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. Responden ts of all ages, whether having experienced the death of a pet or not, were accepted. The species of animals owned and the attachment respond ents 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, ho w had it died, and if and when they had acquired another pet. Results from these questions and others are presented.