Couple Chooses Pet Over Parenthood: A Trend on the Rise

A Unique Lifestyle Choice

A couple from Bengaluru has sparked a lively debate on social media with their unconventional lifestyle choice. They have expressed that they do not wish to have children, as their pet dog fulfills all their emotional needs. This growing trend has prompted many to reconsider their priorities in life. Notably, the couple spends between ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 monthly on their dog, which exceeds their own personal expenses.

How the Story Unfolded

The revelation came to light when Gagan Arora, founder of GoQuest, shared his experience on social media. He visited the home of a tech-savvy couple residing in Indiranagar, where he observed an array of expensive super-premium dog food and supplements in their kitchen. The cost of just 3 kilograms of dog food was around ₹2,400. Additionally, the refrigerator contained specially packed chicken portions for the dog, organized by day.

Why Such Expenditure?

The couple disclosed that their monthly expenses for their dog range from ₹12,000 to ₹15,000, covering food, grooming, toys, treats, and veterinary visits. Interestingly, when asked about their grocery expenses, they chuckled and mentioned it might be even less than what they spend on their pet. This highlights how urban couples today view their pets as integral family members, sparing no effort in their care.

Understanding the DINKWAD Trend

Such couples have been categorized under a new term: DINKWAD, which stands for Double Income, No Kids, With A Dog. This term emerged during a recent market research webinar. Individuals in this category often have limited time but ample resources, allowing them to lavishly spend on their pets. They consider their dogs as 'fur-children' or family members. The rise of this trend in India is significantly boosting the pet care industry, marking a notable shift in consumer behavior.