Love for dogs is no longer a private or marginal matter. In Israel, there are no precise statistics on the subject, but in the United States, almost half of households own a dog, and many pet owners consider them an integral part of the family. More than that – opinion polls show that over 50% of owners believe that a dog is “a family member in every way, just like a human.”
This revolution is also evident in the labor market: The number of veterinarians, dog trainers, behavioral therapists, and pet-related businesses is steadily increasing, and veterinary schools struggle to meet demand. Researchers and cultural commentators sometimes call this the “pet revolution” – a deep change in the place of animals in modern society.
Not Just Loneliness, But Disappointment in Society
In the past, it was argued that the close bond with dogs mainly stems from loneliness, especially in the internet age. However, recent studies and analyses suggest a different interpretation: Not necessarily loneliness, but a growing dissatisfaction with human relationships and social structures.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, this trend has intensified. Lockdown periods forced people to spend long periods with partners, children, or roommates – an experience that did not always strengthen bonds. At the same time, many reported that their bond with their dog deepened, becoming more stable, predictable, and comforting.
On social media, this is clearly expressed: Hashtags like “dogs are better than humans” or “prefer dogs over people” have become common, alongside countless products with similar messages.
Research: Dogs Are Perceived as More Supportive
A study published in 2025 found that dog owners tend to rate their relationship with their pet as better than relationships with close humans such as partners, children, or relatives, across several key measures, including feelings of support, loyalty, and companionship.
Additionally, participants reported fewer negative interactions with dogs compared to close humans. The dog does not criticize, judge, or create complex conflicts – traits that make it, in the eyes of many, an “easier” emotional partner.
The link between the rise in dog love and the weakening social fabric is evident in data. In the early 1970s, about 46% of Americans believed that “most people are worthy of trust.” By 2018, the number had dropped to only about 34%.
At the same time, researchers identify a phenomenon called the “friendship recession”: People meet friends less often, avoid conversations with strangers, and spend more time at home. Among those aged 25–44, more than half own a pet – sometimes in place of traditional symbols of stability like marriage, children, or buying a home.
Health Benefits – and When It Crosses the Line
There is no doubt that the bond with dogs has proven benefits. Studies indicate contributions to improved mood, reduced feelings of loneliness, encouragement of physical activity, and even positive effects on cognitive health. Dog training programs in prisons, for example, have been shown to reduce recidivism.
However, experts warn against excessive expectations. Dogs are not a substitute for complex human relationships and cannot – nor should they – bear all the emotional burden of their owners.
Researchers and veterinarians point to concerning phenomena: Viewing the dog as a “fur baby” can lead to unnecessary medical treatments, over-testing, and projecting human needs onto the dog that are not appropriate.
Additionally, dogs left alone for long hours while their owners work may suffer from chronic boredom, anxiety, and health problems. At the same time, the increase in the number of pets also leads to more abandonments and additional pressure on shelters.
Many voices call for a reassessment of pet ownership itself, but most experts agree that this is not a practical approach. Dogs have accompanied humans for tens of thousands of years, and some researchers even believe that the relationship with them shaped humanity itself.
The real challenge, they say, is balance: A society that fosters healthy human connections, reduces economic and social stress, and promotes mental well-being – will also be a society where the bond with pets is healthier, more respectful, and sustainable.
Bottom Line – The growing closeness to dogs is not accidental. It reflects deep processes of social change, emotional erosion, and declining trust among humans. Dogs indeed offer a stable, simple, and supportive bond – but they are not a solution to every social gap.
For the bond to benefit both sides, it is important to see it as a meaningful addition to life – not a substitute for a functioning human society.