Gen Z are becoming pet parents because they can’t afford human babies—now veterinarian is one of the hottest jobs of 2025, says Indeed
Gen Z is embracing pet parenthood as raising human children becomes less attainable—and this trend has propelled veterinarians to the top of the career ladder.
Veterinarians claimed the No. 1 spot on Indeed’s Best Jobs of 2025 report, which evaluates roles based on salary, job growth, and flexibility. For the first time since the report’s inception in 2019, veterinarians have taken the lead, thanks to Gen Z’s willingness to invest heavily in the care of their pets.
Among the 25 ranked positions, veterinarians are also the most prevalent, with 1,065 job postings per 1 million total listings. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of vet job postings skyrocketed by 124%.
The rewards for this career are significant: veterinarians earn a median annual salary of $139,999, which far surpasses the average U.S. worker’s yearly earnings of $66,621, according to 2023 Social Security Administration data.
Gen Z is spending more on pets than any other generation
Nearly half (45.5%) of U.S. households own dogs, while 32.1% have cats, according to a 2024 report from the American Veterinary Medical Association. The average household spends $580 per year on dogs and $433 on cats, but Gen Z goes above and beyond, spending an average of $178 per month on their pets. That’s $1,056 more annually than baby boomers, who spend just $90 per month, according to a 2024 Lemonade study.
Over the lifespan of a housecat (up to 17 years), Gen Z’s spending habits amount to a whopping $17,952—demonstrating their commitment to their pets’ well-being.
Unfortunately, these spending patterns may reflect Gen Z’s broader economic struggles. A Pew Research Center study revealed that from 2018 to 2023, the percentage of young adults unlikely to have children rose from 37% to 47%. For 36% of respondents, financial constraints were the top reason, along with concerns about global issues and a desire to focus on other priorities. Pets, while not a direct substitute for children, offer companionship and a sense of responsibility at a lower cost.
Additionally, pets may be contributing to better mental health for many Gen Zers and millennials, who often face mental health challenges. The companionship of a pet can provide emotional support and improve overall well-being.
The 10 Best Jobs of 2025 (per Indeed):
- Veterinarian
- Sales representative
- Physician
- Civil engineer
- Estimator
- Attorney
- Territory manager
- Clinical psychologist
- Fire engineer
- Structural engineer
Health care careers continue to dominate
The rise of veterinarians reflects a broader trend in health care’s prominence in the job market. Other roles like physician (No. 3), clinical psychologist (No. 8), and radiologist (No. 14) also made the list. Salaries for these roles range from $95,000 to $385,116, highlighting the industry’s growth and potential.
Between March 2022 and March 2024, the health care sector expanded by 8.2%, more than doubling the 3.8% growth rate of all other industries combined, according to an Altarum report analyzing Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
In today’s well-being-focused era, roles like veterinarian are thriving, signaling a shift toward careers that contribute to both physical and emotional health—whether for humans or their furry companions.