Pet humanization#Pet bereavement

{{Short description|Applying care to pets that approaches human standards}}

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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.[https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57f414e0b8a79bc04e0a2729/t/6081b71ec312977485a24fa4/1619113759478/CD-The+Rise+of+Pet+Humanization.pdf The Rise of Pet Humanization] The trend extends throughout history, as even in Ancient Greece graves are found with sincere epitaphs to dogs, similar to human graves.{{Cite journal |last1=Andreeva |first1=Eugenia |last2=Eliseeva |first2=Liubov |date=2023 |editor2-last= |editor2-first= |title='Do Not Laugh, I Beg of You, for This Is a Dog's Grave': The Human-Canine Bond in the Ancient Greek World |url=https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/77201/1/external_content.pdf#page=135 |journal=Institute of World History, Russian Academy of Sciences |pages=339–346 |via=Archaeopress Archaeology}} Anthropomorphism is more common among dog owners versus other pet owners.{{cite journal |last1=Rusu |first1=Alina |last2=Costea-Barlutiu |first2=Carmen | last3=Turner | first3=Dennis |date=2019 |title=Interpersonal and Pet Attachment, Empathy toward Animals, and Anthropomorphism: An Investigation of Pet Owners in Romania |url=https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/paij/vol2/iss1/6/ |journal=PAIJ |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=6 |access-date=12 June 2025}}

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.{{Cite journal |last1=Forbes |first1=Sharon |last2=Trafford |first2=Suzanne |last3=Surie |first3=Madeleine |date=March 22, 2018 |title=Pet Humanisation: What is it and Does it Influence Purchasing Behavior? |url=https://juniperpublishers.com/jdvs/pdf/JDVS.MS.ID.555659.pdf |journal=Journal of Dairy & Veterinary Sciences |volume=5 |issue=2 |doi=10.19080/JDVS.2018.05.555659 |doi-access=free |via=Juniper Publishers}}

History

File:Bastet dame katzenkopf.jpg, 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,{{cite book |last1=Langton |first1=N. |last2=Langton |first2=M. B. |title=The cat in ancient Egypt, illustrated from the collection of cat and other Egyptian figures formed |publisher=Cambridge University Press |date=1940}} and provided with elaborate burials.{{cite book |last1=Zivie |first1=A. |last2=Lichtenberg |first2=R. |date=2005 |title=Divine Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt |publisher=American University in Cairo Press |location=Cairo |isbn=9789774248580 |pages=106−119 |editor-last=Ikram |editor-first=Salima |editor1-link=Salima Ikram |chapter=The Cats of the Goddess Bastet |chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/divinecreaturesa00ikra/page/106}} 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."{{Cite web |last=Mendoza |first=Steven |title=Colima Dogs {{!}} Natural History Museum |url=https://nhm.org/stories/colima-dogs |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=nhm.org |language=en}}

In the first century, Romans were noted as treating their animals "as family members" and constructed careful graves for them. {{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Sonja |title=Letters Written by Ancient Roman Commanders Have Been Found in a Pet Cemetery in Egypt |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/letters-written-by-ancient-roman-commanders-have-been-found-in-a-pet-cemetery-in-egypt-180984423/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}}

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

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,[https://www.alphia.com/the-growth-of-premium-and-super-premium-what-it-really-means/ The Growth Of Premium And Super Premium – What It Really Means] veterinary medicine, grooming services, and even luxury items.[https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisoncoleman/2023/05/30/why-luxury-for-pets-is-a-booming-business/?sh=5e69db562ae7 Forbes: Why Luxury For Pets Is A Booming Business]

Modern trends

Owners may prioritize premium or organic pet food, special diets, and even preparing homemade meals for their pets.[https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/launch-pad/pet-humanization-trend-creates-business-opportunities How the Pet Humanization Trend Is Creating New Brands and Business Opportunities] 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. Some pet owners create social media profiles for their pets, submitting facetious posts and interactions on their behalf.{{cite thesis |last=Kliman-Silver |first=Chloe |date=January 2024 |title=Dog Ventriloquism on Social Media: The Motivations and the Consequences |url=https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chloe-Kliman-Silver/publication/390313089_Dog_Ventriloquism_on_Social_Media_The_Motivations_and_the_Consequences/links/67e93d3b76d4923a1ae33ae3/Dog-Ventriloquism-on-Social-Media-The-Motivations-and-the-Consequences.pdf |degree=PhD |publisher=ResearchGate |doi= 10.13140/RG.2.2.32134.48966 |access-date=12 June 2025}} Owners often form deep emotional bonds with their pets, considering them as family members and seeking companionship and emotional support from them.

