Pet humanization

Girl with a young cat

Pet humanization is the practice in pet culture of treating companion animals with a level of care, attention, and luxury relatively higher than average for a domesticated animal. Pet humanization generally refers to treating pets like family members, as one would a human.^[1] The trend extends throughout history, as even in Ancient Greece graves are found with sincere epitaphs to dogs, similar to human graves.^[2]

To the extent that the treatment involves providing for the pet beyond their means of appreciation, it is considered to be a form of anthropomorphism though the limits of this remain an open topic.

The current methodology of measuring pet humanization has been criticized, as markers like speaking to your pet, or putting jewelry on it, are either widespread or could have other explanations.^[3]

Pet humanization is not uncommon, as a study of South Wales in 2008 showed that "a majority of pet owners regard their pets as close friends."^[4]

History

Bastet, half cat and half human

In many ancient civilizations, people formed close bonds with animals, often using them for various purposes like hunting, protection, companionship, and animal worship. For example, some cats in ancient Egypt were considered sacred animals and were personified with the deity Bastet,^[5] and provided with elaborate burials.^[6] Dogs in religion hold various symbolic and cultural meanings across different religions and belief systems.

After looking at pre-Columbian Colima statues of dogs, a museum educator from the natural history museums of LA county argues that "the dogs of Mesoamerica had a complex relationship with humans and were often seen as equals that served important roles and functions in everyday life."^[7]

In the first century, Romans were noted as treating their animals "as family members" and constructed careful graves for them. ^[8]

In the 1700's, the phrase "dog is man's best friend" was coined by the King of Prussia.^[3]

In the mid-20th century, the pet industry started to expand, offering a wide range of products and services. This included the development of specialized pet foods,^[9] veterinary medicine, grooming services, and even luxury items.^[10]

Modern trends

Owners may prioritize premium or organic pet food, special diets, and even preparing homemade meals for their pets.^[11] Pets receive regular check-ups, vaccinations and even medical treatments that were once uncommon. Pets may have a wide array of accessories such as clothing, collars, leashes, and even designer items. Luxurious pet accommodations, such as elaborate pet beds or specialized animal furniture, may be used. Pets might have birthdays celebrated with parties, special treats, and social gatherings. Pet-friendly accommodations and travel arrangements are made for vacations or trips.^[3] There are times when pets have their own social media profiles with followers and interactions. Owners often form deep emotional bonds with their pets, considering them as family members and seeking companionship and emotional support from them.

Human psychology

A dog in the arms of its human owner.

The psychology behind pet humanization involves understanding the motivations, emotions and behaviours that drive individuals to treat their pets as more than just animals and instead as valued members of the family or even as surrogate companions.^[12]

Humans have a natural inclination to form emotional bonds with other living beings, and pets often provide unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of belonging. This emotional connection can lead to the desire to provide the best possible care and attention to pets.^[13]

Anthrozoology

Pet humanization is a concept within the field of anthrozoology that focuses on the tendency of humans to attribute human-like qualities and behaviors to their pets.

Pet food industry

A supermarket's pet food aisle in Brooklyn, New York

Pet humanization has a significant impact on the pet food industry, leading to changes in consumer preferences, product offerings, and marketing strategies. As pet owners increasingly view their pets as integral members of their families, they seek out higher quality and more specialized food options for their pet companions.^[14] Pet owners who humanize their pets often seek pet foods made with high-quality, natural, and wholesome ingredients. This has led to a rise in demand for premium pet foods that are free from artificial additives, preservatives and fillers.

Pet healthcare

Pet healthcare and pet humanization has had a notable impact on the health care of pets, leading to changes in how pet owners approach veterinary care, preventive measures, medical treatments, and overall wellness for their animal companions.

A veterinarian conducts surgery on a domestic cat.

Pet insurance is considered a component of pet humanization because it reflects the growing trend of treating pets as members of the family and providing them with similar care and services that humans receive.

Pet bereavement

Main articles: Animal loss and Rainbow Bridge (pets)

Pet bereavement and pet humanization are two concepts that are closely related and often intersect in the realm of human-pet relationships.^[15][16][17]

Pet bereavement is the emotional response that pet owners experience when their pets pass away. It involves a range of emotions similar to the mourning process for a human loved one.^{[18][19][20][21]}

See also

• Animals portal
• Cats portal
• Dogs portal

• Animal cognition – Intelligence of non-human animals
• Animal Rights – Rights belonging to animalsPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets
• Biophilia hypothesis – Idea that humans innately seek connections with the natural world
• Blessing of animals – Ceremonial blessing of companion, agricultural, or working animals
• Companion dog – Dog intended as a human companion
• Ethnobiology – Study of how living things are used by human cultures
• Human–animal communication – Verbal and non-verbal interspecies communication
• Human–canine bond – Interspecies relationship
• Human interaction with cats
• Interspecies friendship – Bond formed between animals of different species
• Man's best friend – Common phrase referring to domestic dogs
• Mutualism – Mutually beneficial interaction between species
• Symbiosis – Close, long-term biological interaction between distinct organisms (usually species)

Further reading

• Bartz, J. A., Tchalova, K., & Fenerci, C. (2016). Reminders of social connection can attenuate anthropomorphism: A replication and extension of Epley, Akalis, Waytz, and Cacioppo (2008). Psychological Science, 27(12), 1644–1650.

