittens, if your pet has more jerseys than you or if at Christmas there is always a present for him, you are not alone.  Pet parenting has come to stay. And it is a global phenomenon. This is clear from the data. In the United Kingdom it is quite normal to buy gifts and accessories for pets (66% of people do) and in Asia, 45% celebrate their birthdays. According to a study, 70% of millennials would be prepared to earn less if they were allowed to take their pets to the office and 65% would prefer to lose their mobile phones than be away from their pets for a week.

So it is clear that, whether you like it or not, things are changing. When we become parents to our pets, we are, inevitably, transforming the society in which we live. In recent years there has been a real boom in being pet friendly.

Everything for your dog, everything with your dog

All pet parents who are proud of being so resist the need to leave their pets at home alone for hours and hours. They have to accept it when there is no alternative to going to work, but in their free time they want to be with their dogs and take them everywhere. And businesses are taking note. Dogs are already accepted without question in many bars and cafeterias, shops, libraries, pharmacies, etc., including shopping malls!

And the market is looking for ways to respond to the needs of our furry friends. To ensure that they lack nothing, people are open to buying any kind of product designed for them. Cuddly toys, good food, toys to stimulate their intelligence, treats, beds, travel baskets, clothing and  accessories of all kinds. Today’s spending on pets is much higher than was considered normal a few years ago, and is done with pleasure.

A phenomenon in the social media

Internet is becoming more and more a place for pets. Specialised platforms and communities never cease to grow. Pet parents love to exchange information, advice and ideas for their care. This means that the social media are full of their photos and videos. Some pets have even become celebrities: pet influencers have been created.

Animals protected by law

Of course, all this is reflected internationally in law, with legislations seeking ways to improve animal protection and welfare. In Spain, the New Animal Welfare Law includes, among other things, a prohibition on mistreatment of animals or causing them unnecessary suffering, as well as the obligation to provide them with suitable food  and decent living conditions.

How to score 10 as a pet parent

As we said above, although pets offer us plenty of rewards ad gratifying moments, being a pet parent carries an enormous responsibility. Obligations include sharing a home with your dog that is warm and safe, taking him for walks, socialising and exercising, taking him to the vet for check-ups and vaccinations, giving him all the affection he needs... and another thing on which we must insist, feeding him properly.

A healthy diet is fundamental to keeping your dog fit and well, so it has to be a priority for any responsible pet parent. If you want to achieve excellence, we recommend that you take a look at our Ocean foods, based on marine protein. The five varieties, named for the five oceans from which we obtain the ingredients, are absolutely natural, free of colorants and flavour enhancers.

Being a pet parent is a choice that changes your life. In good times and bad, you have to be ready to devote your time and resources to your dog’s wellbeing. And it’s worth doing, because every moment shared with your dog is a gift. Is there anything more gratifying than coming home after a long day at work and seeing how thrilled your dog is to welcome you? Animals have a lot to teach us and to see the world through their eyes is an entrancing and moving adventure.