7 Surprising Reasons Millennials Are Picking Tortoises Instead of Dogs

Choosing a pet is no longer just about cuddles and wagging tails. For a growing number of millennials, the traditional bond between humans and dogs is quietly being replaced by something unexpected: the slow-moving, quiet, and often overlooked tortoise. While dogs have long been hailed as "man’s best friend," millennials are shifting the narrative. They are choosing pets that match their changing lifestyles, values, and even financial realities. And yes, the humble tortoise is stepping into the spotlight. At first glance, this might sound odd. Tortoises are not affectionate in the traditional sense, they do not fetch sticks, and they certainly do not greet you at the door with excited jumps. But dig a little deeper, and the shift makes more sense than you might think.

Here are 7 surprising reasons why millennials are turning to tortoises instead of dogs and why this quiet pet revolution is just beginning.


In today’s fast-paced world, millennials are juggling jobs, side hustles, travel, and remote work schedules. Owning a dog can feel like an overwhelming commitment in such a lifestyle. Dogs need constant attention, regular walks, training, and emotional engagement. For many, this becomes hard to maintain consistently.


Tortoises, on the other hand, are the complete opposite. They do not need daily walks, they do not bark when you're on Zoom calls, and they don’t suffer from separation anxiety when you're gone for a few hours. Their calm, quiet nature fits perfectly into a busy, low-maintenance routine. You can go about your day, run errands, or work late without worrying about leaving them alone. For millennials who prioritize freedom and flexibility, tortoises offer companionship without the chaos.



Many millennials are embracing minimalist living. Tiny homes, decluttered spaces, plant-based lifestyles, and sustainable choices are part of a growing movement. Tortoises, with their simple needs and small environmental footprint, are a natural fit.

Unlike dogs, tortoises do not require plastic chew toys, grooming products, or meat-based diets with heavy carbon impacts. They eat mostly greens and fruits, which many millennials already keep in their kitchens. Tortoises also produce less waste, need minimal cleaning products, and do not shed fur around the house. For individuals who value conscious consumption and environmental harmony, tortoises represent a pet that complements their ideals.

This generation also values aesthetics. A tortoise enclosure can be a part of your decor natural, clean, and even meditative to observe. Their slow movements and peaceful demeanor add to a calming, minimalist environment.

More millennials are living in cities than ever before. Apartments, shared spaces, and small balconies have become the new norm. For urban dwellers, having a large dog that needs regular outdoor exercise and open space can be impractical.

Tortoises do not need a backyard. Many can live comfortably in indoor or balcony setups with the right temperature and lighting. They don’t bark and disturb neighbors, they don’t dig up carpets or chew on shoes, and they are less likely to cause conflicts with landlords.

Noise and space are two of the biggest limitations in pet-friendly urban housing. Tortoises solve both problems. In a world of increasing rent prices and shrinking apartments, tortoises offer millennials a way to have a pet without stretching their living conditions to the limit.

Anxiety, burnout, and digital overload are real problems millennials face. That’s one reason mindfulness, therapy, meditation, and slow-living trends are booming. Tortoises embody all of that.

Watching a tortoise move slowly and steadily can be strangely therapeutic. There’s no rush, no pressure, just peaceful rhythm. Observing their calm presence often helps reduce stress, especially in high-tension households or work-from-home environments. They become an unspoken reminder to slow down, stay grounded, and take a breath.

Dogs are wonderful emotional support animals for many, but their energy levels and attention needs can sometimes increase stress for people with demanding schedules or sensory sensitivities. A tortoise does not add chaos. It offers calm. And in the middle of a screen-heavy, always-online world, that matters.

Millennials are drawn to longevity in their choices from investing in reusable goods to forming meaningful relationships. Tortoises can live for decades, with some even reaching 50 years or more in captivity. This long lifespan aligns with a generation that values stability and long-term investment.

Owning a tortoise is not a short-term responsibility. It is a commitment that could last through different life phases, including college, career changes, marriage, and even parenthood. In a world where so much changes quickly, the idea of having a constant, lifelong companion is emotionally comforting.

Dogs typically live 10 to 15 years. That shorter window often means facing emotional heartbreak sooner. Tortoises, on the other hand, offer the chance to grow together slowly, which appeals to millennials who appreciate deep, steady bonds over fast-paced affection.

Owning a dog comes with recurring expenses, including vet visits, vaccinations, grooming, boarding, training, flea medications, and so on. While tortoises require proper care, heating, UV lighting, and nutrition, their long-term costs are generally lower and more predictable.

Millennials, who often face student loan debt, rising rent, and economic uncertainty, appreciate financial predictability. Dogs can sometimes rack up thousands in emergency medical bills or behavior training. Tortoises, with the right habitat setup, tend to have fewer sudden expenses.

Feeding a tortoise is also more affordable. Leafy greens, occasional fruits, and supplements are all they need. Compared to dog food brands, treats, and grooming supplies, the difference is significant. Millennials want pets they can care for without feeling financially stretched. Tortoises fit the budget-conscious mindset.

Dogs have always been the standard pet, deeply embedded in culture, advertising, and family dynamics. But millennials often resist traditional norms. They are marrying later, having fewer children, embracing non-traditional jobs, and building lives on their own terms. Choosing a tortoise as a pet is part of that independent thinking.

Tortoises are unique, unexpected, and a bit rebellious. They are not pets you see on every Instagram reel or TikTok challenge. Owning a tortoise is a statement. It is a way of saying, “I don’t need to follow the mainstream to find joy.” It allows millennials to connect with something different, something that reflects their individuality and thoughtful choices.

In many ways, tortoises represent patience, longevity, and simplicity. These are qualities that counter the fast, loud, and image-focused world we live in. Millennials see value in that contrast and are embracing pets that reflect the kind of lives they want to build.

Millennials who previously owned dogs and now care for tortoises often report a sense of relief. The constant energy, attention needs, and training challenges of dogs were replaced by calm and quiet. Former dog owners say their homes feel less hectic, their routines are more manageable, and their pets are no longer a source of guilt or stress.

In online communities, people describe tortoise ownership as relaxing, grounding, and even therapeutic. Some say their pets helped them slow down, sleep better, and become more present. For those looking to disconnect from overstimulation, tortoises bring simplicity and clarity.

If you are considering a tortoise instead of a dog, think about your current lifestyle. Do you want a pet that is quiet and independent? Are you able to provide a stable habitat and the right temperature? Are you looking for a long-term companion with low maintenance? Do you live in a small space or apartment? Are you drawn to pets that match a calm and simple life?

If the answer is yes to most of these questions, then a tortoise may be exactly the companion you need.

The rise of tortoise ownership among millennials is not random. It reflects a deeper shift in values, lifestyle, and identity. Millennials want pets that suit their environment, their schedules, and their desire for mental peace. While dogs will always hold a special place, tortoises offer something different but equally meaningful.

Tortoises are quiet, long-living, budget-friendly, and deeply symbolic. They represent the millennial desire to slow down, live intentionally, and find happiness in simplicity. In choosing tortoises, millennials are not giving up on pets. They are redefining what companionship looks like in a modern world.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are tortoises better than dogs for city life?
   
   Yes, they are quiet and need minimal space.
2. Do tortoises live longer than dogs?
   
   Most tortoises live much longer than dogs.
3. Is it cheaper to own a tortoise?
   
   Yes, long-term care for tortoises is often more affordable.
4. Can tortoises bond with their owners?
   
   They can recognize and respond to familiar humans over time.
5. Do tortoises suit busy professionals?
   
   Absolutely, their low needs make them ideal for busy lifestyles.