• Borgi, M., & Cirulli, F. (2016). Pet face: Mechanisms underlying human-animal relationships. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 298.

• Epley, N., Waytz, A., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2007). On seeing human: A three-factor theory of anthropomorphism. Psychological Review, 114(4), 864–886. doi:10.1037/0033-295X.114.4.864

• Epley, N., Waytz, A., Akalis, S., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2008). When we need a human: Motivational determinants of anthropomorphism. Social Cognition, 26(2), 143–155.

• Heider, F., & Simmel, M. (1944). An experimental study of apparent behavior. The American Journal of Psychology, 57(2), 243–259.

• Mourey, J. A., Olson, J. G., & Yoon, C. (2017). Products as pals: Engaging with anthropomorphic products mitigates the effects of social exclusion. Journal of Consumer Research, 44(2), 414–431.

• Paul, E. S., Moore, A., McAinsh, P., Symonds, E., McCune, S., & Bradshaw, J. W. (2014). Sociality motivation and anthropomorphic thinking about pets. Anthrozoös, 27(4), 499–512.

• Tam, K.-P., Lee, S.-L., & Chao, M. M. (2013). Saving Mr. Nature: Anthropomorphism enhances connectedness to and protectiveness toward nature. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 49(3), 514–521.

References

1. The Rise of Pet Humanization
2. Andreeva, Eugenia; Eliseeva, Liubov (2023). "'Do Not Laugh, I Beg of You, for This Is a Dog's Grave': The Human-Canine Bond in the Ancient Greek World" (PDF). Institute of World History, Russian Academy of Sciences: 339–346 – via Archaeopress Archaeology.
3. Forbes, Sharon; Trafford, Suzanne; Surie, Madeleine (March 22, 2018). "Pet Humanisation: What is it and Does it Influence Purchasing Behavior?" (PDF). Journal of Dairy & Veterinary Sciences. 5 (2) – via Juniper Publishers.
4. Charles, Nickie; Davies, Charlotte Aull (September 30, 2008). "My Family and Other Animals: Pets as Kin". Sociological Research Online. 13 (5). SAGE Publications – via Sage Journals.
5. Langton, N.; Langton, M. B. (1940). The cat in ancient Egypt, illustrated from the collection of cat and other Egyptian figures formed. Cambridge University Press.
6. Zivie, A.; Lichtenberg, R. (2005). "The Cats of the Goddess Bastet". In Ikram, Salima (ed.). Divine Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt. Cairo: American University in Cairo Press. pp. 106−119. ISBN 9789774248580.
7. Mendoza, Steven. "Colima Dogs | Natural History Museum". nhm.org. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
8. Anderson, Sonja. "Letters Written by Ancient Roman Commanders Have Been Found in a Pet Cemetery in Egypt". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
9. The Growth Of Premium And Super Premium – What It Really Means
10. Forbes: Why Luxury For Pets Is A Booming Business
11. How the Pet Humanization Trend Is Creating New Brands and Business Opportunities
12. Psychology Today: Seeing Pets as Human
13. Animal-companion extremes and underlying consumer themes. Journal of Business Research 61 (2008) 512–521.
14. Kumcu, A., Woolverton, A.E., (2014). Feeding Fido: Changing Consumer Food Preferences Bring Pets to the Table, Journal of Food Products Marketing, 21 (2), 231–230.
15. RSPCA: Pet Bereavement
16. Uccheddu, S., De Cataldo, L., Albertini, M., Coren, S., Pereira, G., Haverbeke, A., Mills, D., Pierantoni, L., Riemer, S., Ronconi, L., Testoni, I., & Pirrone, F. (2019). Pet humanization and related grief: Development and validation of a structured questionnaire instrument to evaluate grief in people who have lost a companion dog. Animals, 9(11), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9110933
17. Stokes, S.; Templer, D.; Planchon, L.; Keller, J. Death of a Companion Cat or Dog and Human Bereavement: Psychosocial Variables. Soc. Anim. 2002, 10, 93–105.
18. A Victorian example is Philip Henry Gosse's "Fairy: A Recollection [1877]," written after the death of a family pet cat (printed in Douglas Wertheimer, Philip Henry Gosse: A Biography. Glasgow: BAHN, 2024, 615-633); CBC: Dealing with loss after the death of a pet
19. Stephens, D. L., & Hill, R. P. (1996). The Loss of Animal Companions: A Humanistic and Consumption Perspective. Society & Animals, 4(2), 189–210. doi.org/10.1163/156853096X00151
20. Pet Bereavement: Coping With The Loss Of A Pet
21. Jefferey, C. (2022). Repairing the Heartbreak of Pet Loss Grief: 3 Phases of Healing after Losing Your Best Friend. Independently published. ISBN 979-8425317742

External links