Human psychology

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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.[https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/creating-connection/202007/seeing-pets-human Psychology Today: Seeing Pets as Human]

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.[https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jill-Mosteller/publication/222293967_Animal-companion_extremes_and_underlying_consumer_themes/links/6222148d9f7b3246340dc8f2/Animal-companion-extremes-and-underlying-consumer-themes.pdf?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uRGV0YWlsIiwicGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uRGV0YWlsIn19 Animal-companion extremes and underlying consumer themes. Journal of Business Research 61 (2008) 512–521.]

Pet food industry

File:Pet Food Aisle.jpg, 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.Kumcu, A., Woolverton, A.E., (2014). [https://www.zbw.eu/econis-archiv/bitstream/11159/125473/1/EBP084671513_0.pdf Feeding Fido: Changing Consumer Food Preferences Bring Pets to the Table], Journal of Food Products Marketing, 21 (2), 231–230. Pet owners who humanize their pets often seek pet foods made with high-quality, natural, and wholesome ingredients. This includes feed which claims to adhere to a "grain-free" diet, which was investigated by the FDA as potentially causing dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.{{cite web |author= |date=2022 |title=FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy |url= https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy|access-date=12 June 2025}} For dogs, feed may include berries and other human-like foods which can potentially negatively influence protein intake.{{cite web |author=Chris Dinsen Rogers |date=2025 |title=Pet Humanization & Its Impact on the Pet Industry (2025 Update) |url=https://pangovet.com/statistics/pet-humanization-impact-on-pet-industry/|website=PangoVet|access-date=12 June 2025}}

Pet healthcare

Pet humanization has had an influence on the healthcare of pets, leading to changes in how pet owners approach veterinary care, especially among younger pet owners.{{cite web |last1=Verdon |first1=Joan |date=27 September 2022 |title=How the Pet Humanization Trend Is Creating New Brands and Business Opportunities |url=https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/launch-pad/pet-humanization-trend-creates-business-opportunities|website=UsChamber|access-date=12 June 2025}}

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The growth of pet insurance is considered a component of pet humanization, as it reflects the growing trend of treating pets as members of the family and providing them with similar care and services that humans receive. In 2024, 6.4 million pets were insured in the United States, a 20.7% increase over the previous year. {{cite web |author= |date=22 April 2025 |title=North American Pet Health Insurance Industry Market Reaches $5.2B in Written Premium |url=https://naphia.org/news/naphia-news/soi-report-2025/|website=NAPHIA|access-date=12 June 2025}}

Pet bereavement

Pet bereavement and pet humanization are two concepts that are closely related and often intersect in the realm of human-pet relationships.[https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/bereavement RSPCA: Pet Bereavement]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/ani9110933Stokes, S.; Templer, D.; Planchon, L.; Keller, J. [https://www.animalsandsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/planchon.pdf Death of a Companion Cat or Dog and Human Bereavement: Psychosocial Variables]. Soc. Anim. 2002, 10, 93–105.

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.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, [https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=philip+henry+gosse%3A+a+biography&offset=1 Philip Henry Gosse: A Biography]. Glasgow: BAHN, 2024, 615-633); [https://www.cbc.ca/life/pets/dealing-with-loss-after-the-death-of-a-pet-1.4733863 CBC: Dealing with loss after the death of a pet]Stephens, D. L., & Hill, R. P. (1996). [https://www.animalsandsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/stephens.pdf The Loss of Animal Companions: A Humanistic and Consumption Perspective. Society & Animals, 4(2), 189–210]. doi.org/10.1163/156853096X00151[https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/coping-with-pet-bereavement/ Pet Bereavement: Coping With The Loss Of A Pet]Jefferey, C. (2022). [https://books.google.com/books?id=RgozzwEACAAJ Repairing the Heartbreak of Pet Loss Grief: 3 Phases of Healing after Losing Your Best Friend]. Independently published. {{ISBN|979-8425317742}}