They are emotional anchors, provide structure, and have a positive impact on well-being: Pets have a significant social role in Germany that is often underestimated. The figures show that over 35 million pets live in German households, and their influence on our daily lives and our mental health is enormous. This week's chart explores how pets have become an important part of our lives and what role they might play in the future.

Caring for relatives often goes unnoticed, but is increasingly becoming a pillar of our social system. Almost one in five Germans now regularly performs care work – often unpaid and alongside their job. In light of demographic change, the urgent question arises as to how this service can be recognized and supported through new models in the future.