THE ATTACHMENT OF HUMANS TO PETS AND THEIR REACTIONS TO PET DEATH

A survey documenting the thoughts and actions of humans on the loss of pets were conducted in Brisbane, Australia, and surrounding districts over a 10-month period from September 1989 until June 1990. Respondents of all ages, whether having experienced the death of a pet or not, were accepted. The species of animals owned and the attachment respondents had for them were included. All were asked if they had ever had a pet which died and, if so, how attached had they been to that pet, how had it died, and if and when they had acquired another pet. Results from these questions and others are presented.