Motivations for Pet Ownership Among Adolescents and Emerging Adults in China: A Theory of Planned Behavior Study

Given the rapid shift in attitudes toward animals and the swift growth of pet ownership in China since the end of the urban pet ownership ban in 1992, particularly among younger generations, understanding the motivations behind pet ownership in this demographic is crucial. This study aimed to investigate sociodemographic and animal-type variations in pet ownership among young people in China and to apply the Theory of Planned Behavior to understand the motivations for pet ownership within this cultural context. A total of 988 participants, aged 16–29 years (M = 23.17, SD = 3.08), completed a survey assessing demographic characteristics, pet ownership, and motivations for keeping pets. Of the participants, 36.3% were pet owners, with cats being the most commonly owned pet, followed by dogs. Among the young adults, females, those of older age, those with full-time jobs, and those living with others were more likely to own pets. A variety of sociodemographic differences were also found in the ownership of different types of pets. In terms of the Theory of Planned Behavior, multiple linear regression analysis found that the intention to keep pets was predicted by personal attitudes and subjective norms. Those with more positive attitudes toward pets and higher levels of subjective norms regarding pet keeping were more motivated to own pets. In addition, participants with higher intention (b = 0.92, p < 0.001; OR = 2.501) and greater behavior control (b = 0.09, p < 0.001; OR = 1.094) were more likely to own pets. This lends support to the use of the Theory of Planned Behavior in understanding people’s decision to own pets.