By Marie Haaland // SWNS
The average kid will beg their parents for a pet 1,584 times before the age of 18, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 parents of school-aged children found 74% of kids have asked for a pet, and they ask for one an average of 11 times per month starting at age 6.
But they’re not asking in vain: two-thirds of parents have, eventually, given in — and it’s after their child has been asking for three years, on average.
Conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Spin Master, the survey revealed the most coveted pet is a dog — 78% have asked specifically for a dog.
And parents should be even more prepared to hear, “Can we get a puppy?” as we enter the holiday season.
Sixty-two percent of children who’ve asked their parents for a pet double-down during the holiday season, and they ask seven more times per month.
And some kids might soon get to experience the joy of a furry friend: a third of parents surveyed are planning to buy their child a pet this holiday season.
Looking back to their own childhood, 46% received a pet as a present — and 89% of those said it was the best present they ever received.
“It’s a dream come true for a child to receive the ultimate surprise on Christmas morning — a puppy,” said Jean Gomez, Vice President of Marketing, Spin Master. “As some parents remember from their own childhood, receiving a pet for the holidays leaves a lasting impression — the ultimate surprise and moment of pure joy can be delivered during the holiday season, without the responsibility (or clean up) of a live pet.”
While kids are asking (and asking, and asking) their parents for a pet, the survey found they need to do more than just that.
Parents felt it was important to start small and build up to getting a new pet (78%) — which might be one of the reasons 25% of respondents wanted their child to show they could care for a toy pet before receiving a live one.
“A toy pet can bring so much excitement and joy, while also acting as a step toward getting a real pet,” said Gomez. “And while some parents may say no when asked ‘can we get a puppy’, an interactive pet like Present Pets that barks and paws its way out of the box can deliver that magical experience for the whole family.”
Eighty-two percent of parents surveyed believe it’s important for children to be introduced to — and spend time with — animals.
Learning to play gently (58%), learning responsibility (57%) and being encouraged to spend time outdoors (46%) were found to be the top benefits of growing up with pets.
WHAT PETS ARE KIDS MOST LIKELY TO ASK FOR?
- Dog
- Cat
- Fish
- Bird
- Rabbit
HOW MANY TIMES DO KIDS ASK FOR A PET?
- 74% of kids have asked their parents for a pet
- They first ask at age 6, on average
- Kids ask 11 times per month — with an additional seven times during the holiday season (making it 18 times per month)
- This adds up to 1,584 times by the age of 18
