Poll Shows Young People Want Dogs, Not Kids

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE (CBS4) - Many pet owners feel a powerful bond with their four-legged friends.

"I have 4 horses a dog and a cat, these are my kids," Georgina Milhet told CBS4's Natalia Zea.

A nationwide survey, conducted by pet supplements company Flexcin International, shows that 54 percent of pet owners under 30 say they have a dog, and have no plans to have kids.

That's no surprise to Dr. Marta Sanchez-Emden, a mother, pet owner and vet.

"It's a family member, the fact that it's a different species, feline canine, it doesn't matter," said Sanchez-Emden.

The USDA reports it costs an average of 13,000 dollars a year to raise a child versus the average dog, whose care costs an average of 13,000 dollars for its entire life.

Medical bills can stack up for both. But Dr. Sanchez-Emden says even with insurance, kid care costs way more than the vet.

Not to mention the emotional challenge of raising human babies can be tough.

"It's a challenge, right Dante?" mother Alondra Almanza asked her crying toddler in Southwest Miami-Dade.

But most pet owners we spoke with say their pups could never replace children.

"I brought him into this world and it's like I'm looking at a piece of myself," said dog lover Johnny Tardencilla, who hopes to have children one day.

For many South Floridians, having both is bliss. That's how Almanza feels.

"Of course the baby comes first, but I still love my dogs. They're still my family," said Almanza.