Why Do People Own Pets?
Why do we love our pets so much?
"Because we are such a social species, he says, we are constantly seeking relationship with others – including with our pets."
"His conclusion? That pet-keeping is a result of picking up on social cues from others. In other words, pet-keeping is a meme, a trend that is continually reinforced by its own popularity."
"Serpell disagrees. He believes that pet-keeping occurred naturally in hunter-gather communities and so it must be inbuilt."
http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150530-why-do-we-love-our-pets-so-much
The Animal Connection: Why Do We Keep Pets?
"The animal connection is the process by which pets or livestock become companions and/or partners, and are treated as members of the family. It refers to the close relationship between animals and humans starting 2.6 million years ago (mya), beginning with the use and study of animals by humans, and leading to regular social interactions. Today this is manifested in the adoption of animals and the care provided to them in the course of that relationship."
"We routinely take in animals integrate them into our families, creating a beneficial relationship."
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/anthropology-in-practice/the-animal-connection-why-do-we-keep-pets/
"Around seven in 10 (69%) pet owners living in urban areas assert that "the participation by pet product brands in pet welfare and rescue causes and events plays a significant role in which brands I buy." Only 32% of rural pet owners and just 39% of pet owners living in areas categorized as suburban/outer suburbs feel the same way."
"The evidence that people form strong attachments with their pets is briefly reviewed be- fore identifying the characteristics of such relationships, which include pets being a source of security as well as the objects of caregiving. In evolutionary terms, pet owner- ship poses a problem, since attachment and devoting resources to another species are, in theory, fitness-reducing."
"Pet ownership is a very common human activity, and people lavish much affection and money on their pets."
"But there are many more commonplace examples of the enormous amount of affection, time, and money that people in mod- em western societies lavish on their pets. Examples include offering rewards when they are lost, paying for their grooming and health care, buying them presents, and, of course, feeding them."
"Most of this sample of more than 400 pet owners in The Netherlands said that they had acquired their pet for company and reported that its presence generated a sense of security. Serpell (1996) also used a single-item rating scale of attachment to pets and found that most of his sample of 37 dog owners and 47 cat owners said that they were very attached to their pets."
"Most of this sample of more than 400 pet owners in The Netherlands said that they had acquired their pet for company and reported that its presence generated a sense of security. Serpell (1996) also used a single-item rating scale of attachment to pets and found that most of his sample of 37 dog owners and 47 cat owners said that they were very attached to their pets."
"There is convincing evidence that people usually view their relationship with pets as similar to those they have with children. Pet owners treat pets like children, for example, playing with them (Smith 1983), talking to them in motherese or baby- talk (Hirsh-Pasek and Treiman 1982), continually referring to "my baby," and hold- ing and cuddling them as one would a baby (Carmack 1985; Serpell 1986)."
"Family sizes tend to be small, owing to the demographic transition, and this has been exacerbated by a breakdown of extended family living (and to some extent of the nuclear family itself). The trend for smaller household units has reached its logical conclusion with larger numbers of people living alone. Is there evidence that these social arrangements foster closer attachment to pets?"
"And, they shop differently than other generations of pet owners, which could have implications for pet food and product companies."
"Further, pet-free Millennials are 39% more likely to own dog or cat in the future, GfK says, and are 77% more likely than any other generation to get a dog or cat while unmarried and not a parent. In other words, they’re becoming pet owners earlier in their adult lives while simultaneously putting off other, more traditional life changes."
"Probably the most positive findings from GfK indicate that 63% of Millennials agree pets should be pampered. Yet, they do shop differently than other generations of pet owners. On this, the GfK and APPA surveys mainly agree that Millennials:
http://www.petfoodindustry.com/articles/5049-baby-boomers-step-aside-millennials-now-own-more-pets
"Further, pet-free Millennials are 39% more likely to own dog or cat in the future, GfK says, and are 77% more likely than any other generation to get a dog or cat while unmarried and not a parent. In other words, they’re becoming pet owners earlier in their adult lives while simultaneously putting off other, more traditional life changes."
"Probably the most positive findings from GfK indicate that 63% of Millennials agree pets should be pampered. Yet, they do shop differently than other generations of pet owners. On this, the GfK and APPA surveys mainly agree that Millennials:
- Are influenced by what’s hot (including celebrity endorsements) and what’s not;
- Like to try the latest technology and new products/services;
- Like customization;
- Spend more on the pets themselves as well as on veterinary care and pet services;
- Are highly likely to use social media to connect with brands, research products and services, and read and post reviews and ratings;
- Buy brands and products that reflect their lifestyle or are consistent with the image they want to convey;
- Purchase brands that support a cause they care about, either social or environmental."
http://www.petfoodindustry.com/articles/5049-baby-boomers-step-aside-millennials-now-own-more-pets