The so-called baby boom generation, which grew up in the 1950s and 1960s, is currently driving the pet industry by adopting more animals than ever before due to their love of classic television shows that "humanise" four-legged creatures.
This is according to Chris Boring, the chief executive of American market research firm Boulevard Strategies, who says that those who grew up watching TV shows like Lassie are more likely to have a soft spot for domestic animals, Dispatch reports.
As the baby boom generation reaches old age, many are adopting more pets as a way of replacing the gap left by their children who have now left home.
Mr Boring explains: "Now that baby boomers have become empty nesters, they’re adopting pets in record numbers."
This is also leading to a rise in the number of pet accessories being bought and sold across the world, with items like dog bowls and chew toys high on many owners' shopping lists.
