With Mother’s Day approaching on 30th March 2025, parents across the UK are set to be celebrated with gifts and affection. This year, however, a growing number of Brits are directing their love towards an unconventional group of “children”: their pets. A recent study by greetings card marketplace thortful has uncovered a striking trend: 43% of Brits see their pets as children, while 28% admit to favouring their furry companions over their human offspring. To mark this shift, thortful has launched a unique range of “pet mum” cards, designed specifically for the occasion.
The research, conducted in February 2024 with 1,000 participants, highlights the deepening bond between Brits and their pets. To explore this phenomenon, thortful partnered with Rachel Rogers, an award-winning dog trainer and behaviour specialist from Nose To Trail. Together, they delved into why pets are increasingly stealing the spotlight from children and the benefits these animals bring to their owners’ lives.
Rachel Rogers offers insight into the appeal of pets as low-demand companions. “Pets can be, when we choose a suitable species and breed for us, very easy companions that like to do the things we like to do,” she explains. “Guinea pigs, for example, can be a very low-maintenance pet that, if you gain their trust, will happily sit and watch Netflix with you at night without needing long walks or early toilet trips like a dog.” Unlike children, pets don’t require late-night pickups or a packed schedule of extracurricular activities, making them a stress-free source of companionship.
The health benefits of pet ownership further explain this trend. Studies have long shown that stroking pets can lower heart rate and blood pressure, a fact that underpins initiatives like the Pets as Therapy programme, which brings animals into hospitals and care homes. Rachel adds, “Dogs live in the now. They don’t worry about what happened yesterday, and with the move towards more mindful living over the last few years, many of us benefit from that type of attitude.” This ability to anchor owners in the present moment offers a mental respite from the anxieties of daily life.
So why do so many Brits view their pets as children? Rachel points to both emotional and biological factors. “We have bred many breeds to have neonatal-like features which add to their appeal – the big widespread eyes of a French Bulldog and Pug, for example, are exactly for that purpose,” she says. These traits trigger a nurturing instinct akin to parenting. Smaller breeds like cockapoos and dachshunds, easily portable to dog-friendly cafes or swimming pools, amplify this bond. “Dogs need us,” Rachel continues. “Just like a child, they are reliant on us for their care, their food, their entertainment.”
For those considering a pet, Rachel recommends five species known for human interaction and joy. **Her top picks are:**
- Dogs. Loyal and ever-present companions
- Cats. Independent yet affectionate when they choose to be
- Guinea pigs. Quiet and cuddly with minimal demands
- Ferrets. Playful and curious, offering constant amusement
- Rabbits. Gentle and responsive to care
thortful, an online platform supporting independent creatives worldwide, is capitalising on this pet-parent surge. The company pays its artists an industry-leading royalty rate per card sold, handling production and customer service to ensure a seamless experience. Their new Mother’s Day range celebrates the “fur baby” phenomenon, giving pet mums a chance to shine.
As the UK prepares for Mother’s Day, the thortful study reveals a cultural shift: for many, pets aren’t just part of the family – they’re the heart of it. Whether it’s the unconditional love or the simpler demands, Britain’s pet mums are redefining parenthood, one wag or purr at a time.
