If previously the dream of raising a child was part of the traditional life plans, for Generation Z, it seems increasingly distant. The reason? A combination of high living costs, economic uncertainties and new priorities has led many young people to decide to become parents… but not of human children. Instead, they are choosing to adopt pets, turning cats, dogs, lizards and even guinea pigs into their favorite “children.”
This love of animals has had a powerful impact on the job market, with veterinarians being named the best job of 2025, according to a report from Indeed. For the first time since 2019, the profession has not only made the list of the best jobs, but has ranked first. The reason? Young people of Generation Z are more willing than ever to spend on their beloved animals.
According to the data, a veterinarian earns an average of $139,999 per year, far more than the average American salary of $66,621. In addition to the high salary, the profession's steady growth is undeniable: from 2021 to 2024, the number of jobs for veterinarians increased by 124%, with 1,065 job postings for every 1 million additional positions.
They spend an average of $178 per month on their pets, more than any other generation. In comparison, millennials spend $146, Gen Xers spend $115, and baby boomers spend just $90. To put that into perspective, a cat that lives an average of 17 years will cost its Gen Z parent a whopping $17,952 over its lifetime. And while that may seem like a high number to many, for these young people, the love for their pets is priceless.
While raising children requires a large financial investment, caring for animals offers love and devotion without much of the “drama” of real life. For Gen Z, these beloved creatures are more than just pets – they are full-fledged members of the family and, it seems, the main reason why veterinarians are experiencing a real professional “boom”.
