By: Claire Liu

We love our pets. Dogs, cats, and others. They’re all so cute and adorable, but are we loving them too much? As of 2024, about two-thirds of Americans own pets. Unfortunately, the increase of popularity and love for pets has led to negative changes in the animal’s natural behavior and habits. The animals are suddenly being kept on aa much shorter leash by owners, to the point that pets lose many of their basic privileges and must spend most of their time indoors

According to the American Pet Products Association, it is estimated about $150.6 billion is spent on pampering and treating our pets. Suddenly, money is spent on luxuries for pets that they don’t necessarily need, like Knapsack Carriers, customized nutrition plans, and other treats. A reason behind all these new purchases, is most likely the increase in pet-friendly spaces, like hotels, restaurants, and stores, as well as new products that are especially designed for pet owners.

But even more is spent on the confinement of pets, like fences, harnesses and electric collars. Instead of having the freedom to roam around, pet owners have begun to be more protective of their pets, restricting them from expressing their playful, curious, animal nature. While cats and dogs may have been able to explore the outdoors and streets before, they are now constrained and spend more of their time indoors. This causes a huge habit and relationship change between the pet and the owner. This is because the isolation can lead to an increase in separation anxiety and strong aggression towards others, as pets have less experience with the outside world.

Not only does this restriction change the natural behavior of pets, but it also affects their overall health. Roughly 60% of dogs and cats are either overweight or obese as their exercise is limited from isolation or they may be overfed and pampered. Nevertheless, our dedication to our pets can be unhealthy sometimes, especially as their popularity increases.

“We’re at an odd moment of obsession with pets,” Animal researcher Dr. Pierce says. “There are too many of them and we keep them too intensively. It’s not good for us and it’s not good for them.”

It’s true that owners have the power and authority to decide what they believe is best for their pet, but that doesn’t mean they should ignore what’s actually good for them. Pets will always just be animals, with much different needs than us humans, so there is no need to treat them like a human. “By all means enjoy your dog’s companionship. But dogs are not people. Get to know the animal from its own perspective instead of forcing them to comply with yours.” Dr. Serpell advises. Even under domestication, all animals should have their own freedom to just act like and be more than just pets.