# Fake Pets Purchasable temporary companionship extends to the animal world. By [Marissa Brassfield](https://www.trendhunter.com/Marissa), Ridiculously Efficient CEO | Published Sep 23, 2009, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fake-pets-purchasable-temporary-companionship-extends-to-the-animal-world ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Fake Pets trend? **Fake Pets:** Individuals who seek the companionship and unwavering love of a pet without the responsibility or financial outlay of owning one for good are renting pets or buying fake substitutes as a second-best option. This phenomenon even enables excuses based on the daily tribulations of a pet owner's life. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 19 to Sep 7, 2009 - Published: Sep 23, 2009 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Fake Pets trend ### Fake Pet Companionship Individuals who want the companionship of pets without the responsibility or financial outlay are opting for temporary pets or fake substitutes. ### Pet Related Wall Stickers Decorative wall stickers featuring lively images from nature and retro video game visuals are replacing old-fashioned wallpaper. ### Stuffed Animal Replicas Realistic stuffed animal toys that capture the personality of pets through their eyes are making a comeback as a timeless toddler toy. ## What the Fake Pets trend means for industry ### For Pet Industry The pet industry can benefit from creating new products and services that cater to pet owners looking for temporary or low-maintenance pet companionship options. ### For Home Decor Industry Wall sticker companies can invest in creating pet-related designs to appeal to pet owners looking to decorate their homes with low-commitment, temporary options. ### For Toy Industry The toy industry can benefit from creating realistic stuffed animal toys that cater to parents looking for traditional, non-tech-infused toy options for their children. ## Trend signals for Fake Pets Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 47%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 47% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Fake Pets trend 6 featured examples from Feb 19 to Sep 7, 2009. - [Pet Stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallpaper-alternatives-wall-stickers-interior-decor-vinyl-designs): Ingenious Vinyl Wall Stickers Liven Up Interior Decor With Fake Animals (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The home decor industry can benefit from the disruptive innovation opportunity provided by Vinyl Designs' unique and diverse range of vinyl wall stickers. - [Bunny-Petting Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bunny-petting-coffee-shops-japans-usagi-to-cafe): Grab a Coffee and Pet a Rabbit at Japan's Usagi-to-Cafe (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate animal interactions into hospitality establishments like hotels or resorts to enhance guest experiences. - [Furry Felt Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/felt-pets-amelia-santiago): Amelia Santiago Creates Realistic Stuffed Animal Toys (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy manufacturers can leverage the needle felting trend to create realistic and unique stuffed animals and expand their product offerings. - [Paper Pet Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flat-pet): Screw Real Pets, Flat Pets Get All the Glory of Adventurous Life (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovate the tourism industry by offering exciting experiences like flat pet tourism to attract younger generations who enjoy unique travel experiences. - [Coin Collecting Canines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/choken-bako-bank): The Choken Bako Bank Has a Robotic Money Hungry Dog (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for toy manufacturers to create and market innovative robotic piggy banks. - [Homework Excuse Proofs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homework-excuse-the-dog-ate-my-homework): Buy Evidence to Show ‘The Dog Ate My Homework' (Category: Unique) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities in developing educational tools and resources that cater to students' needs and preferences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Sugar Moderation](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sugar-moderation) (Lifestyle) - [Effortless Rounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/golf-training-devices) (Lifestyle) - [Flavor Rotation](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/rotating-bakery-menu) (Lifestyle) - [Occasion Coding](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/holiday-themed-desserts) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Lifestyle Subscription Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fab-fit-fun-advent-calendar) - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)