Scientist says rural people less likely to view pets as children

Monday, 16 August 2010 19:55

We might all love our furry friends - but city girls and boys might see their pet dog or cat in a slightly different way to country dwellers.

This is the implication of recent research undertaken by David Blouin, assistant professor of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Indiana University South Bend.

He explained that those in more remote areas are a bit less sentimental about their animals, viewing them as pets rather than family members, "which makes sense given the utilitarian relationships people in rural areas are more likely to have with a range of different animals - from farm to wild animals".

However, Professor Blouin did note that people are more apt to think of their animal companions as furry children if they do not have human babies of their own.

Once an owner becomes a mother or father, their priorities are likely to change, the scientist said at the American Sociological Association 2010 Annual Meeting.

His study indicated that 81 per cent of dog owners spent at least two hours a day with their pooch.

Meanwhile, an AP-Petside poll conducted earlier this year revealed that a third of married women think their pet is a better listener than their husband.

Animal Friends Insurance, one of the largest independent pet insurers in the UK offer dog insurance, cat insurance and horse insurance to UK residents.

Posted by Gemma