Some pregnant individuals may develop an aversion to their pets, a phenomenon for which there is almost no specific research. Despite this, signs suggest that prenatal pet aversion may not be particularly rare.
A 2025 survey by UK pet insurer ManyPets, involving 1,077 women who had been pregnant within the past three years, indicated that 15% of pet-owning respondents experienced aversion to their dog during pregnancy.
Hormonal shifts, similar to those causing morning sickness, can lead to conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum in 1%-3% of pregnant people. These shifts can result in extreme nausea and disgust sensitivity, which may be triggered by various factors, including pet odour.
Feelings of irritation or repulsion towards pets can also emerge or intensify after a baby is born, potentially due to practical hygiene concerns, new-parent burnout, or changes in a family's capacity to meet an animal's needs. While some mothers describe their relationships with their animals improving over time, a minority may relinquish pets during the postpartum period, often out of concern for the animal's welfare.