The concept of DINK (Double Income, No Kids) families are widely accepted in China, and pets have become the center and emotional bound in many DINK families, which are usually called DINK-pet families.

 

According to Economic Information Daily, DINK-pet families usually consist of young couples with high income, who are fearful of the commitment to children, but want to enjoy the natural bonds and love of being parents, thus pets take the place of children.

 

In a recent survey in Tianjin, more than 63.6 percent of married young women in the cities do not want to have children. Bearing a child has even become a fear among them.

 

There are many reasons for becoming DINK-pet families, the most important one being the carefree life. About 41 percent of responders to a survey about the life of DINK-pet families in Chinese cities claimed they really appreciated the current light-heartedness.

 

Ms. Liang, working in a joint venture enterprise, said that she led a DINK-pet life because raising a child would cost too much money. "Besides life expenses, education, future job hunting and even the child's marriage will need a lot of money and effort, but pets are different. They just need three meals a day, and they can bring much fun," said Liang.

 

(Chinanews.cn September 20, 2006)