Over quarter of people would consider having a robot pet
More than a quarter of people would consider adding a robot pet to their family, new research reveals.
The survey – from the RSPCA as it is calls on 10,000 people to take part in the discussion about the future of animal welfare in Animal Futures: The Big Conversation – shows millennials (aged 25-34) are the most likely to get a robot pet, with 42% open to welcoming one into their home.
Robot pets, which mimic the appearance and behaviour of real animals and provide companionship to their owners, are already in high demand – with the market size estimated at $1.2bn (£964,850) in 2022 and growing.
As artificial intelligence improves, people aged 25-34 were also more likely to see AI replacing their bond with animals like their pets, with 24% thinking they could rely on computers over cats and dogs for relationships.
The way we use technology could change our critical relationship with animals and this is one of the key themes to explore in The Big Conversation. The RSPCA is calling on 10,000 people to take part in the discussion about the future of animal welfare.
Gemma Hope, the RSPCA’s Assistant Director of Policy, Advocacy and Evidence, said: “The results show that the choices we make could have unintended consequences for the way we see, feel and treat animals – for both good and bad. Animals play a really important role in our lives, and many of us think the bond we have with animals is irreplaceable, but these polling results show some younger generations potentially seeing tech replace many of the roles animals currently play in their lives. What would that mean for animals and how we see their welfare?
“We know it takes everyone to create a better world for every animal – and this Big Conversation will look at how society uses animals; the future role of technology; farmed animals and food systems; and animals in the wild. And what people say will really matter. The views of the public will help shape future RSPCA policy and conversations with the UK and Welsh Governments for years to come.”
Participants in The Big Conversation will get the chance to have their say on the world they want to see for animals and humans on a new dedicated online platform – with the role of technology and AI, meat substitutes like lab grown meat and society’s access to nature set to be major talking points.
Hope added: “We know the role robot pets play in our society can really divide opinion. Many of us think the amazing bond we have with our animals is irreplaceable, but others love the idea of robot pets. While some people see their existence as a threat to our rights to own a real pet, others say they could in future be a solution for people who can’t give a real animal the loving home they need.
“What’s clear is the market for these robots is growing fast, so this is one of many topics we look forward to discussing with the public as part of The Big Conversation. It’s so important people sign up, and have their say on animal futures.”
The Big Conversation will initially run from 23 January to 17 March. After the online conversation, the RSPCA will launch a second phase on 31 March when it will share the initial findings with a group of people, recruited to represent different views across England and Wales, who will join a Citizens’ Assembly to discuss issues affecting animal kindness and respect.
