China is facing a sharp decline in births despite years of government efforts to encourage population growth. Although restrictions on family size have been relaxed, these changes have failed to produce a significant increase in childbirth. Official data show that the number of births has fallen dramatically over the past decade, reaching a record low in recent years. At the same time, China’s overall population has begun to shrink, even as it remains one of the world’s most populous countries. Marriage rates have also dropped significantly, a trend that directly affects birth rates in a society where marriage is commonly viewed as a prerequisite for having children. In 2024, the number of marriages fell by nearly 20 percent, marking the largest decline on record. In response, authorities have introduced a range of pronatalist policies, including tax benefits, childcare subsidies, and extended maternity leave. Some measures, such as higher taxes on contraceptives, have been largely symbolic and have shown limited impact. Despite these initiatives, many young people remain resistant to having children. They often view childbearing as a costly and risky commitment, particularly in an uncertain economic environment. Concerns about career disruption, job insecurity, and age discrimination in hiring are especially strong among women and young professionals. Many also worry about the intense competition their future children would face in education and employment. Against this backdrop, pet ownership has surged across China. Pets are increasingly treated as family members, a shift from traditional attitudes that once viewed such practices as foreign. Research suggests that the number of pets in China now exceeds the number of children under the age of four, and this gap is expected to widen in the coming years. For many individuals, pets offer companionship without the financial and emotional pressures associated with raising children. Pet owners describe caring for animals as fulfilling yet manageable, allowing them to maintain personal freedom while still experiencing a sense of responsibility. Some see pet ownership not as a rejection of family life, but as a practical response to social pressure and economic reality. While many remain open to marriage and parenthood in the future, they are choosing to delay these decisions until conditions feel more secure.