Well you do have to change a cats litter box, or pick up your dogs poop if he goes in a public place.

An animal is also a lot of work. It’s not like you can spontaneously go on vacation, you’d have to find a pet-sitter or take your pet with you at extra cost. Also as i mentioned before it’s a living being who requires food, attention and care. Yes of course a child is MORE work but fundamentally they’re very similar.

My theory is that such people deep down actually do in fact want kids but don’t want the uncertainty and possible disappointment that come from having them. A pet is a solution to that: they give you something to care for and love you unconditionally and will not possibly betray/disappoint you. What do you think?