VERBS

spend
increase
refuse
consider
raise
improve
ensure
embrace
reach

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Key insights

Americans are spending more on their pets than ever before, with the number of dogs

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and cats increasing faster than the human population.

50% of Millennials refuse to have children, opting instead to consider their pets as

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their own, raising questions about the future of humanity and society.

Having pets instead of children is seen as a way of improving the quality of life of
Millennials and Generation Z, who may not have the financial means or desire to have

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children.

Advances in veterinary care have led to longer life expectancy for pets, with
millennials embracing human health technologies and treatments to ensure the health

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and well-being of their pets.

Americans are spending significantly more on pet insurance premiums, with last
year's spending reaching two billion dollars, showing that pets are becoming

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increasingly important members of the family.

Pets can provide companionship and emotional support, and research shows that

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they can help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.

According to the Progressive Animal Welfare Society, 90% of dogs found in pet shops
come from factories, highlighting the importance of adopting pets rather than

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supporting unethical breeding practices.

It's important to understand the reasons for owning a pet, including knowing where
they come from and not supporting unethical practices.
Questions:
1. According to the text, what is the trend in the number of dogs and cats compared to
the human population in the US?

A. The number of dogs and cats is decreasing.

B. The number of dogs and cats is increasing at the same rate as the human
population.
C. The number of dogs and cats is increasing faster than the human population.
D. The number of dogs and cats is decreasing faster than the human population.

2. What does the text suggest about Millennials and their choice to have pets instead
of children?

A. Millennials cannot afford to have children.

B. Millennials believe pets are better than children.
C. Millennials do not want to have children.
D. Millennials believe pets are easier to take care of than children.

3. According to the text, why do some Millennials and Generation Z choose to have
pets instead of children?

A. They don't have the financial means to have children.

B. They don't want the responsibility of raising children.
C. They believe pets can improve their quality of life.
D. They prioritize their pets over having children.

4. How have advances in veterinary care affected the life expectancy of pets?

A. Pets now live shorter lives due to new treatments.

B. Pets now live longer lives due to new treatments.
C. Pets' life expectancy remains the same.
D. The text does not mention any changes in pets' life expectancy.

5. What does the increased spending on pet insurance premiums suggest?

A. Pet owners are becoming more financially responsible.

B. Pet owners are becoming more concerned about their pets' health.
C. Pet owners are spending less on other expenses.
D. The cost of pet insurance has decreased.

6. According to research mentioned in the text, how do pets contribute to emotional

well-being?

A. Pets can reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.

B. Pets can increase stress and worsen emotional well-being.
C. Pets can provide companionship but do not affect emotional well-being.
D. The text does not mention any effects of pets on emotional well-being.

7. What does the Progressive Animal Welfare Society emphasize regarding pet
ownership?

A. The importance of adopting pets from pet shops.

B. The importance of supporting unethical breeding practices.
C. The importance of buying pets from pet shops.
D. The text does not mention the Progressive Animal Welfare Society.

Correct answers:
1. C
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. B
6. A
7. A