First SINK, then DINK, now DINKWAD - families come in all shapes and sizes, but with research showing a 3.1% decrease in the number of children being born compared to 2021, the latest family dynamic is Dual-Income No Kids With a Dog.

That’s right, there’s a growing trend of couples choosing not to have children and instead, welcome furry friends into their homes. The hashtag #Dinkwad has amassed 134.9 million combined views on TikTok, with many videos explaining the reasoning behind being a DINKWAD as:

• Being a DINKWAD affords you more flexibility, but there is still a lot of responsibility involved in looking after a dog so you get the best of both worlds.
• Ultimately, everyone deserves to live the life they want to live and, for many people, they’d prefer to take care of a dog as opposed to a child.

Are you a DINK, thinking of becoming a DINKWAD and wondering what kinds of fun activities you can expect to get up to with your new poochie pal? To celebrate DINKWADs and to give you some inspiration on how to create magical memories with your dog, we've put together the most unique DINKWAD activities, according to TikTok.

Dr Anna Foreman, our in-house Vet, has also put together her top tips on what to consider when becoming a dog owner.

1. Creating a Dog Room

Without the need for a nursery and with more disposable income, many DINKWADs have turned their spare bedrooms into dog rooms, designed specifically for their furry friends. With over 119.3 million views for #DogRoom on TikTok, users are looking for inspiration turning unused space in their homes to a relaxing space for their dog.

Fitted with boxes of dog toys, agility equipment, safety precautions such as gates, and dog-themed furniture, you’ll be offering your dog a quiet space filled with their favourite things! How will you decorate your very own pooch parlour? Take a look at this popular puppy playroom TikTok for inspiration.

2. Throwing a Puppy Party

It will likely come as no surprise that one of the most popular DINKWAD (and any pet parent) activities is throwing birthday paw-ties! The hashtag #BirthdayPawty has 5.1 million combined views, with countless videos of people celebrating their adorable dogs. Our top tips for throwing the perfect pooch party? Make a dog-friendly cake, play their favourite games, avoid party poppers (or other loud noises) and give your dog space if they need some peace and quiet!

3. Enjoying a DNO (Dog’s Night Out)

Some of the benefits of being a DINKWAD include more money, time and flexibility which means couples can enjoy date nights and days out without breaking the bank. With the rise in popularity of DINKWADs, there has also been a significant rise in online searches for dog-friendly activities. ‘Dog-friendly bars’ has risen by 123% compared to August 2023, while ‘dog-friendly restaurants’ has risen by 83% in that same time. The hashtag #DogFriendlyPlaces has gained an incredible 46.8 million combined views on TikTok too!

4. Hosting a Paw-fternoon Tea

Traditionally designed by humans for humans, afternoon teas are a British delicacy. There’s nothing like spending quality time with a partner, friend or family while enjoying a delicious scone…except, now you can even spend time with your dog! That’s right, live your best DINKWAD life by booking a paw-fternoon tea where your dog can look forward to treats, biscuits and a special afternoon with you. This is a particularly popular DINKWAD activity, with one TikTok video amassing over 74k views.

5. Relaxing at a Spa Day

Who doesn’t love a pamper session? Rest, relaxation and recuperation is needed after a long day of being a dog! It makes sense that one of the most unique DINKWAD activities is pamper days, with the additional time and money you have as a couple with a double income and no kids.

With over 355.4 million combined views for #DogSpa you will be spoilt for inspiration on TikTok. The only thing to consider is, will you send your dog to the groomers regularly or create a homemade spa day? Take inspiration from Elvis Batz, the lovely Labrador who’s treated to a spa day every Sunday!

6. Having Fun at Doggy Soft Play

Are you looking for fun and active things to do with your dog on rainy days? Did you know… soft play areas aren’t just for children, DINKWAD couples can take advantage of these exciting, activity zones too! As #SoftPlayForDogs has 2 million combined views on TikTok, you may not be aware that there are several dog-friendly soft play areas around the UK, where your pooches can let loose and enjoy an afternoon of vigorous exercise without being outside.

7. Travelling on Holidays

We couldn’t write a list of DINKWAD activities without mentioning dog-friendly holidays. Like many of the other activities, with the added time, flexibility and money that being a

Double-Income No Kids household gives you may enable you to enjoy multiple holidays a year as you can travel outside of peak season and avoid extra costs. Due to the popularity of travelling with dogs, #Dogfriendlyholiday has 12.5 million combined views on TikTok, with plenty of videos suggesting dog-friendly destinations and sharing travel tips!

What to Consider Before Taking on a Dog, According to Vet Dr Anna Foreman

"Every animal is an individual, there is not a ‘one size fits all’ breed or species of dog for certain situations.

Some young adult, adult or senior dogs who have had a harder start to life, such as street dogs, may be much more difficult to integrate into a home setting, and may be more challenging to gain the trust and affection of too."

What to Consider Before Taking on a Dog:

Lifestyle

It is vital to consider your lifestyle, and time and financial constraints, before taking on a dog. As a rule, dogs should not be left alone for over four hours at a time, as they require access to go to the toilet and socialisation.

Dogs who are left alone for extended periods of time are prone to developing abnormal behaviours due to boredom and loneliness. Equally, if a dog who is always with their owner then is left alone, no matter for how long, they can develop separation anxiety.

Dogs also require daily walking, something an owner needs to have the time to commit to.

Costs

Dogs are very expensive luxuries to own too. At the outset, although some dogs taken on from rehoming centres may only cost a small fee, certain breeds of puppy can cost thousands of pounds.

These pedigree animals are more likely to suffer from genetically linked health conditions, which can incur significant veterinary bills too. Pet Insurance should be seriously considered when taking on a dog, whether from a puppy or an adult. A lifetime policy with a limit of £6000-£12000 may ensure all eventualities are covered. Some rescue dogs may be taken on with pre-existing health concerns - it is important to consider that not all of these may be covered by insurance.

Any dog can cost a significant amount of money to upkeep regardless of its pedigree however – food costs, veterinary care (both preventative and for illness or injury), accessories (such as bedding, clothing etc.), travel costs, pet insurance etc. can all be high, and especially in a time of a cost of living crisis, these overheads should all be considered before taking on any pet.

Environment

Dogs over the age of 16 weeks (who have already been through the sensitive learning phase) will take much longer to adapt to a new environment, and (particularly adult dogs) can take months to settle in.

There tends to be a rule of three with older dogs (and even puppies) – it takes three days to stop feeling acutely overwhelmed by a new home, three weeks to start to settle into a new routine, and three months for a dog to consider a new place home.