Optional for the continuation of society. Like say Elon going to Mars, he could take a pet. Pets provide some good, but they are not essential. Notice in poorer societies pets don’t enjoy the same privileged position they do in wealthy societies.

> Pets are optional ? I didn't expect myself to hate this statement so much

They are just as optional as kids.

Some of the comments here make it sound like they come from an alternate post-apocalyptic reality where they are trying to re-populate the planet. Not from this reality. You know, the one were we have a planet struggling to support the current and ever increasing population.

pets are required? i think most people who have kids agree that once you have kids you care a lot less about your pets than you did before